Tipping in Egypt, or what locals refer to as “baksheesh,” is a key part of the culture. It’s not just a nice gesture; it’s expected. Many service workers rely heavily on tips to supplement their wages, and understanding how much to tip can make a big difference in your experience. In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions about tipping in Egypt, from hotel staff to taxi drivers, and everything in between.

Why Tipping Matters in Egypt: The Local Context

Tipping is not just a cultural practice in Egypt; it’s a lifeline for many service workers. While the minimum wage in Egypt is around 2,000 EGP per month, many workers in the service industry earn far less, with tips making up a significant portion of their income. For example, a hotel housekeeper might make only 1,500 EGP a month in salary but could earn an additional 100-200 EGP per day in tips. This is crucial for meeting basic needs such as food, transportation, and family care.

Compared to tipping practices in the US, where tipping ranges from 10-20% in restaurants, Egypt’s reliance on tips is far greater. Without tips, many workers simply wouldn’t be able to make ends meet. So, when you’re in Egypt, tipping generously is more than just a nice thing to do – it’s essential to the livelihoods of workers.

What Happens if You Don’t Tip?

In Egypt, not tipping when it’s expected can be seen as disrespectful or inconsiderate. While service workers may not directly confront you, the lack of a tip could lead to a subtle sense of disapproval or a lower quality of service. Unlike in the US, where gratuity is sometimes optional or added automatically, tipping in Egypt is expected and appreciated.

When and How Much Should You Tip?

Hotel Staff

• Housekeeping: A standard tip is 20-50 EGP per day, depending on the cleanliness of your room and the level of service. If you’re staying for a long time, tipping at the higher end of this range is appreciated.
• Concierge: If a concierge assists you with something special, like booking a last-minute felucca ride on the Nile, a tip of around 50-100 EGP would be appreciated.
• Bellboys: For help with luggage, 10-20 EGP per bag is common.

Restaurants

• Waitstaff: Many restaurants in Egypt add a service charge (often 12-15%), but this doesn’t go directly to the waitstaff. It’s important to still leave a tip of around 10-20 EGP directly for good service.
• Service Charge vs. Tip: The service charge is typically pooled and goes to the management, so it’s essential to leave an additional tip for the individual waiter or waitress to ensure they receive it directly.

Tour Guides and Drivers

• Tour Guides: A tip of 50-100 EGP per person for a full-day tour is standard. For an exceptional experience, you can go higher.
• Drivers: For day tours, 20-50 EGP per driver is appropriate, especially if they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure your comfort.

Taxi Drivers

• Taxis: While not always expected, leaving a tip of 5-10 EGP is a nice way to show appreciation, especially if the driver has helped you with luggage or provided extra service.

Other Services

• Street Vendors/Local Help: For small acts of service, like assisting with directions or carrying your bags, a small tip of 5-10 EGP is appropriate.
• Bathroom Attendants: If someone is monitoring the restroom, leaving a tip of 1-5 EGP is polite, especially in busy tourist areas.

Tipping When Service Is Poor

It’s important to remember that tipping in Egypt is tied to the quality of service. If you receive subpar service in a restaurant or hotel, it’s perfectly acceptable to reduce the tip or omit it entirely. However, always remain polite and constructive in your interaction. For example, if the service was slow or your room wasn’t cleaned well, you might leave only half the normal tip amount, or none at all, but still thank the worker for their efforts.

Tipping on Package Tours

If you’re on an all-inclusive tour, your package may or may not include tips for the guide or driver. Often, tips are not included, so you should plan on tipping them directly. For instance, a tour guide might expect a 50-100 EGP tip, and drivers typically expect around 20-50 EGP.

What to Do if Help Is Unsolicited?

While in Egypt, you may encounter individuals offering unsolicited help, such as carrying your bags or giving directions. These individuals may expect a tip for their assistance. If you prefer not to accept their help, here are some tips on how to decline politely:

• Look them in the eye and smile.
• Say “No, thank you” (in English and Arabic: “La shukran” – لا شكرًا).
• Politely walk away, showing appreciation without committing to a tip.

Group Tipping

If you’re traveling in a group, it’s common to collect tips from all members of the group at the end of a tour or experience. This pooled tip is then divided among the guides, drivers, and other service staff. Be sure to discuss how much to contribute with your group before the end of the trip.

What Not to Do When Tipping

When tipping in Egypt, there are a few things you should avoid:

• Don’t tip in large foreign bills: While US dollars or euros are accepted, tipping in large bills can be seen as excessive and hard to change.
• Avoid making a scene: Don’t tip loudly or make a show of your generosity. Tipping discreetly is seen as more respectful.
• Don’t forget the direct handoff: Always hand your tip directly to the person you’re tipping, if possible. This ensures they actually receive it and don’t miss out due to pooled tips.

Tipping Cheat Sheet: Quick Reference

Final Thoughts on Tipping in Egypt

Tipping is more than just a way to thank someone for their service; it’s a fundamental part of the economy for many workers in Egypt. By tipping generously and appropriately, you contribute to the livelihoods of service workers and show respect for the local culture. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, staying at a hotel, or taking a tour, keep these tipping guidelines in mind to make your trip more enjoyable and culturally respectful.

Incorporating thoughtful tipping into your travel plans ensures that you’re not only getting the most out of your experience but also contributing to the positive impact you leave on the local community. So, the next time you enjoy a Nile cruise or get help from a hotel bellboy, remember that your tip is more than just money – it’s a gesture of goodwill that goes a long way.