Tipping in Egypt: A Guide to Customs and Expectations
When it comes to tipping in Egypt, it’s important to know the customs and expectations to avoid any awkward moments or misunderstandings.
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Tipping is a common practice in Egypt, and it’s expected in many situations, from restaurants to hotels to tour guides.
In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill. However, some restaurants may include a service charge, so be sure to check your bill before leaving an additional tip.
It’s also common to tip hotel staff, such as housekeeping, around 10-20 EGP per day. When it comes to tour guides, it’s appropriate to tip around 50-100 EGP per person per day, depending on the length and complexity of the tour.
Tipping in Egypt is a way to show appreciation for good service and is expected.
However, it’s important to remember that it’s not mandatory and you should only tip what you feel comfortable with.
Understanding Tipping in Egypt
When travelling to Egypt, it’s important to understand the local customs when it comes to tipping. Tipping is a common practice in Egypt and shows appreciation for good service. Here are some things you should know about tipping in Egypt.
Cultural Significance of Tipping
In Egypt, tipping is not just a way of showing appreciation for good service, it’s also a way of demonstrating social status.
It’s common for wealthier individuals to tip more generously than those who are less well-off.
Tipping is a way of building social relationships and gaining favour with others.
The Concept of Baksheesh
Baksheesh is the Arabic term for tipping and is a common practice in Egypt. It’s not just reserved for service industry workers, but also for people in other professions such as government officials and police officers.
In some cases, baksheesh is expected and refusing to give it can be seen as disrespectful.
When it comes to tipping in restaurants, it’s customary to leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill.
However, if the service was exceptional, you may want to consider leaving a larger tip. In hotels, it’s common to tip the housekeeping staff around 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day.
Tipping in Egypt is an important part of the local culture and should be taken into consideration when travelling to the country.
By understanding the local customs and showing appreciation for good service, you can build positive relationships with locals and have a more enjoyable experience.
When and How Much to Tip
Tipping in Egypt is a common practice and is expected in most service industries. While it is not mandatory, it is a way to show appreciation for good service.
Here are some guidelines on when and how much to tip in different situations.
Tipping at Restaurants and Cafes
It is customary to tip 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants and cafes. Some restaurants may add a service charge to the bill, so be sure to check before tipping. If the service charge is included, leave a small additional tip for exceptional service.
Tipping Hotel Staff
Hotel staff in Egypt are generally underpaid, so tipping is appreciated. The amount you tip depends on the level of service provided.
For housekeeping, leave 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day.
For porters, tip 5-10 Egyptian pounds per bag. If you receive exceptional service from the hotel staff, you can leave a larger tip.
Tipping Taxi Drivers and Transportation Services
Tipping taxi drivers in Egypt isn’t expected, but rounding up the fare to the nearest Egyptian pound is appreciated.
For example, if the fare is 27 Egyptian pounds, you can give the driver 30 Egyptian pounds. If you hire a private driver or use a transport service, you can tip 10-15% of the total fare.
Tipping Tour Guides and Drivers
If you hire a tour guide or driver in Egypt, it is customary to tip them at the end of the tour. The amount you tip depends on the length of the tour and the level of service provided.
For a half-day tour, tip 50-100 Egyptian pounds. For a full-day tour, tip 100-200 Egyptian pounds. If you are on a multi-day tour, you can tip 200-300 Egyptian pounds per day.
Remember to always carry small bills and coins for tipping. If you are unsure about how much to tip, you can use a tip calculator or ask a local for advice.
By tipping appropriately, you can show your appreciation for good service and help support the local economy.
Tipping Etiquette for Services
When it comes to tipping in Egypt, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s customary to tip for most services.
Tipping is a good way to show appreciation for exceptional service and to acknowledge the hard work of service workers. Here are some guidelines to follow when it comes to tipping etiquette for services.
Housekeeping and Porters
When staying at a hotel, it’s common to tip the housekeeping staff and porters. For housekeeping, leave a tip of around 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day, depending on the quality of service. For porters, a tip of around 5-10 Egyptian pounds per bag is appropriate.
Spa and Salon Services
If you visit a spa or salon during your trip to Egypt, it’s customary to tip the staff. A tip of around 10-15% of the total cost of the service is a good guideline to follow. If you receive exceptional service, you may want to consider leaving a higher tip to show your satisfaction.
Specialised Tour Services
If you hire a specialised tour guide or driver during your trip, it’s appropriate to tip them for their services. For tour guides, a tip of around 100-200 Egyptian pounds per day is recommended, depending on the quality of service. For drivers, a tip of around 50-100 Egyptian pounds per day is appropriate.
Remember, tipping is a way to show appreciation for exceptional service and to acknowledge the hard work of service workers. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are tipping appropriately and showing your gratitude to the staff who provide you with quality service during your trip to Egypt.
Handling Money and Currency
When it comes to tipping in Egypt, it’s important to be aware of the local currency and exchange rates.
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), which is divided into smaller denominations known as piastres.
Exchange your currency at a bank or official exchange bureau to get the best rates.
