Tipping in Egypt Guide | When and How Much to Tip in Egypt 

Egypt is famous for its history and ancient wonders, making it a popular destination for travelers. When visiting, it’s important to understand the local custom of tipping, known as “baksheesh.”

Tipping shows appreciation for good service and helps build a connection with the locals. You might tip restaurant staff, hotel employees, taxi drivers, and tour guides.

If you’re wondering “how much do I tip in Egypt,” this guide is here to help. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a kind gesture that respects local traditions.

Below are a couple of tips which will be helpful for first-time visitors. We’ve included what you should look out for and the appropriate amount to tip. 

Are you expected to tip in Egypt?

When visiting Egypt, it’s good to tip service providers. Not tipping can be seen as rude. Tipping isn’t required but makes your trip smoother. Tip according to the quality of service you’ve received.

A small tip might seem rude, so be generous if you can. Always give the tip directly to the person, not just leave it on a table or in a room.

Tipping in Egypt is a way to show thanks for good service and is an important part of their culture. Always tip with politeness and respect.

What’s the easiest way to give a tip in Egypt?

In Egypt, tipping is a common way to show appreciation to service providers. It’s best to use cash, specifically Egyptian pounds (EGP). Although digital payments are popular but cash is more accepted and is very convenient for tips. Carrying small bills makes it easier to tip in various situations.

Here are some tips for tipping in Egypt:

1. Be Discreet: Give tips quietly. You can also use an envelope for privacy.
2. Ask for Guidance: If unsure about how much to tip, like for a private tour guide, ask a local or the staff at your the hotel you’re staying in. They can provide advice on local customs. OR read this article.
3. Express Appreciation: Say “thank you” or “shukran” when tipping. This is a polite gesture appreciated by locals.
4. Tip Directly: In restaurants, cafes, or when using taxi services and tour guides, hand tips directly to the person after service or when paying your bill.

Tipping in Egypt is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a gesture of goodwill and respect, so it should be done willingly.

When and How Much to Tip in Egypt?

In Cairo, Egypt, tipping isn’t just for restaurants and hotels. As a tourist, you’re expected to tip for almost any service. This includes taxi rides, day tours, visiting mosques, or using public restrooms.

Tipping is a deep-rooted custom in Egypt. Generally, you might tip around 20 to 30 Egyptian pounds in various situations. Here are some specific instances:

1. Street Performers: It’s customary to give small tips to street entertainers.
2. Help with Luggage: If locals offer to help with your luggage, a tip of 20 to 30 Egyptian pounds is appropriate.
3. Nile Cruise Crews: When on a Nile Cruise, tipping the crew about 30 Egyptian pounds shows your appreciation.
4. Tour Guides: For tour guides, a tip of 50 to 100 Egyptian pounds is expected.
5. Small Services: If someone opens doors for you, takes a photo, or guides you at tourist spots, a tip of 15 to 20 Egyptian pounds is usual.

The amount you tip depends on the service quality and your satisfaction. It can range from 5 to 100 Egyptian pounds, or 10% to 15% of your bill, despite any service charge. Remember, tipping in Egypt is about respect and consideration for the cultural tradition.

Can I tip in USD in Egypt?

When it comes to “tipping in Egypt US dollars,” it’s possible in some tourist spots and establishments. However, it’s generally recommended to tip using Egyptian Pounds (EGP).

This is because exchanging small amounts of US dollars, particularly coins, into the local currency can be difficult for the locals.

Tipping in Egypt using US dollars could end up being more expensive for you due to less favorable exchange rates.

You might not get as much value for your money compared to using Egyptian Pounds. So, when considering tips in Egypt, using EGP instead of US dollars is usually the better option.

What Is A Reasonable Tip In Egypt? 

When you travel to Egypt, how much you tip depends on the service. Here’s a simple guide, but remember, there are no strict rules, so use your judgment.

Taxi & Uber Drivers:

• In Egypt, tipping taxi drivers is optional. You usually agree on a price that includes the tip.
• A simple way to tip is to round up the fare. For example, if the fare is 34 EGP, you can round up to 40 EGP.
• If you’re stuck in traffic longer than expected, it’s nice to give at least 30 EGP, especially for a longer ride.
• Drivers often share interesting information about the area. Consider giving a little extra for their insights.
• For ride-sharing apps like Uber, you can tip through the app. It’s also nice to give cash since Uber payments can be delayed.
• For private boat tours on the Nile River, tipping is similar to taxis, but you don’t need to tip bus drivers.

