Tipping in Egypt: a guide’s honest answer
Who to tip, how much, and how to stop worrying about baksheesh.
K
Karim Mansour
3 min read
Tipping — baksheesh — is part of everyday life in Egypt, and for many people in tourism it is a real part of their income. It is also the thing visitors worry about most. Here is how I explain it to my guests.
Carry small notes
Keep a stack of small Egyptian pound notes separate from your wallet. Most awkward moments happen because someone only has a large note.
Who usually gets a tip
- Restaurant staff: around 10% on top of the service charge, if you were happy.
- Drivers and felucca captains: a tip at the end of the day or the trip.
- Site guardians who unlock a chamber or show you a hidden relief: a small tip, only if you asked them to.
- Toilet attendants: a few pounds.
- Your guide: never expected, always appreciated. Give what the day was worth to you.
It is fine to say no
If someone offers “help” you did not ask for, a polite la, shukran (no, thank you) is enough. On my tours I handle the small tips along the way, so you can just enjoy the day.
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