Business Insider Egypt bans use of debit cards abroad amid hard currency shortage Egypt has ordered banks to stop clients from using their Egyptian pound account debit cards abroad, a central bank official said on Wednesday, a move to combat the country's acute foreign currency shortage. "We sent a letter to bank chiefs today to stop the use of debit cards outside the country. As for credit cards it is business as usual and each bank sets their own limit for their clients," the official told Reuters by telephone. Washington Post Egypt parliament passes budget aiming for 5.2 percent growth Egypt's parliament approved a draft budget on Wednesday projecting 5.2 percent growth for the coming year and a slightly lower deficit, despite a lingering economic crisis and a downturn in the vital tourism sector. The 2016-2017 budget anticipates a deficit of 9.8 percent, compared to 11 percent this year.