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The Essential Guide to Tipping in Egypt: Who, When, and How Much

Tipping, known locally as "baksheesh", is a deeply ingrained part of Egyptian culture and is essential to how the economy operates, particularly in the service and tourism sectors. Because wages are generally low, many workers—from waiters and hotel staff to taxi drivers and bathroom attendants—rely on tips to supplement their income. While it can feel confusing at first, understanding the local customs for who, when, and how much to tip will greatly enhance your travel experience and ensure smooth, friendly service throughout your visit.
  • Updated: December 8, 2025

More Than a Tip: The Culture of Baksheesh

Tipping in Egypt is not optional. It is a fundamental custom, essential to navigating the country’s social and economic landscape. Egyptians call this custom Baksheesh. You must understand that Baksheesh is far more than a simple gratuity for good service; it is a small, expected fee for nearly any service. It serves as a critical means of supplementing the low base wages that most service workers receive.

Travelers who ignore or misunderstand this custom often encounter confusion, poor service, and even cultural offense. You should view tipping as a necessary transaction—a small fee that ensures smooth, friendly, and efficient service throughout your trip. This guide provides you with the specific amounts and cultural context you need to tip respectfully, fairly, and confidently in every situation. Remember: while tipping too little can be culturally offensive, preparation prevents awkwardness. Your confidence in handling Baksheesh opens the door to the famed warmth of Egyptian hospitality.

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The Practical Logistics of Tipping (Baksheesh)

The Practical Logistics of Tipping (Baksheesh)

Confidence in tipping begins with preparation. You must master the practical logistics of currency and change before you arrive at your first site.

Currency, Change, and Convenience

Establish the Golden Rule immediately: always tip in the local currency, the Egyptian Pound (EGP), whenever possible. Local currency is immediately useful and saves the recipient the hassle of exchange fees. Reserve foreign currency (US Dollars or Euros) only for large, final tips given to your main tour guide or cruise manager at the end of the trip.

The single most critical piece of advice is the Change Crisis. Understand this: change is scarce in Egypt. Service providers often cannot break large notes (like 100 EGP or 200 EGP) and do not carry small denominations. You must solve this problem yourself.

Follow this Preparation Strategy:

  • Acquire Small Bills: Constantly break large notes into small bills (5 EGP, 10 EGP, 20 EGP) at your hotel reception, bank, or supermarkets. These small notes are your tipping currency.
  • Use a Baksheesh Pouch: Carry a dedicated, easily accessible “Baksheesh Pouch” or small wallet for your small EGP notes and coins. This allows you to access the correct amount quickly without displaying large notes, ensuring the transaction is smooth and discreet.

Tipping vs. Negotiating

Finally, differentiate between Baksheesh (a service payment) and Haggling (price negotiation). Baksheesh is given after a service is rendered; haggling happens before a purchase is made. Never confuse the two customs.

Tipping the Tour Team (The Big Tips)

Tipping the Tour Team (The Big Tips)

This section addresses the highest tier of tipping, focusing on the staff who spend multiple days with you and directly manage your experience. You should give these tips at the conclusion of their service.

Tipping in Egypt: The Main Guide (Egyptologist)

The Egyptologist guide forms the heart of your experience. They manage logistics, provide historical context, and often work long, exhausting days. This is your highest tier of tipping. You should present this tip at the very end of their service—usually the final day of your city tour or the end of your cruise—often placed discreetly in an envelope. While EGP is preferred, this tip is large enough that foreign currency (USD or EUR) is acceptable and often appreciated.

  • Recommended Amount: Expect to tip between 150 EGP and 250 EGP per person, per day for excellent service. If you travel as a couple or a small private group, you can give a group amount that falls within this range.

The Driver

The driver ensures your safety and comfort between sites, a physically demanding and essential job separate from the guide’s role. You should tip the driver separately from the guide. You can give this tip daily or at the conclusion of the entire trip.

  • Recommended Amount: Tip the driver between 70 EGP and 120 EGP per person, per day, depending on the distance driven and the length of the tour day. For a long day of driving, the higher end is appropriate.

Tour/Group Leader

If you book a large package tour, you may have a tour manager or group leader separate from the local Egyptologist. This person handles hotel check-ins, tickets, and group logistics.

  • Recommended Amount: Plan to tip between 100 EGP and 150 EGP per person, per day.

Cruise/Nile Boat Crew

Nile cruises handle tipping differently. The cruise line usually adds a service charge that covers the collective staff (chefs, deck crew, cabin attendants). However, individual tipping for exceptional service is still a common practice.

  • Recommended Amount: Expect a mandatory service pool fee (usually $50–$100 USD per person for a 3–7 day trip). Tip key individuals who stand out (e.g., your cabin attendant or a favorite waiter) an extra 20 EGP to 50 EGP at the end of the trip.

