Tipping in Egypt, particularly in a bustling city like Cairo, can be a bit of a cultural puzzle for first-time visitors. This guide breaks down the nuances of tipping etiquette, focusing specifically on How Much To Tip Tour Guides In Cairo, ensuring you navigate this aspect of your trip with confidence and respect.
Whether you’re exploring the iconic pyramids of Giza or delving into the vibrant markets of Old Cairo, understanding tipping customs will enhance your experience and show appreciation for the services provided.
Currency Considerations: USD, Euros, or Egyptian Pounds?
While Egyptian Pounds (EGP) were traditionally the preferred currency for tipping, recent economic shifts have made US Dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR) increasingly desirable. Due to Egypt’s challenges in obtaining foreign currency, many individuals now prefer receiving tips in USD or EUR. However, it’s always a good idea to ask your tour guide, driver, or representative their preference.
Egyptian Pounds, the local currency, are accepted but USD or EUR might be preferred.
Of course, tipping in EGP is still perfectly acceptable. Use a currency converter (Google is a reliable tool) to determine the equivalent amount in Egyptian Pounds for the tip you wish to give.
The $1 Bill Dilemma: To Tip or Not To Tip?
While seemingly convenient, avoid tipping with US dollar coins or $1 USD bills. These are often difficult for locals to exchange at Egyptian currency exchange offices. Egyptians holding these small denominations often approach tourists to exchange them for local currency or larger bills, as they can’t readily use them.
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is trying to exchange small USD bills or coins, consider helping them out if you have the equivalent in EGP. You can then take those $1 bills back home and use them.
Tipping with $1 bills is better than not tipping at all, but it’s preferable to obtain smaller denominations of EGP from kiosks, your hotel, or your tour guide.
Tipping in Specific Scenarios: A Detailed Breakdown
Here’s a guide to tipping in various situations you might encounter in Cairo:
Taxis/Transportation:
- Taxi/Uber drivers: 10-20% for good service (not expected, but appreciated). Aim to pay Uber drivers in cash (EGP) as Uber’s payout schedule can cause financial strain.
- Public transportation: Not customary to tip bus/microbus drivers.
- Private drivers (day trips, Cairo to Siwa): $5-$15 per day, tipped at the end of each day or at the end of your time together in a particular city.
- Private boats: $2-5 for shorter rides.
- Tip drivers as a group, not individually.
Tour Guides:
This is where the central question of how much to tip tour guides in Cairo comes into play.
- Base tip: $15 for average service per day for groups of 5 or fewer. Increase to $30 for exceptional service. For larger groups, consider around $5 per person.
- Tip at the end of your time with them or at the end of each day, based on their preference.
- Tip as a group, not individually.
- Presenting the tip in an envelope, publicly, with a heartfelt “Thank You” adds a personal touch.
A knowledgeable tour guide enhances your experience, making a generous tip worthwhile.
Nile Cruises:
- Large Nile Cruises: Treat like a hotel; tip cleaning staff and porters. A collective tip at the end, distributed among the staff, is common. Aim for around $10 USD per person per night.
- Dahabiya Nile Cruises: Tip envelope at the end for all staff. A minimum of $20 USD per person per night is recommended. Consult your tour guide or leader for specific expectations.
Restaurants:
- Nicer restaurants: Often include a 10-15% service charge.
- Even with a service charge, leave an additional 5-10% of the bill in cash for the server.
- Small, informal restaurants: Round up or leave a small tip (USD $2-3 equivalent) as a kind gesture, but it is not expected.
- Street vendors/markets: Not customary, unless you have small EGP coins or bills, or round up the bill.
Hotels:
- Room cleaners (5-star hotels): $1 USD equivalent in EGP per day.
- Smaller hotels: $1-2 USD per day left with reception for cleaning staff.
- Baggage handlers: $1 USD equivalent.
- Security guards/police officers: Not customary.
Meet-and-Assist Representatives:
- Airport assistance: $5-$10.
- Airport and hotel check-in assistance: $10-$15.
- Full-day assistance: $15 (up to $20 for exceptional service).
Miscellaneous Situations:
- Shopkeepers/store owners: Not customary, unless they provide a specific service.
- One-off group tours (street food, walking tours): $2-5 per person for a few hours, $5 per person for a full day. Aim for a total group tip of $10-$20 or $20-$30 respectively.
- Guards at ancient sites: Optional. $1 USD equivalent at remote sites that don’t see many tourists. Not necessary at popular sites with many guards.
- Photography in restricted tombs: $5 USD equivalent (not recommended due to illegality).
- Shisha workers: Small tip (less than $1 USD in local currency) for replacing coals.
- Spa workers: 15-20% for services like massages.
- Tourism police escorts: $1-2 USD equivalent, often handled by the tour guide.
Final Thoughts on Tipping Tour Guides in Cairo
Navigating the tipping culture in Cairo requires a bit of understanding and preparation. By understanding the nuances of when, how, and how much to tip tour guides in Cairo and other service providers, you can ensure a smooth and respectful travel experience. Remember to factor in the level of service provided and adjust your tips accordingly.
