Should I Tip in Egypt?

Tipping is always expected in Egypt, it is generally expected to tip 10% as a sign of good etiquette and respect across all the facilities. There will be a service charge on the pill which goes to the restaurant, not the waiter.

How Much to the Tip Tour Guide in Egypt?

The tipping of a tour guide ranges about 80 to 100 Egyptian pounds for a full day and a half-day the tip is between 40-50 Egyptian pounds.

Is Tipping Expected In Egypt?

Tipping is highly expected in most of the service industries in Egypt as it is shown as a sign of gratitude for good service.

Is Tipping Customary In Cairo?

Many workers in the service and travel industry consider tipping to be highly required across all the destinations of Egypt.

Can I Tip In Euros In Egypt?

Of course, Tipping in euros in Egypt is preferred across all travel destinations in Egypt, but it is preferred to tip with the Egyptian pound. You can find many currency exchange offices all over the country.

How Much Do You Tip Hotel Staff?

$5-$20 is an ideal amount for a tip to all the staffers of your hotel in Egypt.

Is 200 EGP A Good Tip In Egypt?

200 EGP is considered to be a generous tip for all workers in the restaurants, drivers, and street vendors.

Is 5 Dollars A Good Tip In Egypt?

5$ is considered to be a very good tip for one-time services across the staff of the restaurants and hotels.

How Much Do Waiters Get Paid In Egypt?

Aside from their salary, tipping plays a significant role in salary as 10-15% of the bill for decent service and higher for exceptional service goes into the salary of the waiters.

$20 is a generous good tip for the most service workers in Egypt.

What Is the Tipping Percentage In Egypt?

The usual tipping percentage for restaurants and other service industries is 10-15%. However, feel free to adjust your tip based on the quality of the services and your budget.

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend "Ful & Ta'meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)", Mulukhiya, "Koshary", a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish. Read more about Top Traditional Egyptian Food.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April, as the climate becomes a little tropical, accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made. Read more about Best Time to Visit Egypt.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you can move easily between your destinations. Read more about What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour.

Why Book With "Egypt Tours Portal"?

We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt, too many to count, either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan, which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

What are the Official Languages of Egypt?

Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.

What is the Transportation in Egypt?

The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

Tipping in Egypt Guide - The Art of Dealing with Baksheesh

Discover the art of tipping in Egypt with our comprehensive guide. Written by our expert ETP team, this article covers when and how much to tip, the meaning of Bakshish, currency considerations, and tipping etiquette.

Written by ETP TEAM

Published Nov 28, 2020 Updated Jan 22, 2024 6 min read

Summary

Tipping in Egypt is a long-standing tradition and is considered an art form. The article aims to guide travelers on whether and how much to tip in Egypt.
Bakshish, or tipping, is a gesture of appreciation for services rendered. The amount is not fixed and is left to the discretion of the giver, reflecting a genuine desire to assist and encourage good deeds.
Tipping is not mandatory but is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. Service providers like tour guides, drivers, and waiters may be tipped based on the quality of service received. It is recommended to keep small change on hand to facilitate tipping.
To minimize expenses, it is advisable for travelers to exchange some currency for Egyptian pounds upon arrival. This way, a small amount can go a long way in expressing satisfaction and appreciation for services received.
While there is no fixed amount, the article suggests general tipping guidelines for various services, such as part-time drivers, luggage handlers, housekeeping, tour guides, and waiters. It also provides insights into tipping practices during Nile River cruises and advises on situations where tipping may not be appropriate.

Tipping in Egypt is a tradition and an art form that is easy to master. This article's goal is to provide every traveler in Egypt with all the answers and information about whether I have to tip in Egypt and how much to tip in Egypt. This article was written by our ETP team, which is a skilled and expert group of tour operators and tour guides to provide all the details about tipping in Egypt.

While planning to spend a vacation in Egypt, travelers feel that this is an issue that somehow confuses them, which is the issue of giving tipping to locals in Egypt. Who deserves to take your baksheesh, and whom should you ignore? Of course, the one-hundred-dollar question is, how much should I tip to anyone in Egypt, and when should I even tip in Egypt??? We will explain everything that revolves around the word tipping in our article so that you understand all about it.

What is the Meaning of Bakshish?

Baksheesh or tipping is a word that is used in Egypt that means that someone is waiting for your act of appreciation for the service he/she offered to you by giving them some of your change that can be estimated by the type of service you have received.

