Tipping in Egypt: A Guide to Tip & Who Deserves

Tipping in Egypt is a common practice and an essential part of the culture, especially for tourists. Understanding tipping in Egypt for tourists ensures you’re prepared to navigate local customs with ease. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much to tip in Egypt all-inclusive resorts or keeping up with tipping in Egypt 2025 trends, this guide provides everything you need. From the tradition of “baksheesh” to specific guidelines on how much to tip in Egypt in US dollars, you’ll find all the answers here.

This guide will help you feel confident about tipping during your trip, whether at historical sites, monuments, or day trips. Discover the best Egypt vacation packages and unforgettable Nile cruises tailored to your travel dreams. Explore ancient wonders, sail along the majestic Nile, and enjoy expertly crafted tours for an extraordinary Egyptian adventure.

Key Takeaways:

• Get to know the cultural importance of tipping, also known as “baksheesh,” in Egyptian society.
• Understand how much to tip in Egypt all-inclusive, day trips, and other scenarios.
• Learn specific guidelines for tipping in Egypt for tourists, including tipping tour guides, Nile cruise staff, hotel workers, and restaurant servers.
• Explore tipping etiquette for historical sites, monuments, and transportation services like taxi drivers and airport transfers.
• Find out the best practices for tipping in Egypt 2025 and when using US dollars for gratuities.

Importance of Tipping in Egyptian Society

Tipping in Egypt, often referred to as “baksheesh,” plays a vital role in daily life. It’s more than just a kind gesture—it’s a cultural norm and a significant source of income for many workers. If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, understanding the tipping culture can enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals.

Why Tipping Is Essential in Egypt

Tipping reflects both hospitality and economic realities. Service workers in Egypt, including hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides, often rely on tips as a major part of their earnings. Your small contribution not only shows gratitude but also supports their livelihoods.

Common Scenarios for Tipping in Egypt

Here’s a breakdown of where tipping is expected and how much to give:

• Hotels and Resorts: Tip housekeeping (20–50 EGP per day), bellhops (10–20 EGP per bag), and concierge staff for their assistance.
• Restaurants and Cafés: Leave an extra 10–15% of the bill, even if a service charge is included. This ensures the waitstaff directly benefits.
• Tours and Guides: Tour guides and drivers generally expect tips, with 500–700 EGP for guides and 50–100 EGP for drivers being common.
• Everyday Services: For restroom attendants, porters, and small favors, tipping 5–10 EGP is appreciated.

What Currency to Use for Tipping in Egypt

While Egyptian pounds (EGP) are the most convenient and widely accepted, small amounts of foreign currency like USD, EUR, or GBP are also welcomed, especially in tourist hubs. If tipping in foreign currency, ensure the notes are in good condition and small denominations.

Pro Tips for Tipping in Egypt

• Carry Change: Always have small bills or coins ready for tips. This prevents awkward moments and keeps the process hassle-free.
• Be Consistent: Tipping generously is appreciated, but you don’t need to overdo it. A small, thoughtful tip is enough.
• Pair Gratitude with Kindness: Saying “shukran” (thank you) when tipping leaves a positive impression.

Tipping in Egypt for Tour Guides

Tipping tour guides is an essential part of the travel experience in Egypt, as it reflects your appreciation for their knowledge and efforts in making your trip memorable. Many travelers wonder how much to tip a tour guide in Egypt—a fair amount typically ranges between $50 to $70 per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour.

If you’re also curious about how much to tip a driver in Egypt, $5 to $10 per day is considered appropriate for private drivers who assist with transportation during your trip.

For those staying in resorts, knowing how much to tip in Egypt all-inclusive accommodations is equally important, as gratuities for hotel staff usually range from $1 to $5 per service. Learning how to tip in Egypt is straightforward: tips can be handed directly to the individual, placed in an envelope, or included in a gratuity pool. The Egypt tipping guide suggests that small tips go a long way in showing gratitude, especially for those working tirelessly behind the scenes.

When it comes to tipping in Egypt tour guide services, understanding how much is a good tip in Egypt ensures you recognize the guide’s effort in enhancing your experience at historical sites and attractions. For clarity, many travelers rely on an Egypt tip tour guide to navigate tipping practices effectively. Whether you’re tipping hotel staff, drivers, or guides, following these guidelines helps create a respectful and enjoyable journey.

Tipping Guidelines for Tour Guides in Egypt

Tipping for Multi-Day Tours or Nile Cruises

Nile Cruise Tipping

Tipping is an essential part of the experience on a Nile cruise, reflecting appreciation for the service provided by the crew and staff. When it comes to tipping in Egypt during your cruise, it’s important to follow local customs to ensure fair compensation.

