By Akram Medhat
Iman Samy, head of the religious tourism committee at the Chamber of Tourism Companies, stated that the mechanism for Hajj season transfers in Saudi riyals through the Ministry of Tourism has been approved. The three banks, National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr and Banque du Caire, will provide companies with the necessary currency, and each pilgrim will also be allowed to buy SAR 3,000 at the bank rate upon presenting their ticket and visa.
Samy added that this was agreed during a meeting held today between the chamber, the Central Bank of Egypt and the three state-owned banks to discuss the mechanism for bank transfers related to paying for services provided to pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, in preparation for implementing the 1438 AH/2017 Hajj season programs.
The head of the religious tourism committee pointed out that it was agreed to approve the transfer of 90% of the program value at the various levels through the three banks, provided they supply riyals at the announced rate, with a transfer commission of three per thousand, capped at a maximum of $125 and a minimum of $5, plus $15 in SWIFT charges. Transfers will be made either via the electronic IBAN route or to hotels, transport companies or institutions. She urged tourism companies to avoid buying riyals from exchange bureaus so as not to push up prices for everyone.
Read also:
EgyptAir: Hajj Ticket Issuance Begins July 31, With First Flights on August 9
Tourist Hajj Ticket Prices Start From EGP 11,000 on EgyptAir
