Giving Tips in Egypt: A Guide to Tipping Etiquette
Tipping, or "baksheesh," plays an important cultural role in Egypt. It is widely practiced and expected across various sectors, from restaurants and hotels to local transportation and services. Understanding the tipping customs in Egypt will not only help you show appreciation for good service but also help you navigate the local etiquette with ease. Here's a guide to giving tips in Egypt, ensuring that you're respecting local practices while managing your travel budget.
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Why Tipping is Important in Egypt
In Egypt, tipping is a significant part of workers' incomes, particularly in the tourism and service industries. Many workers rely on tips to supplement their often modest salaries, so tipping is seen as both a gesture of gratitude and a vital means of support. It’s essential to tip for services you receive, but the amounts can vary based on the service, the situation, and the level of satisfaction.
General Tipping Guidelines
Cash Tips:
Always tip in cash. Egyptian pounds (EGP) are the most commonly accepted form of currency for tipping. Although US dollars or euros might be accepted in some tourist areas, it’s best to tip in local currency.Tip Small Amounts:
Tips are typically small amounts, and while they might not seem significant to tourists, they can make a substantial difference to service workers.Don’t Over-tip:
While tipping is important, avoid over-tipping. A reasonable tip for a service should be proportionate to the cost of the service, so you’re helping but not creating a situation where the tip is overwhelming or out of proportion.
How Much to Tip in Various Situations
1. Restaurants and Cafes
Casual Restaurants:
- If a service charge isn’t included in the bill, tipping 10% to 12% of the total bill is customary.
- For smaller, local establishments, 5 to 10 EGP ($0.15 - $0.30) is appreciated for good service.
Upscale Restaurants:
- In higher-end restaurants, tipping 10% to 15% of the bill is standard, especially if the service charge isn’t already added.
2. Hotels
Bellhops/Porters:
- Tip 5 to 10 EGP ($0.15 - $0.30) per bag for bellhops who assist you with your luggage.
- For exceptional service, you might want to tip up to 20 EGP ($0.70).
Housekeeping:
- It’s common to leave 5 to 10 EGP ($0.15 - $0.30) per day for housekeeping staff. If you’re staying for a longer period, consider tipping a bit more.
Concierge Services:
- For arranging tours or assisting with special requests, tipping 20 to 50 EGP ($0.70 - $1.50) is a thoughtful gesture.
3. Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis:
- Taxi drivers typically expect small tips of around 5 to 10 EGP ($0.15 - $0.30), especially if the fare is low.
- If the taxi driver goes above and beyond, such as helping with luggage or offering additional services, you may tip 10 to 20 EGP ($0.30 - $0.70).
Ride-Hailing Services (Uber/Careem):
- While not mandatory, rounding up the fare to the nearest 10 or 20 EGP ($0.30 - $0.70) is a common and appreciated practice.
- For longer rides or exceptional service, consider tipping 10 to 20 EGP ($0.30 - $0.70).
4. Tour Guides and Drivers
Tour Guides:
- If you’re on a guided tour, a tip of 50 to 100 EGP ($1.50 - $3) per day is customary, depending on the quality of the tour. If the tour is private or particularly detailed, you may want to tip more.
Drivers:
- For drivers accompanying you on a day tour or taking you between cities, tipping 20 to 50 EGP ($0.70 - $1.50) per day is appreciated.
5. Other Services
Spa Treatments and Massages:
- For spa therapists or masseuses, tipping 10 to 20% of the total bill is appreciated, particularly for high-quality services. For smaller tips, 20 to 50 EGP ($0.70 - $1.50) is common.
Shops and Souks:
- Tipping shopkeepers is not as common, but you may want to offer a small tip if they provide you with excellent service or help you with bargaining. A tip of 5 to 10 EGP ($0.15 - $0.30) is usually sufficient.
Tipping for Services Not Directly Linked to Payment
In some situations, you may come across people who help you without being formally hired or who perform a service without directly charging you. In such cases, offering a small tip is still appreciated.
Street Performers or Musicians:
- If you stop to watch a street performance or music, a tip of 5 to 20 EGP ($0.15 - $0.70) is a nice gesture.
Public Restroom Attendants:
- Restroom attendants often expect small tips, typically 2 to 5 EGP ($0.10 - $0.15) for keeping the facilities clean.
When Not to Tip
Government Employees:
- It’s important to note that you should avoid tipping government employees or civil servants, such as immigration officers or police officers. Tipping them is not only unnecessary but could be seen as inappropriate or even illegal.
In Restaurants with Service Charge Included:
- In some upscale restaurants, a service charge (typically 12%) is already included in the bill. If this is the case, additional tipping is not required, but leaving a small token amount of 5 to 10 EGP ($0.15 - $0.30) is still appreciated for good service.
Conclusion
Tipping in Egypt is an essential part of the culture, and offering a small amount for good service goes a long way in showing appreciation for the efforts of local workers. By understanding the local customs and giving tips where appropriate, you’ll not only contribute to the local economy but also build positive relationships with the people who make your visit memorable. Always keep small change or Egyptian pounds on hand for tipping, and don’t hesitate to reward exceptional service with a little extra.
