Tipping in Egypt, known as “baksheesh,” is a common practice that can be confusing for tourists. This guide focuses specifically on How Much To Tip Egyptian Tour Guides, offering insights into appropriate amounts and best practices to ensure a positive experience for both you and your guide.
Currency Considerations: USD, Euros, or Egyptian Pounds?
While tipping in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) was traditionally recommended, the fluctuating economic situation in Egypt has shifted preferences. Many people now prefer receiving tips in US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR). However, it’s always best to ask your tour guide, driver, or representative their preferred currency. This shows respect and ensures your tip is well-received.
Alt text: A traveler holding a handful of Egyptian pounds, illustrating the local currency used for tipping in Egypt.
The Problem with $1 Bills and Coins
Avoid tipping with foreign coins. They are difficult to exchange. Similarly, $1 USD bills are often problematic.
Currency exchange offices in Egypt generally do not accept $1 USD bills. This leaves recipients unable to readily convert them to local currency. While tipping with a $1 bill is better than no tip at all, it’s preferable to find alternatives. Try to obtain smaller EGP denominations from kiosks, your hotel, or even your tour guide for tipping purposes. If someone approaches you trying to exchange $1 bills for larger denominations or local currency, consider helping them out if you have the means.
Tipping Etiquette: Specific Scenarios for Tour Guides
Let’s delve into the specifics of tipping tour guides in Egypt:
- General Guideline: Base your tip on the quality of service provided.
- Average Service: A good starting point is $15 USD per day for an average level of service.
- Exceptional Service: For longer tours or truly outstanding service, consider tipping up to $30 USD per day.
- Group Size: These amounts are suitable for groups of five or fewer people. For larger groups, a general guideline is to tip around $5 USD per person.
Alt text: An Egyptian tour guide explaining the history of the Saqqara step pyramid to tourists, showcasing a typical tour group setting where tipping is customary.
- Timing: Tip tour guides at the end of your time with them or at the end of each day. You can simply ask them their preference.
- Group Tipping: It’s preferable for the group to pool their tips rather than each person tipping individually.
- Presentation: Presenting the tip in an envelope, publicly and with a sincere “thank you,” adds a personal touch and makes it easier for the guide to manage.
Additional Tipping Scenarios in Egypt
While this guide focuses on tour guides, here’s a broader overview of tipping in other common situations:
- Taxis/Transportation: 10-20% for good service (not expected, but appreciated). Tip Uber drivers in cash (EGP) if possible. $5-$15 per day for private drivers.
- Nile Cruises: Treat Nile cruises like hotels. For standard cruises, $10 USD per person per night is a good guideline. For Dahabiya cruises, $20 USD per person per night or more is recommended. Enquire about tipping procedures with your tour leader.
- Restaurants: Many restaurants include a service charge (10-15%). Leave an additional 5-10% in cash for the server, as it’s unclear how much of the service charge they actually receive.
- Hotels: $1 USD (or equivalent in EGP) per day for room cleaners. $1-2 USD per day for smaller hotels. $1 for baggage handlers.
- Meet-and-Assist Representatives: $5-$10 for airport assistance, $10-$15 for airport and hotel check-in assistance, $15-$20 for full-day assistance.
- Miscellaneous: $2-5 per person for short group tours, $5 per person for full-day tours. Small tip to shisha workers. 15-20% for spa services. $1-2 for tourism police escorts. Optional for tomb/temple guards ($1 if they open a tomb for you). $5 if a guard allows you to take photos where it’s prohibited.
Conclusion: Tipping with Confidence
Understanding tipping customs is a vital part of experiencing Egyptian culture. When considering how much to tip Egyptian tour guides, remember to factor in the quality of service, group size, and your own budget. By following these guidelines and showing appreciation for the hard work of your guides, you’ll contribute to a positive and memorable trip for everyone involved. Consider the convenience of preparing an envelope with the group’s contribution, to show gratitude at the end of the tour in each city. This will enable your tour guide to manage their income easily and will add a personal touch to the entire experience.
