Egypt – Tipping Culture
A Complete Guide to Egyptian Tipping Culture
If you have dreams of seeing pyramids and ancient tombs in Egypt close up, you’re in for a trip that’s sure to be one for the books. Before packing your bags, you have to learn one crucial aspect of their culture: the art of tipping. Don’t worry! Learning the Egyptian tipping culture won’t be as hard as deciphering hieroglyphics.
As someone who has been there, done that and maybe awkwardly overtipped more times that I can admit – I’m excited to share you what I’ve learned. In this guide, I’ll help you understand when, where and how much to tip when you find yourself in Egypt.
Hi there! I’m Emily, a travel writer with a passion for exploring the great world we live in. I love to share my travel wisdom where possible to ensure people can truly make the most of the time when they visit places. One of my most memorable trips was Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, that city has some of the most wonderful, crazy energy!
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Key Takeaways
- Tipping, known as “baksheesh,” is common and expected in Egypt
- At restaurants, leave 5-10% of the bill or an extra 3-5% if a service charge is included
- For taxis, round up to the nearest 5 EGP or tip 10% for longer rides
- Hotel staff like bellhops get 5-10 EGP per bag, and housekeeping 10-20 EGP per night
- Tour guides typically receive 50-100 EGP per day
- Avoid tipping government officials, police officers, and in mosques
- Always carry small bills for tipping and tip discreetly
Egyptian Tipping Culture In A Nutshell
Tipping in Egypt is a usual practice and pretty much expected in the service industry. It’s so common that even the locals have a word for it: “baksheesh“. If I may be quite frank – it’s like a mix of tips, small bribes, and basically part of their daily lives. The general rule of thumb? Tip for most services. We’re talking hotel staff, tour guides, drivers, bathroom attendants – you name it.
Let’s prep you with tips on where you’ll likely be spending most of your money during your Egyptian trip: restaurants, taxis, and hotels. In restaurants, the rule of thumb is to leave about 5-10% of your bill. Some places do have service charges and if you spot them, you can opt to leave an extra 3-5%. This is true especially when service is top-notch. For those casual street-side falafel joints (believe me, you cannot have just one of those), no stress – just round up the bill.
Egyptian cabbies don’t expect huge tips, but a little extra is always appreciated. An easy way to tip is to round up to the nearest 5 EGP. If you had a longer trip or if a driver delighted you, you can bump that up to 10%. Here’s a pro tip: negotiate your fare before hopping in to avoid any surprises. When it comes to hotels, you’ve got a few more people to consider. Bellhops usually get about 5-10 EGP per bag while housekeeping will be happy with 10-20 EGP per night to keep your room in tip-top shape. Don’t forget the concierge – if they hook you up with hard-to-get reservations or tickets, 20-50 EGP will show your appreciation.
Understanding The Egyptian Tipping Culture
To fully grasp the historical significance of Egypt’s tipping customs, let’s take a closer look at this ancient custom.
Baksheesh is widely believed to have started in the ancient Egyptian custom of offering gifts to the gods for favors. During the Ottoman Empire era in Egypt, the practice developed into a kind of social lubricant that helped to grease the wheels of daily interactions. When Egypt started being a huge European tourist draw during the 19th and early 20th centuries, tipping evolved. The wealthier tourists often handed out generous tips. Little did they know, this will set expectations that will persist to this day.
This is where things get interesting: tipping in Egypt isn’t just all about money. Egyptians are proud of their reputation, especially when it comes to generosity. Tipping is then sometimes viewed as a means of sharing wealth and fostering goodwill. In modern times, a large portion of Egyptian laborers’ pay comes from tips. A permanent aspect of their lives, baksheesh is a result of history and economic realities.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Tipping in Egypt
Let’s break down some dos and don’ts of tipping in Egypt. These little nuggets of wisdom will save you from some awkward moments and help you tip like a local.
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Carry small bills for tipping. | Be flashy with large bills, this can be dangerous. |
| Tip discreetly. | Tip using foreign currencies. |
| Learn to say “shukran” (thank you). | Get flustered when someone asks for a tip directly. |
| Be a bit more generous if you’re visiting during Ramadan. | Forget to tip in upscale places as well. |
Exceptions to the Rule
There may be some tipping curveballs that might come your way as Egyptian tipping culture has its fair share of exceptions:
- Tipping government officials and police officers is a big no-no. Offering money can be seen as a bribe and could land you in hot water
- Mosques are places of worship and not tourist attractions. Individual tipping isn’t expected nor appropriate here.
- Street vendors and stalls can be a grey area. Haggling is more the norm here than tipping. Once you’ve agreed on a price, that’s usually the end of it.
- During religious festivals or celebrations, you might find locals are more interested in sharing their joy rather than receiving tips. Don’t be surprised if your offer of baksheesh is met with a free cup of tea instead!
How Much Do I Need To Tip?
Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much you really need to tip. Tipping in Egypt is more art than science, with amounts varying based on the service, the situation, and even the city you’re in. Here’s some ballpark figures to work with:
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 5-10% of the bill if service charge is not included, 3-5% if it is |
| Hotel Housekeeping | 5-10 EGP per bag for bellhops, 10-20 EGP per night for housekeeping |
| Taxi Drivers | Round up to the nearest 5 EGP |
| Tour Guides | 50-100 EGP per day |
Conclusion
Remember that tipping in Egypt is about more than just cash at its core. It’s a means to express gratitude, take part in regional traditions, and support the livelihoods of the people who make your trip to Egypt unforgettable. Don’t stress too much about getting it right every time – a smile, a sincere “shukran,” and a reasonable tip will go a long, long way.
If you find yourself in a tipping pickle, just take a deep breath, and recall what you’ve learned here in our little crash course. The most crucial thing is to go into every interaction with an open mind and respect. Take advantage of the chance to converse, educate yourself, and interact with the friendly and hospitable Egyptians during those tipping exchanges. Safe travels, and may your Egyptian trip be filled with amazing experiences – with just the right amount of baksheesh!
Egyptian Tipping Culture: What You Need to Know FAQ
In Egypt, it’s usual to tip around 10-15% in restaurants, depending on the service quality. If a service charge is already included in your bill, consider leaving a small extra for exceptional service.
Yes, tipping taxi drivers is customary. A good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest Egyptian pound for shorter rides or tip around 10% for longer distances.
Absolutely. For tour guides, a tip between 50 to 100 Egyptian pounds per day is appreciated, while drivers expect around half of that. It reflects acknowledgment of their effort and expertise.
Tipping in Egypt is more ingrained and expected across many services than in some other countries. For a broader perspective, you might find the Portugal tipping etiquette and the Philippines tipping etiquette quite different, where practices and amounts can vary significantly.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
