When giving tips in Egypt, it’s important to understand local customs and practices to ensure that you show appreciation appropriately. Here are some tips for giving tips in Egypt:
- Know when to tip: Tipping, known as “baksheesh” in Arabic, is customary in Egypt for various services, including restaurants, hotels, tour guides, drivers, and porters. While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated and expected for good service.
- Be prepared with small bills: It’s advisable to carry small denominations of Egyptian pounds (EGP) for tipping purposes. This makes it easier to give appropriate amounts without causing inconvenience.
- Tipping in restaurants: In restaurants, it’s customary to tip around 10-15% of the total bill if a service charge is not already included. However, if the service charge is included, additional tipping is not necessary but still appreciated for exceptional service.
- Tipping hotel staff: Hotel staff, including housekeepers, bellhops, and concierge, appreciate tips for their services. A small tip of around 10-20 EGP per day for housekeeping and 5-10 EGP per bag for porters is common practice.
- Tipping tour guides and drivers: When hiring tour guides, drivers, or other service providers, it’s customary to tip based on the length and quality of the service. For day tours, consider tipping around 50-100 EGP per person for guides and 20-50 EGP for drivers. For longer tours or exceptional service, adjust the tip accordingly.
- Tipping in taxis: While not mandatory, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip of 5-10 EGP is appreciated for taxi rides. If the driver provides assistance with luggage or offers exceptional service, consider tipping more.
- Tipping at attractions: At archaeological sites, museums, and other attractions, it’s customary to tip local guides who provide tours or assistance. A tip of 10-20 EGP per person is common for guided tours, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
- Use discretion: While tipping is appreciated, it’s important to use discretion and avoid over-tipping, especially in situations where service charges are already included. Additionally, tipping should be based on the quality of service received.
- Express gratitude: When giving a tip, it’s polite to express gratitude with a simple “shukran” (thank you) or a smile. This shows appreciation for the service provided and is a respectful gesture in Egyptian culture.
for trips: Cairo Day Trip by private car
By following these tips and respecting local customs, you can ensure that your gestures of appreciation are well-received and contribute positively to your interactions with service providers in Egypt.
