Tipping in Egypt: Etiquette Advice from a Local

The tipping culture in Egypt can be summed up by the word ‘Backsheesh’. While travelling through Egypt, you’re likely to hear this word just about everywhere. Backsheesh is something common and not just expected of tourists, but from locals as well.

The common complaint you hear from tourists upon their return from Egypt is how you are constantly approached or expected to give tips. It can be extremely overwhelming, but understanding who to tip, how much and most importantly WHY can help make your experience better.

You’re most likely to encounter these types of tipping situations in Egypt;

• It’s expected and in a normal setting for tips (restaurants, hotels..)
• It’s a small service and it’s local etiquette to tip, that foreigners may not know about (shisha, parking..)
• It feels like a fee (you won’t get your service if you don’t pay)
• You’ve had a kind helpful stranger and want to tip (and they refuse!)

There’s a thin line between a bribe and backsheesh and sometimes it can be hard to tell which you’re paying for. Less of a concern for a tourist, but in daily Egyptian life is a reality.

My wonderful Egyptian husband, who has lived in Cairo for most of his life, kindly agreed to give his local perspective on what the tipping culture and etiquette is like in Egypt. So thank you honey for the tips!

Why is it important to tip and why do many people seem to expect it?

Egypt’s economy is in a difficult place. If you’re not aware, in 2016 the Egyptian pound suffered a major devaluation, dropping almost 50% in value. The EGP went from about 8.8 EGP for every 1 USD to 15 EGP. Even still in 2019, the rate as of May was almost 17 EGP for 1 USD, and inflation remains high (so you’ll find the most accurate tipping amounts here, post inflation). The cost of living has significantly increased while wages have remained relatively stagnant. Given this, the existing middle class is vanishing and the lower working class is growing. Which is why you’ll see many people offering their services for things you’d never imagine just to gain 1 EGP to help sustain their families, whether it’s assisting with parking or bagging groceries.

Backsheesh is not just a transaction it’s a way of living, it’s a breathing culture, and it’s a way of showing appreciation. If someone has given you good service, then feel free to say thanks in the form of a tip. But in the same vein, don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of, we’ll talk more about where you should expect to tip and how much.

What currency to tip in – Egyptian Pounds, Dollars or Euros?

In most cases it’s best to tip in EGP. However, in the event that you’ve run out of small bills and have your own currency (preferably USD or EURO bills, don’t give coins!), and tip using that instead, you will bring a huge smile to their face! My tipping advice will be in EGP below with an approximate USD conversion as of May 2019 with 1 USD being about 17 EGP.

Tipping in hotels in Egypt

Bellman/Porter: 20 EGP ($1.20 USD)

As with any hotel, anywhere in the world, you provide a tip for the bellman on their arrival with your bags. If you’re at a nicer place (like these hotels in Cairo) or travelling for a special occasion, if you’re a bit more generous in your tip, it will go a long way! We stayed at the incredible Marriott Mena House (just one of the amazing pyramid view hotels to chose from) and they went above and beyond. We went for our wedding and arrived to a beautiful congratulatory cake and decorations because we were extra friendly with the porter.

Housekeeping: 20 to 30 EGP/day ($1.20 to $1.76 USD)

You can either leave a small tip everyday, or leave the full amount on the last day. Some hotels have an envelope where you can leave a tip afterwards for the staff, so that may be an option as well.

Tipping in restaurants in Egypt

Waiters: depends on spend, usually 10% of bill

Most restaurants will have about a 12% service charge included and then tax additional if applicable. In most cases the service charge goes to the restaurant, so you are expected to tip above the charge.

Minimum Charges

One thing to be aware of is the fact that some touristic restaurants will set a minimum charge amount, so just be aware if this does come up. This will typically be something like 150 EGP or ~$9 USD.

Shisha: 5 to 20 EGP ($0.3 – $1.20 USD)

One thing you may not know, is that if you’re having shisha, you’re expected to leave a tip for the shisha guy (the one usually swinging the pale of coal that keeps your shisha lit!). If you’re in a very local area 5 EGP is suffice, if it’s a bit more touristy, closer to 20 EGP.