You are the one who should determine the amount of money to give since it is not something you have to do; on the contrary, it is something that should get from your heart and based on your full desire to give money to others to help them and also to encourage them to do so many good deeds and offer assistance to other foreigners who come to visit Egypt.

How Does Tipping Work in Egypt?

By giving baksheesh or gratuity to someone, you are saying to him or her that thanks for the desired services you have obtained, and the most important thing to keep in mind is that it is not obligatory as no one can ever force you to give any amount of money that you don’t want. It is something really traditional in Egypt, which was inherited hundreds of years ago, and it should be kept in mind that anyone who offers you services in Egypt, including tour guides, drivers, waiters, and similar people.

After receiving some kind of service, you can offer the person who assisted you with some money that is determined based on the services you received. While planning a vacation in Egypt and calculating the costs of your trip, you need to consider the tipping fees, and the best way to do so is to keep change in your pocket as you will never know when you are going to need a bill.

What is the Best Currency for Tipping in Egypt?

The best way to give tips to everyone and not to spend lots of money is by exchanging some of your money in the Egyptian pound once you arrive in Egypt that way, one of your dollars will equally around 5$, and this is going to be more than enough to give to someone as a kind of appreciation and shows lots of satisfaction towards the services you have received.

How Much Should I Do Tipping in Egypt?

There is no specific amount of tipping, but it is mostly 5 to 10% of the total cost of your bill. You have the entire and total decision regarding determining how much money you are willing to give as a tip or not give at all. Here are some tipping guidelines that can assist you in knowing how much money you need to tip in Egypt, for example:

How much do you tip a part-time driver in Egypt? The driver's tip is 5$.
How much do you tip a luggage Man? The luggage Man's man tip is 5 to 10$
How much do you tip the Housekeeping? The Housekeeping tip is 5-10 $ per night.
How much do you tip the Driver? The Driver's full-day Tip is 10 to 20$.
How much do you tip the tour guide? The Tour Guide's full-day Tip is 30 to 50$.
How much do you tip the waiter? The waiter's tip is 10$.

Tipping onboard the Nile Cruise

On board the Nile River cruise, you will find a gratuities box that is left at the reception, and you can leave there the amount of money you want.

Waiters on the cruise can take up to 10$ per trip.
Tour Gide usually takes 10$ per day.
Felucca man usually takes 10$ per hour.
Guards who are on each site can take around 10$.
Horsemen usually take 5$ per ride.
General tipping at restaurants is around 10% of the total cost of your bill.

When Should You Tip in Egypt?

You should tip the one who seems in need of your money, who does you a favor, and who offers you the best services you need. Such people don’t push hard to get money from your side, but they just try to get your admiration for their services. So, if you find anyone like this in Egypt, don’t hesitate to give him/her tips.

When Shouldn’t You Tip in Egypt?

Some might ask, Is it rude to not tip? , and the answer is that, unfortunately, just like any other country, there are people who make use of difficult situations when you can’t say no and keep pushing to get what they actually don’t deserve. In such situations, we will say out loud that you shouldn’t give them a penny of what you have as they simply don’t deserve your money.

Some people are using children to get money from baksheesh from tourists, and this is unacceptable in Egypt; the government is trying its best to prevent such acts, and you should assist in that by simply saying no and leaving them without giving them tips. Otherwise, if you find someone who needs help, feel free to give him/her the suitable amount of money you want. It is an act of kindness you show to others, and may Allah give you what you really deserve for such good deeds.

Conclusion

Experience with us now the real magic that can be found in Egypt, and join us in one of our incredible, well-arranged Egypt vacation packages to have your dream vacation and to spend the best time ever with your family and friends.

Tags: Egypt Travel Blog Before You Travel

ETP TEAM

Egypt Tours Portal is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history, culture, and mysteries of ancient Egypt, helping travelers and history enthusiasts explore Egypt’s most iconic destinations and monuments. The team consists of experienced Egyptologists, archaeologists, historians, travelers, content creators, marketers, consultants, and explorers with 5–20 years of expertise in their respective fields.

The website provides accurate, regularly updated information developed by qualified experts and supported by trusted sources to ensure reliability and educational value. Drawing on more than 39 years of industry knowledge and resources, Egypt Tours Portal offers a wide range of travel services, including Egypt tours, Nile cruises, day tours, shore excursions and multi-country tours. Their services have earned positive reviews from travelers, recognition through awards, and mentions by respected news outlets and travel blogs, delivering both educational and memorable travel experiences across Egypt.