Staff Role Tip Frequency Recommended Range (EGP per person/per day) Notes
Main Guide (Egyptologist) End of Service 150 EGP – 250 EGP Highest tip; can use USD/EUR in an envelope.
Driver Daily or End of Service 70 EGP – 120 EGP Tip separately, based on driving distance.
Group Tour Leader End of Service 100 EGP – 150 EGP Tip for logistical management.
Nile Cruise Crew Pool Fee + Individual Pool Fee (Mandatory) + 20-50 EGP Individual Individual tips go to stand-out staff.
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Hospitality: Tipping Hotel and Guest House Staff

Hospitality; Tipping Hotel and Guest House Staff

Your lodging staff significantly contributes to your comfort and security in Egypt. Unlike the tour team, hotel tipping involves smaller, more frequent exchanges that require careful timing.

Tipping in Egypt: Bellhops and Baggage Handlers

These individuals assist with the physical task of moving your luggage between the lobby and your room. You should tip them immediately upon their successful completion of the service.

  • Recommended Amount: Tip between 10 EGP and 20 EGP per bag. For heavy or oversized luggage, the higher end is appropriate.

Housekeeping Staff

Housekeeping is often the most overlooked service, yet these individuals work hard to ensure your room is clean and comfortable daily. Staff rotation often changes, meaning the same person might not clean your room every day.

  • Recommended Amount: You must leave the tip daily (in the morning) so the person who cleaned your room that day receives it. Leave 30 EGP to 50 EGP per night on the pillow or in an obvious spot.

Wait Staff (Breakfast and Room Service)

Many hotels include a service charge for restaurant and room service. However, adding a small cash tip ensures the individual server receives your gratitude and encourages excellent service throughout your stay.

  • Recommended Amount: If a service charge is added, an extra 10 EGP to 20 EGP in cash is sufficient. For exceptional room service, round up the bill or add 10% in cash.

Tipping in Egypt: Front Desk and Concierge

You should not tip the front desk staff simply for checking you in or out. Only tip the Concierge or Front Desk personnel if they perform an exceptional, personalized service for you, such as securing hard-to-get tickets, arranging a last-minute car, or solving a major logistical issue.

  • Recommended Amount: Tip based on the level of service and effort, ranging from 50 EGP to 100 EGP for high-value assistance.

Staff Role Tip Frequency Recommended Range (EGP) Notes
Bellhops/Baggage Handlers Upon Service 10 EGP – 20 EGP per bag Tip immediately.
Housekeeping Daily (Morning) 30 EGP – 50 EGP per night Leave it on the pillow to ensure the daily cleaner receives it.
Wait Staff (Hotels) Per Service 10 EGP – 20 EGP extra Supplement the service charge.
Concierge/Front Desk Situational 50 EGP – 100 EGP Only for exceptional, personalized assistance.

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Dining Out: Gratuity at Restaurants and Cafes

Dining Out; Gratuity at Restaurants and Cafes

Tipping etiquette when dining out varies significantly depending on the formality of the establishment and whether a service charge is already included. You must pay attention to the bill.

Service Charge: Beware the Fine Print

Many tourist restaurants and mid-to-high-end dining establishments add a mandatory service charge (often 12–14%) and tax directly to your bill. This charge is mandatory, but you must understand a critical fact: this amount often does not go directly, or entirely, to your server.

Standard Tipping Practice

  • For Good Service: If the service charge is included, you should still add a small, extra tip for your server. This ensures the individual who attended to you receives a direct thank-you.

    • Recommended Amount: Add an extra 5–10% of the bill’s total in cash, or simply round up the total amount to the nearest large note (e.g., rounding a 185 EGP bill up to 200 EGP).

  • For Exceptional Service: If the service charge is not included, you should leave a standard 10–15% tip, provided the service was excellent.

Tipping in Egypt: Casual Cafes and Koshary Shops

Tipping is much simpler and less mandatory in casual settings, like a koshary shop or a neighborhood cafe.

  • Recommended Amount: Tipping is not strictly necessary, but rounding up the bill or leaving a flat small amount (5 EGP to 10 EGP) is common and appreciated.

Restroom Attendants

You will encounter a restroom attendant in almost every public or restaurant restroom. They maintain cleanliness and provide small amenities like paper towels.

  • Recommended Amount: This is a mandatory small tip. Give the attendant the smallest EGP note you possess (5 EGP or 10 EGP) before or after using the facility.

Dining Setting Service Charge Included? Recommended Tip Notes
Tourist Restaurant Often Yes (12–14%) Add 5–10% cash extra Service charge may not fully reach the staff.
Local Cafe/Koshary Shop Usually No Round up or 5 EGP – 10 EGP Tipping is casual and appreciated.
Restroom Attendant N/A 5 EGP – 10 EGP Mandatory small Baksheesh for service.

