Quote:
Originally Posted by tigerb
So, we're booked in for Cairo next March! Yay!
What's the best way to take your money along? Pre-loaded credit card for the ATMs? (Are there many ATMs?) Traveler's checks in US$? Traveler's checks in something else? Just plain cash?
Your advice appreciated!  |
I take cash with an ATM/debit card for a backup . . . there are lots of ATMs around Cairo. Credit cards aren't taken by many places you will shop, but I would take one just in case . . . I think Mahmoud Abd El Ghaffar / Al Wikalah(according to Meissoun's website definitely) in the Khan el Khalili does take them (must remember that myself next time I go, lol).
I to mention that I found an ATM right near the Khan el Khalilli that I used several times right before I shopped at the Khan . . . It was for the Bank of Egypt if I remember correctly (probably still have receipts around the house as I save everything for some reason). And when I stayed in the Grand Hotel (probably just a 3 star) in downtown Cairo, there were several banks with ATMs within walking distance of the hotel . . near Tahrir Square, etc. I never have contacted my bank to tell them I am traveling out of the country and they are probably used to foreign bank charges coming thru for me (and AMEX too, hehe) . . . but it might be a good idea to notify any debit/credit card companies regarding where you are traveling. There is a great deal of credit card fraud in foreign countries these days.
ALSO, I have one of those money belts that I can wear around my body . . . important if carrying lots of cash and wanting to shop . . . I always have to go off somewhere to drag it out, but it is safer than having all of it in your handbag.
check out Meissoun's website for shopping info if you haven't already:
http://www.meissoun.ch/e/kairo-e.htm