[Border_Lord]

I was just in Cairo in July, yes the shops (most of them) take credit cards. Problem, your credit card company will probably charge you a 3% currency conversion fee on the total amount spent. If you plan on using a credit card, don't forget to call them ahead of time and tell them you will be overseas so they don't freeze your card for potential fraud activity.

I had no issue with cash, in any state of wear. The bank in the hotel changed everything we had. They do want US currency if possible, more than the Pound. Last time I checked, the exchange rate was 1:5.7