01. Understanding Tipping and Baksheesh in Egypt

Tipping, locally known as “Baksheesh,” is a deeply ingrained part of Egyptian culture and the hospitality industry. It is viewed as a way to express gratitude for services provided and is common in many countries, including the United States, Turkey, and Jordan. When organizing a trip to Egypt, it is important to factor these gratuities into your overall travel budget.

While not strictly obligatory, tipping is a vital source of income for many tourism employees whose base salaries are often quite low. Providing a tip acts as a gesture of appreciation for those who look after your comfort—from drivers and tour guides to housekeeping and waitstaff. Ultimately, you are the one who determines the value based on the quality of service received.

02. Why and When to Tip

Tipping is a serious business in the Egyptian hospitality sector because many workers rely on these gratuities to afford their daily living expenses. Beyond financial support, tipping encourages staff to provide the best possible service, ensuring that you and your family remain satisfied throughout your stay.

You should consider tipping anyone who provides an excellent or essential service. This includes your tour guide, tour leader, bellman, and housekeeping. Even small gestures, such as tipping the attendant who maintains the cleanliness of public bathrooms in malls or airports, are highly appreciated and ensure a high standard of service for all visitors.

03. Suggested Tipping Rates

The exact amount of a tip often depends on the length and level of service. Below are some general guidelines to help you navigate common situations:

• Drivers: 10–20 L.E. for airport transfers; 25 L.E. for half-day tours; 50 L.E. for full-day tours.
• Tour Guides: 50 L.E. for half-day tours; 100 L.E. for full-day tours.
• Hotel Staff: 5 L.E. per person to the bellman for bags; 5–10 L.E. per night for housekeeping.
• Dining: 10% of the total invoice for restaurant waitstaff (check if a service charge is already included).
• Others: 10 L.E. for a felucca captain; 5 L.E. for groundskeepers at mosques or bathroom attendants.

04. Currency and Currency Management

While both US Dollars and Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are accepted for tipping, using EGP is often more convenient and cost-effective. Having small denominations of local currency in your pocket allows you to tip immediately after a service is rendered without the need for currency exchange on the spot.

It is also worth noting that at many restaurants and hotels, a 10% service charge may be added to your bill. However, this charge often goes to the establishment rather than the individual waiter or waitress. In these cases, a small additional tip given directly to the staff member ensures they receive the appreciation they deserve.

05. Ways to Manage Your Tips

Kitty Tipping: This is a stress-free method where you provide a lump sum for the entire trip to your tour leader on the first day. The tour leader manages all individual tips for drivers, waiters, and hotel staff on your behalf, keeping a record of expenditures and returning any remaining balance at the end of the journey.

Self-Management: This approach allows you to tip individuals directly based on your personal assessment of their service quality. It gives you full control over who you reward and by how much. Regardless of the method you choose, tipping remains a powerful way to foster goodwill and ensure a smooth, enjoyable travel experience in Egypt.