Local Currency and Exchange Rates
The exchange rate between the Egyptian pound and the US dollar (USD) can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check the current rate before exchanging your money. As of May 10, 2024, the exchange rate is 1 USD to 15.5 EGP.
Keep in mind that some businesses may only accept cash in local currency, so it’s best to have some EGP on hand.
Cash vs Card Tipping
When it comes to tipping, cash is the preferred method in Egypt. It’s customary to tip service workers such as hotel staff, taxi drivers, and restaurant servers in cash. However, some establishments may accept tips on credit or debit cards, so it’s worth asking if you’re unsure.
If you do decide to tip with cash, it’s important to have small denominations on hand. This is because it’s not always easy to get change for larger bills, especially in smaller establishments.
Overall, handling money and currency in Egypt requires a bit of planning and preparation. Exchange your currency at a bank or official exchange bureau and have small denominations of cash on hand. That way, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate tipping culture in Egypt.
Tipping on Nile Cruises and Day Tours
When it comes to tipping on Nile cruises and day tours in Egypt, it is important to keep in mind that it is a common practice and a way to show appreciation for good service. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate tipping on your trip.
Cruise Crew and Onboard Staff
On Nile cruises, it is customary to tip the crew and onboard staff at the end of your trip. The amount you tip will depend on the length of your cruise and the level of service you received.
As a general rule, tip around £5-£10 per day per person for the crew and around £10-£20 per day per person for the onboard staff.
It is also worth noting that some cruise companies include a service charge in the overall cost of the cruise. In this case, tipping is not necessary, but if you feel that the service exceeded your expectations, you can still tip extra.
Guides for Day Tours and Excursions
When it comes to tipping your guide for day tours and excursions, the amount you tip will depend on the length of the tour and the level of service you received. As a general rule, tip around £5-£10 per person for a half-day tour and around £10-£20 per person for a full-day tour.
In some cases, you may have a local guide who accompanies your main guide on the tour. In this case, it is customary to tip the local guide around £2-£5 per person.
It is important to note that some tour companies include the cost of the guide in the overall tour cost. In this case, tipping is not necessary, but if you feel that the service exceeded your expectations, you can still tip extra.
Tipping for Small Services and Encounters
When travelling in Egypt, you may come across various small services and encounters that would benefit from a tip. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Baggage Handlers and Bathroom Attendants
It is customary to tip baggage handlers and bathroom attendants at hotels and airports. For baggage handlers, a tip of 10-20 Egyptian pounds per bag is appropriate. For bathroom attendants, a tip of 1-5 Egyptian pounds is sufficient.
Street Performers and Casual Encounters
Egypt is known for vibrant street performers and musicians. If you enjoy their performance, it is polite to tip them. A small amount of 5-10 Egyptian pounds is appreciated.
In casual encounters, such as when a local helps you with directions or carries your bags, a small tip of 5-10 Egyptian pounds would show your gratitude.
Remember, these small tips can make a big difference in the local economy and can lead to positive interactions with locals. However, it is important to avoid over-tipping or making exaggerated claims about the service provided.
In addition, for small purchases such as snacks or drinks, rounding up to the nearest Egyptian pound is a common practice.
Tipping Practices in Different Cities
When travelling to Egypt, it’s important to understand the local tipping culture to avoid any awkward situations. Tipping is a common practice in Egypt.
Here’s what you need to know about tipping in different cities.
Tipping Norms in Cairo
Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and has a unique tipping culture. In general, tipping is expected in most situations, including restaurants, cafes, and taxis. The amount you tip depends on the service you receive, but a good rule of thumb is to tip around 10% of the total bill.
When it comes to tour guides, it’s customary to tip around EGP100-200 per day, depending on the length of the tour and the quality of service provided. For hotel staff, it’s common to tip around EGP20-50 per day, depending on the level of service.
Tipping in Tourist Areas and Historical Sites
When visiting tourist areas and historical sites in Egypt, it’s important to be aware of the tipping culture. In many cases, there will be people offering to help you or guide you through the site. While their services are not required, it’s customary to tip them around EGP10-20 per person.
At mosques and museums, it’s common to tip the person who watches your shoes or bags. The amount you tip depends on the length of time you’ll be there, but it’s usually around EGP5-10 per person.
In general, when travelling in Egypt, it’s important to carry small bills and change to make tipping easier. Remember that tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service, so be sure to tip generously for exceptional service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tipping in Egyptian restaurants is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. If you receive good service, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill. However, if a service charge is already included in the bill, it is not necessary to leave an additional tip.
In Egypt, it is best to use the local currency, which is the Egyptian pound (EGP), for tipping. While some places may accept US dollars, it is not guaranteed and may not be the most convenient option.
Tipping is not included in the package of all-inclusive resorts in Egypt. However, it is customary to leave a tip for good service. A tip of around EGP 10-20 per day for housekeeping and EGP 20-50 per day for waitstaff is appropriate.
It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Egypt, but it is appreciated if they provide good service. A tip of around 10% of the total fare is appropriate.
When visiting Egypt from the UK, it is best to follow the same tipping etiquette as locals. Tipping is appreciated for good service, and the customary amount is around 10% of the total bill. It is best to use the local currency, the Egyptian pound, for tipping.