Why Travel With Egypt Tours Portal

The "Boutique" Advantage

We offer private, customizable journeys tailored to your pace, moving away from the "factory-style" mass-market tours.

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24/7 "high-touch" support with a dedicated coordinator for every aspect of your multi-vendor itinerary.

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Luxury & Comfort

We prioritize premium guide quality and vetted, safe hotels to ensure a stress-free environment.

Protection & Security

Advanced safety protocols and 24/7 emergency contact for total peace of mind during your adventure.

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Read the Heartfelt Reviews of Our Esteemed Clients

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Erin W

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

"We had a great experience touring Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor with Mahmoud. I would highly recommend him as a guide. He adapted to our needs (2 teenagers) and kept everything interesting. He was always prompt, professional, and easy to communicate with. He was also very prompt answering questions via WhatsApp"

Estelle V

"We would like to share our wonderful experience with Egypt Tours Portal. From the very first quote to our final airport drop-off, we were impressed by the professionalism, organization, and excellent communication from Walaa and the entire team. Our tour guides in both Luxor (“Habibi” was the best!) and Cairo were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about sharing Egypt’s history and treasures with us. We especially appreciated how thoughtfully the itinerary was planned — allowing us time to rest in the afternoons, scheduling visits during the cooler hours, and remaining flexible to accommodate our needs. Everything was smooth, well-organized, and made our trip truly memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Egypt Tours Portal to anyone looking to discover the incredible history, culture, and wonders Egypt has to offer."

Tim K

"We had an outstanding time touring Luxor with our guide, Essra. She was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly kind throughout the entire experience. Her explanations of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon brought Egypt's history to life. What really set her apart was her thoughtfulness. She made sure we stayed comfortable in the heat, surprising us with water and refreshments. She also took us to an excellent local restaurant that we never would have found on our own. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and passion for sharing Egypt made this one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting Luxor. On another note, the drivers we had each day were great. So professional, always on time and personable."

Will S

Bluff Park, Alabama

"We had a great vacation. Omar Haridi did our Nile Cruise and Zizi did our Cairo tour. They were amazing and very knowledgeable."

Mira F

"The best experience of my lifetime! Nour, the tour guide was absolutely amazing! Went over and beyond thinking about every little thing. I had a mishap and Egypt Air overbooked my flight and bumped me to a later flight causing me to miss an entire day of activities. Nour made sure I got to do every single thing I missed that first day. But that’s not all: his knowledge of old Egypt is unparalleled, he truly brings Egypt (Aswan Luxor) alive. I’ve traveled all over the world and met many tour guides: Nour stands apart from all of them. He’s also considerate, caring and genuinely wants his guests to enjoy the trip and learn the most about the incredible history of Egypt. He’s also funny and genuinely great to be around. Please, do yourself a favor when booking a trip in Upper Egypt and ask for Nour. Hands down the best guide ever!"

Paul B

Hook, United Kingdom

"Excellent guide Mr Mohamed Osman, who was incredibly knowledgeable and very informative. Couldn't ask for more. Food on day 1 was ok, but much better at lunch on day 2. Hotel was excellent. Also our driver was excellent. All in all a great experience. Would highly recommend."

Marianna A

"Our experience in Egypt, especially in Luxor and Aswan, was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide Omar. We cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply passionate about Egyptian history and culture. What made our tour extraordinary was that our guide is not only a master’s in Egyptology but is also currently pursuing a PhD in Egyptology. His depth of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. He is also very creative and artistic. Every temple, tomb, monument, and historical site came alive through his explanations. He did not simply recite facts, he explained the historical context, symbolism, religious beliefs, architecture, and fascinating stories behind everything we saw. It truly felt like we were traveling through ancient Egypt with a real scholar and expert by our side. He brought ancient Egyptian history to life by assigning us the roles of Egyptian gods and legendary heroes. Through these interactive mini-plays, we were able to experience, understand, and truly connect with the stories he shared. In Luxor, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple became an unforgettable educational and emotional experience because of the way he explained the history in such an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. In Aswan, his insights about Philae Temple, Nubian history, and ancient Egyptian civilization added so much depth to our trip. He answered every question thoughtfully and with incredible detail, and you could genuinely feel his passion for Egyptology. Beyond his academic expertise, he was one of the kindest and most caring people we met during our travels. He constantly made sure we were comfortable, safe, hydrated, and enjoying ourselves. He was patient, attentive, organized, and always willing to help with anything we needed. His warm personality and kindness made us feel welcomed not just as tourists, but as friends. He also paced the tours perfectly, allowing us enough time to truly appreciate each site without ever feeling rushed. His professionalism, friendliness, and genuine care created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Thanks to him, our visit to Egypt became far more than a vacation. It became an unforgettable journey into history and culture. If you are planning to visit Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere in Egypt, choosing this guide will be one of the best decisions you can make. He is truly exceptional, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had him as our guide. Thank you again for such an amazing experience. We will never forget it. Marianna and Khris"

