Tipping, or “baksheesh” as it’s sometimes called, is a common practice in Egypt. Understanding when and how much to tip can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial part of showing appreciation for good service and navigating the local culture. This guide focuses specifically on How Much To Tip A Guide In Egypt, along with other relevant tipping scenarios, ensuring a smooth and respectful travel experience.
Alt text: A collection of Egyptian pound notes and coins, illustrating the local currency used for tipping and transactions.
Currency Considerations: USD, Euros, or Egyptian Pounds?
While it was previously recommended to tip in Egyptian Pounds (EGP), the current economic situation in Egypt has shifted preferences. Many Egyptians now prefer receiving tips in US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR) due to the challenges the country faces in obtaining foreign currency. However, individual preferences vary, so don’t hesitate to ask your tour guide, driver, or representative what they prefer.
Of course, tipping in local currency is still perfectly acceptable. Use a currency converter (Google is a convenient tool) to determine the equivalent amount in EGP.
Important Note: Avoid tipping with foreign coins. They cannot be exchanged at Egyptian banks or currency exchange offices. While tipping with $1 USD bills is better than not tipping at all, they also pose an exchange challenge for locals. If you see someone trying to exchange $1 bills or coins, offering EGP in exchange can be a helpful gesture.
Tipping Etiquette in Different Scenarios
Let’s delve into specific situations to clarify tipping practices in Egypt.
Note: The amounts below are listed in USD for clarity, as currency values in Egypt fluctuate. Use a quick Google search (e.g., “20 USD to EGP”) to get the current exchange rate.
Taxis and Transportation
- Taxi/Uber drivers: Tipping 10-20% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. Try to pay Uber drivers in cash (EGP) whenever possible, as Uber’s payment schedule can cause financial strain.
- Public transportation workers: Tipping bus/microbus drivers is not customary.
- Private drivers (day trips, intercity travel): A tip of $5-$15 per day is expected. Tip at the end of each day, unless advised otherwise by your tour guide or representative.
- Private boat rentals: Similar to drivers, tip $2-5 for shorter rides.
- Group tipping: It’s best to pool tips rather than each person tipping individually.
Tour Guides: How Much to Tip a Guide in Egypt
This is the primary focus. The amount you tip your tour guide depends on the quality of service provided.
- Starting point: $15 per day for average service is a good base.
- Excellent service: Tip up to $30 or more, depending on the length of the tour and the guide’s performance.
- Larger groups: For groups larger than 5, tipping around $5 per person per day is appropriate.
- Timing: Tip at the end of your time with the guide, or at the end of each day, based on their preference.
- Group tipping: As with drivers, pool tips as a group.
- Presentation: Presenting the tip in an envelope with a heartfelt “Thank You” adds a personal touch and makes it easier for the guide to manage.
Alt text: An Egyptian tour guide enthusiastically pointing out details of the Giza Pyramids to a group of tourists, emphasizing the importance of knowledgeable guides.
Nile Cruises
- Large Nile cruises: Treat them like hotels. Tip cleaning staff and porters.
- End-of-cruise tipping: There may be a collective tipping option. Consult your tour guide for specifics. Generally, $10 USD per person per night is sufficient.
- Dahabiya Nile cruises: A tip envelope is usually provided. Aim for at least $20 USD per person per night. Again, ask your guide for recommendations.
Restaurants
- Service charge: Many upscale restaurants include a 10-15% service charge.
- Additional tip: Even with a service charge, leaving 5-10% in cash for the server is a kind gesture, as it’s uncertain how much of the service charge reaches them.
- Informal restaurants: Rounding up or leaving a small tip ($2-3 equivalent) is appreciated but not expected.
- Street vendors/markets: Tipping is not customary unless you have small change or round up the bill.
Hotels
- Room cleaners (5-star hotels): $1 USD equivalent in EGP per day, left in a visible spot.
- Smaller hotels: Leave a tip with reception at the end of your stay, designated for housekeeping. $1-2 USD per day is a nice gesture.
- Porters: Tip around $1 equivalent for carrying bags.
- Other hotel staff: Tipping security guards or police officers is not customary.
Meet-and-Assist Representatives
These individuals streamline your arrival and departure processes.
- Airport assistance: $5-$10.
- Airport and hotel check-in assistance: $10-$15.
- Full-day assistance: $15-$20 (or more for exceptional service).
Miscellaneous Scenarios
- Shopkeepers/store owners: Tipping is not customary unless they provide a specific service.
- One-off group tours (food tours, walking tours): $2-5 per person for a few hours, $5 per person for a full day. The group total should be between $10-$20 or $20-$30, respectively.
- Guards at ancient sites: Optional, but appreciated at less-visited sites (around $1 USD equivalent). Avoid tipping guards who follow you or are stationed at major sites.
- Photography in tombs: If a guard allows photography where it’s prohibited, a $5 USD equivalent tip is expected (though discouraged).
- Shisha workers: A small tip (less than $1 USD) ensures prompt service.
- Spa workers: 15-20% is expected for services like massages.
- Tourism police escorts: Usually tipped around $1-2 USD equivalent, often handled by the tour guide.
Conclusion
Understanding how much to tip a guide in Egypt and in other common situations enhances your travel experience and shows respect for local customs. Remember to consider the quality of service, the size of your group, and the specific situation. By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the world of “baksheesh” and contribute positively to the Egyptian economy.
