Visitors have started purchasing tickets at four of Aswan’s archaeological sites with their bank cards, instead of cash.
The new move, which has already come into effect in Edfu; Kom Ombo; Abu Simbel, and Philae, is part of measures by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to put an end to cash dealings and join the national march towards digital transformation.
Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziry, said the ministry had already started implementing a payment system, requiring archaeological sites’ visitors to use bank cards of all types to purchase entrance tickets.
The ministry, he added, had notified tour operators about the new decision.
Waziry noted that the new system would be gradually implemented in all sites, including the nation’s museums.
“Right now, these sites accept cash payments and payments with bank cards,” Waziry said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities had, meanwhile, informed tour operators that they have to buy entrance tickets for museums and archaeological sites for tourist groups by making bank transfers.
“No direct cash payment will be accepted for the purchase of these tickets,” the ministry said.
Waziry expected the new move to contribute to improving the tourism experience in Egypt.
“It will contribute to increasing the flow of foreign currency as well,” he added.
Bank payment machines have already taken their places in museums and archaeological sites across Egypt in preparation for the cancellation of cash payments.
The Ministry allows the purchase of entrance tickets to museums and archaeological sites electronically through the website: www.egymonuments.com.
Online tickets allow their bearers to get easy access into the different sites and save them the pain of standing in queues to buy the tickets at these sites. Online ticket bearers also have their special paths into the sites.
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