Between the famous pyramids, mythological culture, rich history, and vibrant markets, Egypt is truly a land of wonder that any avid traveller needs to visit at least once in their lives. But whether you intend to spend your days marvelling at the Sphinx or cruising along the Nile, one thing is for certain – you’re going to need cash!
At Crown Currency Exchange, we know that you want to spend more time enjoying your holiday rather than wondering how you can access your finances abroad. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to using ATMs in Egypt. From understanding the compatibility of your cards to potential fees and limitations, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need for a hassle-free Egyptian adventure.
While we highly recommend taking cash to Egypt to avoid ATM fees and charges, we also understand that life is unpredictable, and you may find yourself in a situation where using an ATM is your only option. In this instance, there are some important safety and security measures you should follow.
Before you even think about using the ATM, take a moment to look around you and determine whether you think the area feels safe. Red flags should include poorly lit areas, suspicious individuals or activities, and overly quiet areas, as all of these things are ideal conditions for thieves to operate in. Instead, choose an ATM in a populated area and, if possible, located within a bank.
If you feel you’ve found an ATM in a location that you feel confident using, the next thing you should do is inspect it for any signs of damage or tampering. Look for unusual attachments, loose parts, or suspicious-looking devices around the card slot of the keypad, and if anything seems strange, do not use the ATM and report it to the nearest bank or authorities.
Should you feel the ATM is safe and secure to use, insert your card, and when prompted, enter your PIN. When doing this, cover your hand with the other to shield the keypad from onlookers who might want to memorise or record your PIN, and you should also position your body to block the screen while you make your transaction. Don’t be afraid to ask for space if you feel crowded either, and if you don’t feel 100% safe while selecting your options, cancel the transaction and choose another ATM.
As soon as you’ve withdrawn your money, secure it somewhere safe on your person. Money belts are great for this and will keep your cash, card, and other belongings secure, but you can use whatever you like as long as you feel it’s capable of securely holding your money and isn’t easy to snatch or steal from your person.
In the days following your transaction, keep a close eye on your bank account activity for any signs of unauthorised transactions, such as cash withdrawals or online purchases you didn’t make. If you spot something that you don’t recognise, contact your bank or credit card company straight away.
With the promise of ancient wonders at every turn, it’s very easy to get lost in the excitement of your holiday and forget about doing some essential planning! Don’t worry, this isn’t overly complicated, but it is crucial to ensuring you have the best possible Egyptian adventure.
One of the most important things you need to do when planning a trip to Egypt is research what travel documentation you need. At present, Australian Citizens need to apply for an e-Visa to visit Egypt and once approved, this will allow you to stay for up to 30 consecutive days. However, if you’re planning to stay for longer, you’ll either need to renew your visa while in Egypt or apply for a different type of Egyptian visa, such as a 6-month temporary residence visa.
No trip to Egypt is really complete without seeing some of the country’s top attractions, including iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, and Abu Simbel, so once you’ve sorted your visa requirements, think about what you’d like to do when you’re in Egypt and plan an itinerary. Consider travel times between these destinations when doing this, as well as the opening hours of the attractions, and any seasonal considerations that might affect your visit.
Next, think about how much money you’ll need to visit these attractions, as well as how much you need for accommodation, food, transport, and extra essentials. Creating a travel budget like this will help you figure out how much to exchange and take with you to avoid costly ATM transactions and give you an accurate idea of how much cash you’ll need to carry each day.
It’s also a good idea to learn about Egyptian customs, traditions, and cultural norms to show respect for local culture. For example, you need to know that you should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and conservative areas and ask for permission before taking photographs. Likewise, learn a few basic Arabic phrases and invest in a phrasebook that you can carry with you to communicate with locals.
You should also make sure you’re prepared for any emergency you might encounter while in Egypt, and one of the best ways of doing this is by purchasing a travel insurance policy before you leave. This will cover you for a plethora of unfortunate circumstances, including lost luggage, cancelled flight and accommodation, and medical emergencies. You should also be prepared to deal with issues your travel insurance doesn’t cover, and for these, you’ll need to have the details of The Australian Embassy in Egypt saved.
While you can withdraw cash in Egyptian ATMs with relative ease, the main thing you need to remember is that you will be charged fees by the ATM operator and your own bank or credit card company for doing so. Also, these fees vary quite drastically depending on the type of ATM you use, and in some cases, you could end up paying up to $20 AUD on top of your requested amount.
So, to avoid these costs, we recommend exchanging money before your trip and taking cash with you. You’ll find great rates on AUD to EGP at Crown Currency Exchange with no commission, fees or hidden costs. Visit one of our many locations today and speak with our expert team, who will be happy to help and get you on the road to a truly memorable holiday.