James H

"This has been a tour agency and guides I can’t wait to give a glowing review to and to recommend to friends and family. Both Riham and Walid were happy to help coordinate excursions and share a wealth of knowledge. 10/10 experience"

H D

"We had a wonderful experience with the 5 day cruise. The price is wry reasonable. The best part is that the visits are done in very small numbers with a guide. It is almost like having a private guide. The food was good with lots of variety and all the staff members are very friendly and helpful. Omar Haradi, our guide was very knowledgeable and very generous with his time and with sharing his knowledge."

Marlina

West Palm Beach, Florida

"We just returned home from an incredible trip to Egypt, and we cannot say enough good things about Egypt Tours. From the moment we booked our trip until the day we flew home, their communication, organization, and attention to detail were outstanding. Our adventure began in Cairo, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Abdulrahman Mosbah. He immediately made us feel comfortable and at ease, and our Nile River sunset cruise was the perfect introduction to Egypt. Abdul’s warm personality and infectious enthusiasm made our first day both fun and memorable. The following day, we toured with Reda Elgendy, who brought the pyramids to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. Seeing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) was truly breathtaking and a highlight of our time in Cairo. In Aswan, we were greeted at the airport by Ahmed Haggag, who guided us over the next two days. Ahmed was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, and always kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. We learned so much while enjoying every moment of our time with him. Our final stop was Luxor, where we met Ghada Kamel. Saving the best for last, Ghada was absolutely exceptional. Her passion for Egypt’s history and culture made our visits to the temples and the Valley of the Kings unforgettable. She was engaging, informative, and truly outstanding. This trip exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did we experience some of the world’s most amazing historical sites, but each of our guides also shared valuable insights into Egyptian culture and daily life. We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Egypt, and gratitude for the amazing team at Egypt Tours. We highly recommend Egypt Tours to anyone planning a trip to Egypt. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!"

Alejandro M

"We loved it, great experience and treatment. Our guide Noah had great knowledge of the subject. Thank you very much."

Jeff T

"Our trip in May 2026 was fantastic! We saw all the major wonders of Egypt! Our incredibly knowledgeable guide Walid Ahmed met us at the hotel and was great at explaining all the particular uniqueness of each tomb and temple, inserting background myths and stories, keeping our tour on track, taking and sharing so many pictures so we could be in them as a couple and helping us navigate local customs. We strongly recommend Egypt, the tour and Walid!"

Joe P

"We had a wonderful week long vacation in Egypt, split between Cairo and Luxor. The tour was very professionally run with excellent communication starting weeks before our arrival and then nearly daily while in Egypt. A highlight was our English-speaking guide in Luxor, Walid Ahmed, who was extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. The tour was flexible and accommodating, allowing last minute special detours and restaurant choices. Overall, it was one of the best vacations of our life."

Damien B

"We had Ahmed Refaat as our family guide in Cairo, and he truly made our trip to Egypt unforgettable. His positive attitude, passion for Egypt’s history and culture, and incredible patience made all the difference throughout our stay in Cairo. Ahmed brought every site to life with fascinating explanations and was always attentive to our needs, making the experience enjoyable for both adults and children. We especially recommend him for visits to Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary places. Without any hesitation, we highly recommend Ahmed Refaat to anyone visiting Egypt. Thank you again for helping create such wonderful memories for our family!"

Departure20554993605

"Knowledgeable guide, clean vehicle, interesting stories about the sites. Tour guide: Muhmmed Abd El-aal was very nice to be in the company of, dry attentive and honest."

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