Ha! That is absolutely crazy! Who would want to carry that much cash in the first place, and you definitely don't want to use the services of a travel agent that doesn't even have a bank account where you can wire funds to! Beware!

Thanks-I thought I was crazy for not trusting them. Although, we contacted them again and they have given the option of wire transfer along with their bank information. Are wire transfers safe?

Wire transfers are only as safe as the person to whom you are transferring money to. Nothing to stop the recipient from being a scam and taking your money and delivering nothing. Just make sure you know that company with which you are dealing is legit.

my friends and i are using a local agency in egypt. they require a 50% deposit via a bank transfer and to pay the remaining balance upon arrival. we have no problem of doing this. it depends on your comfort level as well if you feel ok sending them the money. there are a lot of travellers in this forum that has wired money to the agency prior to their arrival. i hope this helps.

Egypt is primarily a cash oriented place. Dealing with banks and such are real nightmare here, plus the company might be taxed (something they'll want to avoid). So don't be freaked out that you were asked to pay cash. And it's quite common here to pay for things up front.

We travelled to Egypt in March, 2004 and used Experience Egypt. They reqested us to pay in cash or travellers checks on arrival. We opted for the later as didn't want to carry all that cash. They delivered exactly as promised and better! However, we had researched the company enough to feel very comfortable with them before we departed.

I agree with Gail that wire transfers are only as safe as the people you send them to. If your company is legit, you won't have a problem.
Good luck!
Lori