Tipping in Egypt
Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture and expected in almost every service interaction.
Tipping mandatoryRestaurants
Leave 10-15% even if service charge is on the bill, as it may not reach staff.
Taxis & Rideshare
Round up generously; agree on price before riding.
Hotels
Tip housekeeping, porters (10-20 EGP per bag), and door staff.
Tour Guides
Per person for day tours; more for private guides.
Bars & Cafes
Tip 10% on drinks in tourist bars and hotels.
General Tipping Guidelines
When visiting Egypt, tipping customs may differ from what you're used to. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- ✓Check if a service charge is already included on your bill before tipping extra.
- ✓When in doubt, observe what locals do or ask your hotel concierge for advice.
- ✓Keep small bills and coins in the local currency handy for tipping situations.
- ✓For exceptional service, a small tip is almost universally appreciated even in non-tipping cultures.
- ✓Tip in local currency whenever possible — foreign coins and small bills are hard for staff to exchange.
Quick Reference
- Currency:Egyptian Pound (E£)
- Recommended cash:500-1,500 EGP per day