Tipping tour guides in Egypt

Tour guides: 80-100 EGP/ full day ($4.7 – $5.8 USD)

Depending on how good your guide has been and how many days you’ve been with them, you may want to tip on the higher scale of the range. We went on a 4-day Nile cruise (highly recommend this experience!!) just last year and tipped about 100/day. You can tip half the suggested amount above if you’re doing a half day tour.

Tipping taxis in Egypt

Taxi driver: not necessary to tip

Today people use Uber and Careem a lot, and it’s not common to tip. If the driver goes above and beyond (like in this case when he went sightseeing with his passenger) then feel free to tip accordingly.

Unexpected places to tip in Egypt:

Tipping in washrooms in Egypt

Particularly at rest stops, they will have a sign for a toilet entrance fee of usually 1 EGP. Or before you go to do your business, some washroom attendants will give you tissues, with the the expectation of money in return. Unless it’s an entrance fee, it’s not mandatory to tip, but if you have spare coins and it’s a clean washroom then you may feel inclined to give a tip.

Tipping for pictures in Egypt

Come to terms with this before your trip, a lot of people will ask to take your photo and then ask for money. Many of these people may be dressed up as guards or police and not be legitimate. Other times, people will go out of their way and do a photo session for you! We’ve had people spend lots of time with us, telling us about the history of the place and if this is the case and you feel they’ve gone above and beyond, you can tip. Be wary though of people who take one picture and ask for a tip.

Tipping with a car in Egypt

Parking: 1 EGP ($0.05 USD)

If you are a brave soul and you’ve chosen to rent a car, you’ll likely need help parking it. These unofficial parking attendants (or Saeez) will help guide you either on where to find a spot, watch your car or help give you instructions when parking in difficult spots. These can be adults or children in many cases.

Gas Stations: 1 to 3 EGP ($0.05 to $0.18 USD)

Gas station attendants don’t make a salary and their income is solely based on tips. Many of them rent the spot and can actually make decent livings on the tips they earn.

How do you hand someone a tip in Egypt, is there a special way?

It’s best not to be obvious about it, or to announce it in any way. Fold the bill and put it in your hand to be given in a handshake. It’s nice to give thanks and as you pass your hand, mention it’s a small appreciation for their efforts. In some cases they may refuse out of politeness, but insist a few times. It’s important to note, that this is the usual manner for handing tips when it’s coming from a man to a man. If you are a women providing tips for a male tour guide for example, it’s best to hand over limiting physical contact. This may not always be the case and can vary from person to person, but use your judgement or err on the side of caution.

Important tips (yes pun intended) about tipping in Egypt:

• Always carry small coins and bills, they are so hard to come by
• Budget money for tipping, it can add up quickly

Tipping in Egypt doesn’t have to be confusing or difficult. In fact many of the places and amounts (as a percentage) are similar to what you would pay in other parts of the world. If you face situations where people are rude or expect you to tip more than you have, just walk away. Ultimately tipping is a personal choice, and is based on the value and service you feel you’ve received, where you can be as generous as you like! Egypt is a country that has many professions that heavily rely on tourism and tips in particular to make a living. Keep this guide in mind as a reference as you enjoy your travels throughout the beautiful country of Egypt!

Some additional guides that may help with your trip planning:

• Egypt travel tips for first-timers
• 10 reasons to travel to Egypt – this is the year!
• Where to stay in Cairo, advice on the best neighbourhoods
• The best food to try in Egypt – that’s vegan too!
• Amazing pyramid view hotels you should consider staying at
• The best 15 spots in Cairo for instagram photos
• What to wear in Egypt a guide for women
• 4-day Nile Cruise review from Aswan to Luxor
• 7 Egyptian themed movies to watch before you travel to Egypt
• A two-day itinerary for Alexandria Egypt

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