When you’re in Egypt, taking day tours and hiring tour guides is common. Here’s a guide on how much to tip them:

Tour Guides & Operators:

• For typical tours, it’s usual to tip guides and operators around 100 to 200 EGP, depending on the tour’s duration.
• Also, consider the quality of service. Tip at the end of the tour.
• The tip can be based on what you paid for the tour. Aim for at least 10% of the total cost for a half-day tour and 20% for a full-day tour.
• For private tours, which offer more personalized service, tipping about 20% of the total bill is a good rule. For instance, if the tour costs 1,000 EGP, a 200 EGP tip is appropriate.
• In large groups, you don’t need to tip individually. The group can collect money and tip together. The operator will likely share it with their staff who helped during the day.

Spa & Wellness Places

In Egypt, visiting a spa or wellness center, especially those in hotels, is a relaxing way to finish a day of touring. If you’re trying out services like the famous Pharaonic massage, remember to tip the staff. Here’s a guide on how much to tip:

• Post-Service Tip: After your spa or wellness service, tip the therapist or practitioner. A tip of 10% to 20% is typical, based on how happy you are with the service.
• Multiple Services: If you book multiple treatments, like a massage, facial, and body scrub, consider tipping more. Since usually one practitioner handles all your services, a tip above 10% of the total bill is a generous gesture.

Hotel Staff

Tipping hotel staff in Egypt is a way to show appreciation for their service. Here are some guidelines on how much to tip:

• Porters: When porters help with your bags and luggage, tip based on the amount they carry. A tip of 40 to 50 EGP after they deliver your bags to your room is customary.
• Housekeeping: Since housekeeping often cleans while you’re out, leave a daily tip of 30 to 40 EGP on the bedside table for them.
• Room Service: If you order room service, consider tipping at least 10% of the bill. Check first if a service charge is already included.
• Concierge: For assistance with tours and local advice, tip the concierge around 20 EGP, depending on how much they help.
• Doormen or Security Guards: Tipping them is not usual, but if they offer a kind gesture, a tip of 15 to 20 EGP is appropriate.

Cafes, Restaurants & Bars

In Egypt, tipping when dining at restaurants, cafes, or bars is a common practice. The amount you tip varies based on the establishment:

• High-End Restaurants: For upscale dining, it’s considerate to tip at least 20% of your bill. For example, if your meal costs 1,000 EGP, a tip of 200 EGP is appropriate.
• Casual Restaurants: In smaller, informal eateries, a tip of 5 to 15 EGP is a kind gesture and often not expected.
• Bars: When at a bar, it’s nice to tip the bartender or server each time they serve you a drink. Cairo has several great bars to experience.
• Service Charge Included: Many restaurants include a service charge, but this doesn’t replace a tip. Even with a service charge, leaving an additional tip of 5% to 10% for good service is a good practice.

Food Delivery

When ordering food for delivery in Egypt, it’s good practice to tip the delivery drivers. Here’s how to do it:

• Rounding Up: The simplest way to tip is to round up your payment. For example, if your bill is close to an even amount, just let the driver keep the change. This works well for small orders.
• Larger Orders: If you’re ordering a lot of food, a larger tip is appropriate. About 10% of the total bill is a reasonable amount to give.
• Cash Tips: Always tip in cash using the local currency (Egyptian Pounds). Delivery drivers may have trouble exchanging small amounts of US dollars, so it’s best to avoid using USD for tips.

Street Vendors & Markets

When you order food for delivery in Egypt, tipping the delivery drivers is a considerate gesture. Here are some guidelines:

• Rounding Up: A simple way to tip is to round up your payment. For instance, if your bill is nearly a round number, let the driver keep the change. This method is suitable for smaller orders.
• Larger Orders: For bigger orders, consider giving a larger tip. Around 10% of the total bill is generally a good amount.
• Use Cash: Tip in cash using Egyptian Pounds. Delivery drivers might find it difficult to exchange small amounts of US dollars, so it’s better to avoid using USD for tips.

Airport & Hotel Porters

When at airports and hotels in Egypt, porters often help with luggage. Here’s how to tip them:

• Airport Porters: If an airport porter assists you with your luggage from inside the airport to your transportation, a tip of 20 to 50 EGP is appropriate. If they only help with loading bags, a tip of around 10 EGP is sufficient.
• Hotel Porters: For hotel porters who assist with your bags and help hail taxis, a tip of 20 to 30 EGP is suitable if you’re happy with their service.
• Amount of Luggage: The tip can vary from 30 to 50 EGP, depending on the amount of luggage you have.
• Beware of Scammers: Be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in the airport, to avoid scammers. It’s always better to be safe when seeking help from porters in Egypt.

FAQs About how much do you tip in egypt

Final Thoughts: tipping in egypt 2024

When traveling to Egypt, remember to include tipping in your plans. Tipping is a great way to thank locals and service providers. While there are guidelines, the amount you tip should reflect your satisfaction and gratitude.

Many workers in tourist areas rely on tips from visitors for their income. A small tip can make a big difference. So, plan to tip in your travel budget, and do it generously and respectfully.

Tipping can help you build relationships and trust with locals, making your next visit even more welcoming!