Credit/Debit cards - experiences?
 

Hi,

Could previous travelers to Egypt please post your experiences in using credit or debit cards - Visa, MasterCard, AMEX etc - to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Are there specific ATMs that work with specific overseas cards? Any ATMs that one should avoid (eg. non-Bank ATMs etc)? Do cards with electronic chips work? Do vendors accept cards which work with PIN for security (not signature), or is signature mandatory? Do vendors use electronic EFTPOS machines or manual paper-based ones?

I understand Egypt is a largely cash-based society, the CC transactions would be only for unforeseen large expenses and withdrawal of emergency cash.

Thanks for your responses.

My husband and I had credit cards where we signed that would not work in some instances. His card would not work at a cairo camera store, much to his disappointment, and the shopkeepers I am sure. I tried my card and it would not work. The shopkeeper took us to another store to try their credit card/EFTPOS machine and they wouldn't work there.

In some instances where I had to sign there were problems as the staff only knew how to get them to work via a pin number.

Even Lady Egypt had trouble with my credit card working in his mobile EFTPOS machine. I only saw electronic EFTPOS machines.

A debit card of hubbies would not work (tragedy he said.. he didn't have to spend his money) but one of mine worked 99% of the time. I did have a second debit card on me that would not work. I had spread my cash out over various accounts in case there were problems with a card. I would not put all my money in to one account in case the card didn't work.

BTW, ATMS usually allow you to take out a maxiumum of EGP3000 - approx $600 US.

I travelled to Egypt in February 2010. I brought (3) credit cards and was glad that I did. Several times during the trip one or another of the cards wouldn't go through. I was told that it was on their end and they tried one of the other cards and it worked. If this happens, just make sure they give you the slip for the failed attempt.

When it first happened, I was afraid that either the credit card company hadn't noted that I called ahead telling them that I was going to Egypt or there was fraud involved. I checked all of my statements at home and didn't have a problem. I think it's their online system for checking on credit cards.

I exchanged my US $ in the airport in Cairo. This may not have been my cheapest option, but was quick and efficient. Try to get as much small bills as possible, since these are very helpful for tips, etc. I found that they want to give out more larger bills and that's a pain. You may have more flexibility by exhanging $$ with your hometown bank and specify to them that you want plenty of smaller bills. In addition, many guides, drivers, etc., like U.S. dollar bills.

I didn't use a debit card while in Egypt. I brought cash and used my VISA when necessary.

We have no problem getting cash from various ATMs in Cairo and Luxor, but there was at least one instance (a papyrus shop in Giza) where my none of my ccs worked -- I had to scrounge up cash to make my purchase.

Thanks for your responses. I carry a Visa and a MC, from different banks, plus another "no fees" MC from GE Finance which I generally use overseas as it doesn't have any forex and ATM fees. AMEX is also a backup.

With some cash on hand, hopefully it should be sufficient.

I have had very mixed experiences, too. Sometimes the credit card worked, sometimes travelers checks, sometimes ATM cards, and sometimes only cash (either US$ or LE). So I end up carrying all those things when I visit Egypt. I try to limit credit card usage to hotels, larger restaurants, and pricier shops. I think there is somewhat of a risk using them at a small establishment. I have a Capital One card that doesn't tack on fees for dollar/pound conversions. I find bringing $1, $5, and $10 bills can help a lot -- people generally are pleased to get them and sometimes you can get things cheaper if you pay in US$. For larger sums, I exchange dollars for pounds at currency places in hotels. (They all exchange at the same rate, so no need to shop for rates. Rates do vary from day to day, though.) I found places did NOT accept American Express credit cards. I could not always use my ATM card. It worked in some machines and not others. Hope this helps!

Right now I don't think this should be an issue. Even the banks seem to have run out of funds, as well the ATMs.

I too always have USD, local currency, and travelers checks (these for emergency purposes only). I never used ATMs rather exchanged funds at hotel which was the same rate as those "hole in the walls" (what 2yr olds call them). :)

I use a Chase Visa card when buying anything large. There is no fee unlike some other cards who charge a conversion fee. Also, my debit card worked everywhere .. They chare a small fee-200$ for transactions so take as much as you think you will need. Three hundred is the limit,I think.

I have use a credit card like Visa.

About debit cards: I have never used a debit card abroad.

I have never used an ATM in Europe,Africa,South America or whereever.

I have managed to get by all my travelling life with just Visa and / or Mastercard and good ole US$.