What’s the Baksheesh or Tipping in Egypt?
In Egypt, tips are called baksheesh, and service providers often expect them to show appreciation for their hard work. Tipping is an integral part of life in Egypt and other Arab countries.
People not used to tipping in Egypt may find the constant requests for money from tourists annoying, but it is essential to maintain a high standard and realize that this is how things work there.
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Tipping is expected in many services in Egypt and many tourist sites. Of course, it all depends on how well you think the benefits are done.
Egypt has a lower living cost than other popular tourist destinations worldwide. For this reason, many people who work in the service industry expect and value tips.
Many people in Egypt think this is the best way to thank those who helped them. When you go to Egypt, remember that people expect tips.
Tipping is expected in many restaurants in Egypt and is common in many tourist areas. But people who work for low wages have taken up the lifestyle to earn more money.
It is expected to tip the waiter, the person who carries your bags to your room, and the waiter who brings you food to your room.
Tips for Tipping in Egypt
- Egyptians prefer to pay in Egyptian pounds, so make sure you do the conversion.
- Keep your 1, 5, and 10-pound notes (1, 5, and 10 pounds) on hand.
- The US dollar is the best currency if you cannot access a currency exchange.
- When checking into a hotel or cruise ship, you should wait to tip until after you’ve been served.
- Gratuities are included in the final bill for the Nile cruise, and everyone pays them together on the last night of the cruise. Put your tip in an envelope with your cabin number and give it to the front desk, or put it in the tip box.
- When someone rejects your advice twice or thrice, it’s okay to insist until they finally give in politely.
- No one expects you to tip when they ask for something. You can post a review if the service is excellent and you are happy with everything.
- You do not have to leave a tip if you are unsatisfied with the service you received.
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If you don’t feel like buying something from one of the many vendors in Egypt, don’t be afraid to say “No thanks,” which means “No thanks!”
Don’t let the thought of your heart spoil your trip to Egypt, which is a great place to visit, especially since the prices are so low.
Important notes:
- Tipping is expected in Egypt, but it’s not required. It is, however, expected.
- The service fee, 12% in Egypt, is already added to the bill, and you don’t have to pay a tip on top of the bill.
- Ask your Guide how much tips are worth for the services you think you should tip for.
Tips in Egypt: How much should you Tip in Egypt?
Tipping in Egypt can have a significant effect on how you travel there.
Don’t be afraid to give big tips; you’ll surely get good service.
Here is a list of everyday situations where it’s best to tip the right amount.
- Restaurant: Most people leave between 5 and 10% of the tip amount on top of the service charge. If you smoke shisha, don’t be afraid to give the waiter who brings you the coals 5 Egyptian pounds.
- Hotel: Normally, $ 1-3 usually left with the doorman and other employees
- Hotel Bags: I suggest giving between 10 and 20 Egyptian pounds.
- Tour Guide and Driver: A standard tip for the Tour Guide is $30 to $50 per person for the trip, and for the Driver, US$10 to $20.
- Guardians (WC…): An amount of 5 Egyptian pounds is appropriate
- Guardians on archaeological sites: 10 Egyptian pounds are suitable for extra service. The tip will only be given to you if you have agreed to this service or asked for it.
Tipping in Egypt: When not to tip?
In general, it’s up to you whether or not to tip. Don’t be afraid to say no if you think it’s wrong to exchange money in a particular situation or if someone tries to get you to. Here are some cases where tipping is neither expected nor necessary:
- In exchange for information about the department or to answer any questions. People will probably refuse to take your money to help you find your way. This is called “Egyptian hospitality.”
- When someone asks you to pay for something, you don’t ask for it.
- In a taxi, watch the meter and say no if the driver asks for more. If the car has no meter, agree on a price before getting in.
We hope this Guide will answer some of your questions about tipping in Egypt. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you have any more questions. The most important thing in Egypt is that you have a good time.
Don’t miss to check out our Egypt vacation packages & Egypt Nile Cruises.