Egyptian pounds: a couple of tips for tourists

Egyptian pounds (in Arabic "gene el-Masri") were first produced in 1834. This currency was larger in relation to the piastrum, which by that time was in circulation in the country of the pyramids. From 1885 to the beginning of the First World War The Egyptian currency was tied to the gold standard. The pound was 7.43 grams of precious metal. But already since 1914 the currency of the country of the pyramids has become dependent on the British. This binding lasted until 1962. In that year, the currency was partially devalued, after which it was attached to the dollar.

Egyptian pounds are signed in two languages - English and Arabic. On the front side you can see the image of an object of Muslim architecture. On the reverse, as a rule, the ancient Egyptian architectural monument flaunts. Each pound is conditionally divided into one hundred piastres. However, the purchasing power of the latter is very small. Therefore, of coins today in circulation only 25, 50 piastres and 1 pound. The first one has a hole in the middle. Earlier, millimes were used, one thousand of which was one pound. But today this is a rarity, you are unlikely to meet them.

Those who want to relax in Egypt, should take into account several important points. First, all banknotes in circulation in this country are of the same size and often of the same color. As an example, you can bring such banknotes: 20 pounds and 50 piastres. Their value is not comparable, but they look almost identical, not counting the numbers. Secondly, the Egyptian pounds are mostly crumpled, dirty. This currency has not been updated for a long time. Some Egyptian pounds are so shabby that it is difficult to consider the figures. Others are in such a state that it seems that they will soon be scattered into small pieces. Therefore, it is worth to be particularly attentive, because fraudsters can easily slip banknotes of lower denomination.

However, tourists pay not only Egyptian pounds, but also dollars. Which of these currencies to spend, choose you. Another point - to denote the value of banknotes are used as Arab, and the usual European figures. If on one side because of shabby you can not distinguish, what is the value, turn the bank note. For obvious reasons, before you travel to Egypt, study Arabic numerals, this may come in handy. It is not difficult to do this, there are only 10 of them, as well as European ones - from 0 to 9, but they are essentially different in appearance.

To not get on any "changer", which dexterously holds you, buy pounds exclusively in banks. And the last tip: when there is a need for something to pay off, it is better not to use plastic cards. Pay the cash. Egypt occupies one of the first places in the number of criminal frauds with plastic cards. Scammers can use sensitive data to shop online using your own money. All this can lead to the fact that you will get a strong headache in the form of long clarification of relations with your bank. Therefore, if you are going to go on holiday to the country of the pyramids, it is better to take the cash and leave a plastic card at home.

After numerous events in Cairo and on Tahrir Square, the rate of the Egyptian pound to other currencies declined. The real value of this money can be 10-20% lower than declared by the National Bank. The Egyptian pound to the ruble refers roughly as 1: 5.