For tipping tour guides in Egypt, a standard amount is around $10–20 per person, per day, depending on the length of the cruise and the quality of service. If you’re wondering how much should I tip in Egypt for other services, it’s common to give $5–10 per person, per day for cabin attendants and waiters.

Recommended Gratuities for Cruise Staff

For those traveling on a Nile cruise, recommended gratuities for cruise staff are an important part of showing appreciation for the hard work and service provided throughout your journey.

It is common practice to tip the crew, which typically includes your cabin attendant, waiters, and other support staff. A daily tip of $5–10 per person, per day is the general guideline for each member of the crew.

You have the flexibility to give these tips either at the end of your cruise or throughout your trip, depending on your preference. Offering tips in this manner not only rewards excellent service but also aligns with the local tipping culture in Egypt, where gratuities are an important source of income for many in the service industry. By following these recommendations, you contribute to a positive experience for both yourself and the crew, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable Nile cruise.

Hotel Tipping in Egypt

When you stay at hotels in Egypt, knowing how to tip hotel staff in Egypt is key to showing appreciation for the services you receive. Tipping in Egypt is a significant part of the local culture, and your tips will be very welcome.

For example, bellhops and porters, who assist with luggage, typically expect 5–10 EGP per bag, depending on how much they help.

If they go above and beyond, you may consider tipping a bit more. For housekeeping, it’s customary to leave 10–20 EGP per day, which can be placed in your room or handed directly to the staff. Understanding these recommended tips helps you navigate tipping in Egypt smoothly, ensuring that the hotel staff feels valued and you enjoy a pleasant stay.

Restaurant Tipping in Egypt

When dining out in Egypt, understanding the local restaurant tipping customs is essential to ensuring a smooth experience. Tipping at restaurants in Egypt usually involves leaving around 10–12% of the total bill, which covers both food and drinks. However, many restaurants include a service charge of 10–15% already added to your bill. If this is the case, you can check if the charge is already included before adding an additional tip.

If there’s no service charge, you can calculate your tip based on the total amount. For example, if your bill is 200 Egyptian pounds and you choose to tip 12%, you would leave a tip of 24 pounds (200 x 0.12). It’s also a nice gesture to round up the total amount, which can be appreciated by the staff. By following these tipping guidelines in Egypt, you show gratitude for the excellent service and keep the tradition of tipping alive in the country.

Tipping for Transportation Services

When traveling in Egypt, tipping for transportation services is an essential part of the journey, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. For taxi drivers, it’s customary to tip around 10–15% of the fare. This small gesture shows appreciation for the driver’s service, whether you’re just getting to your destination or being dropped off. It’s common to either round up the fare or add a bit extra to the total.

For airport transfers, which include shuttles or private cars, a tip of 10–15% of the fare is also appropriate. Drivers often assist with luggage and ensure a smooth ride to and from the airport, making it a thoughtful gesture to show your appreciation. Tipping in Egypt for transportation services is a key part of the local culture and a great way to support the community while enhancing your travel experience.

Tipping in Egypt for Shopping and Souvenirs

When shopping for souvenirs in Egypt, it’s important to understand the local tipping customs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Baksheesh, a small payment for services or favors, plays a significant role in the tipping culture in Egypt. Vendors may request baksheesh, and it’s customary to give a tip of 5–10 Egyptian pounds (EGP), especially when they assist you or provide helpful information.

Tipping Guidelines for Shopping in Egypt

Tips for Shopping in Egypt

Tipping Scenarios for Shopping

Tipping at Historical Sites and Monuments

Exploring Egypt’s rich history and culture is an exciting experience. Knowing how to tip at iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza and ancient temples such as Karnak and Luxor will enhance your visit and show respect for the guides who make these historical treasures come to life.

Tour Guides at Pyramids and Temples

Tour guides are essential at historical sites in Egypt. They provide deep insights into the history, culture, and significance of places like the Pyramids and temples. Here’s how you can show appreciation for their hard work:

• For a private or small group tour, a tip of $5–10 USD per person is generally expected.
• For a larger group tour, $3–5 USD per person is appropriate.
• If your tour guide goes above and beyond, offering exceptional insights or personalized experiences, consider tipping more, such as $10–15 USD per person.

The amount you tip depends on the quality of the tour and your satisfaction with the guide’s services. These tip ranges are suggestions, and you can adjust based on the level of service provided.

By following these recommendations, you’ll show your gratitude for the tour guide’s effort and expertise.

Tipping your tour guide at Egypt’s historical sites is a meaningful gesture of appreciation. It helps acknowledge the hard work and passion of the guides, who enrich your visit by sharing their knowledge. By following these tipping guidelines, you’ll make your experience at Egypt’s famous monuments even more memorable.

Tipping Summary for Sites

Tipping Guidelines at Historical Sites and Monuments