Tipping in Egypt: How to deal with it

Tipping in Egypt is an essential part of the culture, and understanding the tipping customs is crucial for travelers visiting this country. Egyptians have a long history of hospitality, and tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service. Tipping in Egypt is not mandatory, but it is customary, and the amount varies depending on the service provided. Knowing the appropriate amount to tip is essential to avoid over or under-tipping.

Tipping in Egypt is essential for several reasons. It’s a way of showing gratitude to those who provide good service and supporting those in the service industry. Most people working in the service industry in Egypt rely heavily on tips to supplement their income, and tipping ensures that they are adequately compensated for their work. Additionally, tipping in Egypt can lead to better service, as workers are likelier to go above and beyond for those who tip well.

This article aims to provide travelers to Egypt with a comprehensive guide to tipping in Egypt. We’ll cover the appropriate amount to tip for various services, common tipping mistakes to avoid, and cultural considerations when tipping. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand the tipping culture in Egypt and be better prepared to show your appreciation for good service.

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Tipping Guidelines in Egypt

Regarding tipping in Egypt, there are some general guidelines to follow, depending on the type of service you receive. Let’s take a closer look at the tipping guidelines for various services:

Tipping in Restaurants

When dining in a restaurant in Egypt, it’s customary to leave a tip for the server. The standard server tip percentage is 10-15% of the total bill, and if the service is exceptional, you could leave a higher percentage. For buffet-style restaurants, it’s recommended to tip around 5-10% of the total bill, depending on the level of service. Additionally, if you’re ordering takeout or delivery, you must tip the driver around 10-15% of the total bill.

Tipping in Hotels

When staying in a hotel in Egypt, it’s common to leave a tip for the staff who provide various services. Going around 10-15 Egyptian pounds per day of your stay is recommended for the housekeeping staff. For luggage handlers and bellhops, it’s customary to tip about 5-10 Egyptian pounds per bag. Leaving around 10-15% of the total bill as a tip is recommended for room service.

Tipping Tour Guides

When taking a tour in Egypt, it’s customary to leave a tip for the tour guide and driver. The standard tip percentage for tour guides is around 10-15% of the total cost of the tour. For drivers, it’s recommended to tip about 5-10% of the total cost of the tour, depending on the level of service.

Tipping Taxi Drivers

When taking a taxi in Egypt, leaving a tip for the driver is customary. The standard tip percentage for taxi drivers is around 10-15% of the total fare. If you’re using ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem, it’s recommended to tip about 5-10% of the total fare, depending on the level of service.

By following these tipping guidelines, you can show appreciation for good service while respecting local customs and traditions. Remember, tipping in Egypt is not mandatory but a way of showing gratitude for those who provide excellent service.

Tips for Tipping in Egypt

• Exchange your money for the local currency (Egyptian Pounds) as the Egyptians prefer local cash.
• Always keep Egyptian pounds, 1, 5, and 10, in your pocket, as you will need them repeatedly.
• If you cannot exchange currency, it is preferable to use US Dollars as it is more acceptable than other currencies.
• After receiving the service, you must tip, like receiving your bags in a hotel or cruise room.
• On the Nile Cruise, the tip is collectively listed on the last night of the cruise journey before Check-out in an envelope for the receptionist or in the tip box dedicated for this, and don’t forget
• to write the cabin number on the envelope.
• It’s considered polite to discreetly insist on the person who declines a tip once or twice.
• You don’t need to tip every person who asks for it. You can list if the service is good and you are suitably satisfied.
• If you don’t like the service, you don’t need to tip.

Remember that Egypt has many vendors trying to sell you stuff, so if you don’t want to buy it, don’t be afraid to say “La Shukran” (meaning No thanks!) to avoid them.

However, with low prices, Egypt is an excellent place to visit, so tipping will not negatively affect your trip to Egypt.

Important notes:

• Tipping exists in Egypt, but it is not mandatory, although expected.
• The restaurant charges the service fee on the invoice, which is currently 12% in Egypt; you are not asked to pay a tip on top of the invoice.
• Ask your Guide about the value of tips for services you think to deserve a tip.

How to Determine the Right Amount to Tip

Determining the right amount to tip can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local customs. However, there are several factors you can consider when deciding how much to tip in Egypt.

Factors to Consider

Quality of Service: The quality of service you receive can be a significant factor in determining the tip amount. You might want to tip more than you would for average or poor service if you received excellent service.

Level of Hospitality: The level of hospitality you receive can also impact the tip amount. For example, you may want to tip more if you receive personalized services, such as being greeted with a smile or complimentary drinks.

Personal Budget: Your budget can also play a role in determining the tip amount. If you’re on a tight budget, you may not be able to tip as much as you would like.

Examples of Tipping Scenarios

Fine Dining: For fine dining restaurants in Egypt, it’s customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill. If you received exceptional service or were impressed with the level of hospitality, you may want to tip more.

Casual Dining: For casual dining restaurants in Egypt, it’s recommended to tip around 10% of the total bill. However, you can leave a higher tip if you receive exceptional service.
Hotel Stays: When staying in a hotel in Egypt, you should tip the housekeeping staff around 10-15 Egyptian pounds per day. For luggage handlers and bellhops, it’s customary to tip around 5-10 Egyptian pounds per bag. Leaving about 10-15% of the total bill as a tip is recommended for room service.

Tours: When taking a tour in Egypt, it’s customary to leave a tip for the tour guide and driver. The standard tip percentage for tour guides is around 10-15% of the total cost of the tour. For drivers, it’s recommended to tip about 5-10% of the total cost of the tour, depending on the level of service.

Taxis: When taking a taxi in Egypt, it’s recommended to tip the driver around 10-15% of the total fare. If you’re using ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem, you should tip around 5-10% of the total fare.

Considering these factors, you can determine the right amount to tip in various scenarios in Egypt. Remember, tipping is a way to show gratitude for good service, but it’s not mandatory. Tipping should be based on your discretion and budget.

Tipping in Egypt: When not to tip?

In general, the decision to tip is entirely up to you. Do not hesitate to refuse if you feel that exchanging money in a given situation is inappropriate or if someone urges you to pay. Below are some cases where tipping is not necessary or appropriate:

• In return for information about the department or in response to any request. You will likely meet people who will refuse any money to help you find your way, and this is what we call Egyptian hospitality.
• If someone asks you to pay for something, you didn’t ask for.
• Watch the meter and refuse if the driver asks for more in a taxi. If there is no meter, agree on a price before boarding the car.

We hope this Guide will answer some of your questions about Tipping in Egypt. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions. The most important thing is that you enjoy every moment in Egypt!