I always take a large amount of cash in US dollars, then withdraw using my ATM card, usually at the bank in the Mena House (which happens to be close to where I usually stay). I always take a credit card as backup. As others have said, there are fees for using any kind of card and for cashing travelers checks, which are getting harder and harder to use. If you have to change your dollars/euros/Br.pounds cash for Egyptian pounds, there will be a small exchange fee. Get used to it!
If you use a card, it's wise to get what you think you will use over a few days' time to keep the number of fees charged to your account to a minimum.
And good luck being able to get small change, which always seems to be in short supply. I LOVE your story about the hotel's making change on your money, Latifa!
