Tipping in Egypt can be a bit of a cultural navigation. While it’s not always mandatory, it’s deeply appreciated and often expected in certain situations. For tour guides, knowing how much to tip can enhance their livelihood and ensure you receive excellent service. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of tipping etiquette in Egypt, focusing on tour guides and other common scenarios.
Currency Considerations for Tipping
While Egyptian Pounds (EGP) were traditionally preferred, recent economic shifts have made US Dollars or Euros a more welcome alternative for many. However, it’s always a good idea to politely inquire about your tour guide’s preference. You can easily use a currency converter like Google to determine the appropriate EGP equivalent if you choose to tip in the local currency.
The $1 Bill Dilemma
Avoid tipping with foreign coins at all costs, as they are virtually useless to locals. Similarly, using $1 USD bills is highly discouraged, as Egyptian currency exchange offices typically don’t accept them.
The exception is if you have no other option; tipping something is better than nothing. If you encounter locals trying to exchange $1 bills or foreign coins for larger denominations or EGP, consider helping them out if you have the appropriate currency. You can then use those smaller bills when you return home. If possible, try to get change from smaller shops or your hotel rather than relying on $1 bills for tips.
Tipping Etiquette in Various Situations
Let’s explore common scenarios where tipping is customary in Egypt:
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.
- Public transportation workers: Tipping is not expected for bus/microbus drivers.
- Private drivers (for day trips, transfers, etc.): A tip of $5-$15 per day is appropriate. Tip at the end of each day or the end of your time in a particular city.
- Private boats: Follow similar guidelines as private drivers. $2-5 is good for shorter boat rides.
It’s best to provide tips as a group rather than individually.
Egypt Tour Guides: The Heart of the Matter
The amount you tip your tour guide depends on the quality of service provided. A good starting point is $15 for average service, but you can increase it up to $30 or more for exceptional service, especially for longer tours. These amounts are per day for groups of 5 or fewer. For larger groups, tipping around $5 per person is a reasonable guideline.
Tip your tour guide at the end of your time together or at the end of each day, based on their preference. Again, it’s preferable for the group to offer one collective tip rather than individual contributions. Presenting the tip in an envelope publicly, accompanied by sincere gratitude, adds a personal touch and simplifies the guide’s handling of the gratuity.
Nile Cruises:
- Standard Nile Cruises: Treat a large Nile Cruise like a hotel. Tip cleaning staff and porterage workers. Consider an end-of-cruise group tip, distributed among the staff. A tip of around $10 USD per person per night of the cruise is generally sufficient.
- Dahabiya Nile Cruises: These cruises often have a tip envelope at the end for guests to leave a tip for all staff. I recommend tipping at least $20 USD per person, per night of the cruise. Consult your tour guide or tour leader for specific expectations.
Restaurants:
- Upscale Restaurants: Many include a service charge (10-15%) on the bill. Even with the service charge, leaving an additional 5-10% tip for the server in cash is a nice gesture.
- Casual Restaurants: Rounding up your bill or leaving a small tip (USD $2-3 equivalent) is appreciated but not required.
- Street Vendors/Markets: Tipping is not expected unless you have small EGP coins/bills or choose to round up the bill.
Hotels:
- 5-Star Hotels: Tip room cleaners around $1 USD equivalent in EGP per day, left in a visible location.
- Smaller Hotels: Leave a tip with reception at the end of your stay for the cleaning staff. $1-2 USD per day is a good gesture.
- Baggage Handlers: Tip around $1 USD equivalent for carrying your bags to your room.
- Security/Police: Tipping is not expected.
Meet-and-Assist Representatives:
These individuals ensure smooth transitions at airports and hotels.
- Airport Assistance: Tip $5-$10 for assistance at the airport.
- Airport and Hotel Check-in Assistance: Tip $10-$15.
- Full-Day Assistance: Tip $15 (or up to $20 for exceptional service).
Miscellaneous Scenarios:
-
Shopkeepers/Store Owners: Tipping is not expected unless they provide a specific service or demonstration.
-
Group Tours (walking tours, food tours, etc.): Tip around $2-5 per person for a few hours, or $5 per person for a full-day tour. Aim for a group total of $10-$20 for shorter tours and $20-$30 for full-day tours.
-
Guards at Tombs/Temples: Tipping is optional. If a guard at a remote site opens a tomb, consider tipping around $1 USD equivalent. Avoid tipping guards who follow you around, especially in crowded areas.
-
Photography in Restricted Areas: If a guard allows you to take photos where it’s prohibited, a tip of around $5 USD equivalent is expected. However, it’s generally best to avoid this.
-
Shisha Workers: A small tip (less than $1 USD in local currency) ensures consistent coal replacement.
-
Spa Workers: Tip 15-20% for services like massages and facials.
-
Tourism Police Escorts: Often tipped around $1-2 USD equivalent, typically handled by the tour guide.
Conclusion
Tipping in Egypt is an integral part of the culture and a way to show appreciation for good service. By understanding the local customs and following these guidelines, you can ensure a positive experience for both yourself and those who work hard to make your trip memorable. When it comes to tour guides, remember that a generous tip reflects your satisfaction with their expertise, experience, and dedication to making your Egyptian adventure unforgettable.
