Tipping, or baksheesh, is a common practice in Egypt and is considered a way to show appreciation for good service. It’s important to note that while tipping is not mandatory, it is expected in many situations, and it’s a good idea to carry small bills and change for this purpose.
Here are some standard tipping practices in Egypt:
- Tour guides: Tipping your tour guide at the end of your tour is customary. The amount will depend on the length of the tour and the level of service provided, but a good rule of thumb is around 10-20% of the total cost of the tour.
- Hotel staff: Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeeping, is familiar. A small tip of 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day is appropriate.
- Drivers: If you hire a driver, it’s customary to tip them at the end of your trip. The amount will depend on the length of the journey and the level of service provided, but a good rule of thumb is around 50-100 Egyptian pounds per day.
- Restaurants: It’s common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants. Some restaurants may include a service charge on the bill, so check before tipping.
In summary, tipping or baksheesh is a common practice in Egypt, and it’s important to have small bills and changes on hand. The amount to tip will depend on the service provided. Still, as a general rule, a tip of 10-20% of the total cost is appropriate for tours and restaurants, while smaller tips of 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day are appropriate for hotel staff and drivers.