Shopping in Egypt

The most interesting shopping area for tourists in Cairo is the old bazaar, Khan-el-Khalili, specializing in reproductions of antiquities. Jewelry, spices, copper utensils and Coptic cloth are some of the special items. There are also modern shopping centers available, particularly near Tehrir Square.

Shopping hours
Winter: Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 0900-1900, Mon and Thurs 0900-2000. During Ramadan, hours vary, with shops often closing on Sunday. Summer: Tues, Wed, Fri-Sun 0900-1230 and 1600-2000.

Currency Information:

Currency

= 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of E£100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres.

Currency exchange
Available at banks and official bureaux de change. There are five national banks and 78 branches of foreign banks.

Credit and debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Currency restrictions
The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited. The import of local currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is prohibited.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Egyptian Pound against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Banking hours
Sun-Thurs 0830-1400.