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Quick Encounters: The Essential Small Baksheesh

The most frequent tipping interactions in Egypt involve small, immediate services. These quick exchanges require constant access to your Baksheesh pouch. Prepare to use your 5 EGP and 10 EGP notes regularly.

The “Opener” (Temple and Tomb Guards)

Guards and site attendants often approach tourists at temples and tombs. They offer to show a “secret” corner, point out a hard-to-see detail, or even take a picture for you in a forbidden area. This is a direct solicitation for Baksheesh.

  • Decision: You should view this as entirely optional. If you accept the service (e.g., they take your photo), you must tip. If you do not want the service, a firm but polite La, shukran (No, thank you) suffices.

  • Recommended Amount: If you accept the brief service, tip between 20 EGP and 40 EGP.

Tipping in Egypt: Taxis and Ride-Shares

Tipping customs differ based on the vehicle type.

  • Traditional Taxis: Tipping is customary. You should tip or, more commonly, simply round up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 EGP.

  • Ride-Share Apps (Uber/Careem): These services often offer the option to tip through the app. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. You can round up the fare slightly or add 5–10% in cash.

Baggage Handlers and Porters

This includes anyone who moves your luggage at airports, train stations, or port terminals. They perform a specific physical service.

  • Recommended Amount: Tip between 10 EGP and 20 EGP per bag.

Tipping in Egypt: Petrol Station and Car Attendants

Attendants at petrol stations often offer to wash your car’s windshield or check your tires while you fill up.

  • Recommended Amount: Tip a very small flat fee, such as 5 EGP to 10 EGP, for this quick service.

Quick Service Role Tip Frequency Recommended Range (EGP) Notes
Temple/Tomb Guards (for service) Situational 20 EGP – 40 EGP Only tip if you accept the photo or detail service.
Traditional Taxi Driver Upon Arrival Round up or 5–10% Rounding up the fare is common.
Airport/Station Porters Upon Service 10 EGP – 20 EGP per bag Tip immediately for moving luggage.
Petrol Station Attendants Upon Service 5 EGP – 10 EGP For quick services like windshield cleaning.

Navigating the Grey Zone: When to Refuse and How to Respond

While tipping is mandatory for provided services, it is equally important to understand when to hold firm and how to politely refuse inappropriate requests. You must distinguish between legitimate service providers and persistent solicitors.

The “No Service” Rule

State this rule clearly: you should not tip people who simply stand around and demand money without providing a tangible service. If someone tries to grab your bag or offers unsolicited advice that you did not ask for, you are not obligated to tip them. This rule applies particularly to overzealous people in high-traffic tourist areas.

Mandatory Tipping for Children

You must not tip children who ask for money. Engaging with these requests only encourages the practice and detracts from the children’s opportunity to attend school. A firm, gentle “No” or ignoring the request is the correct response here.

Over-Solicitation and Aggression

Persistence is common in Egyptian markets. If someone tries to pressure you for a tip or service you do not want, you must remain polite but firm. Do not engage in long debates.

  • Polite Phrases to Use: La, shukran (No, thank you) or Khalas (Finished/Done). A repeated, firm “No” while continuing to walk often solves the problem without creating a scene.

Tipping in Egypt: The Hard Sell and Scams

Differentiate between a request for Baksheesh and a persistent sales pitch or outright scam. If someone claims they are a tourist police officer or an official who needs money, you must ask to see official identification and refuse to pay on the spot. Genuine officials do not solicit tips.

Remember: Firmness is necessary to protect your experience, but rudeness is not acceptable. You can decline requests while still maintaining cultural sensitivity and respect.

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Tipping in Egypt with Confidence

The custom of Baksheesh, while complex, is an indispensable part of the Egyptian travel experience. By reading this guide, you have transformed tipping from a source of anxiety into a manageable, respectful aspect of your journey.

Reiterate the core message: Tipping is an obligation, but one that brings great rewards in terms of service and cultural connection. You empower local workers, ensure excellent hospitality, and smooth your interactions with Egyptian people at every level.

Your confidence now rests on two key principles:

  1. Preparation: Always carry a dedicated pouch full of small Egyptian Pounds.

  2. Respect: Tip fairly for services rendered, and decline firmly but politely any unsolicited demands.

By mastering these rules, you are ready to fully enjoy the warmth and generosity of Egyptian hospitality. You will find that a small, timely Baksheesh opens doors and enhances every facet of your unforgettable trip.

Are you ready to put your knowledge into practice? Book your Egypt Fun Tour today and experience Egyptian hospitality firsthand!

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