Egypt is a land of ancient wonders, with the famous periods and Valley of the Kings telling tales from thousands of years gone by. This, along with its beautiful scenery and bustling bazaars, makes Egypt one of the most popular tourist destinations on Earth. But does Egypt have a tipping culture? At Crown Currency Exchange, we've taken the guesswork out of this by creating this complete guide to tipping in Egypt.
What is the Tipping Culture in Egypt?
Let's get straight to the point. Tipping, known as "baksheesh", is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture and is considered common practice in various situations. It isn't only seen as a gesture of appreciation for good service, but also as a means of supplementing income, and in many scenarios tipping isn't only appreciated - it is expected.
Why is Tipping so Common in Egypt?
There are a few reasons why tipping in Egypt is so common, but the main reason is that many service workers, including those in the tourism, hospitality, and transportation industries, earn low wages. As such, tipping provides them with a vital source of supplemental income, which helps improve their overall financial situation.
Another reason why tipping is so common in Egypt is simply because it is part of the country's social norms. From an early age, Egyptians are taught to give and openly receive tips as a way of showing appreciation, gratitude, and generosity.
There's a historical root to Egypt's "baksheesh" culture, too, which is no surprise given the country's fascinating past. In ancient Egyptian society, gifts and offerings were commonly given to show respect and honour, and this tradition evolved over time into the modern practice of tipping.
When Should You Consider Leaving a Tip?
Since tipping in Egypt is expected, there are many situations in which you should consider leaving a few Egyptian Pounds behind as a sign of appreciation.
Tipping Waiting Staff
It is customary to tip waiting staff in cafes and restaurants in Egypt, even when a service charge has already been added to the bill. This isn't exclusive to fine dining restaurants either, and all eating establishments will expect a tip following good service.
What is a Fair Tip for Waiting Staff in Egypt?
As a general rule, you should leave a tip of around 10%-15% of the total bill in Egyptian restaurants and cafes. So, should your meal total come to £400 EGP ($20 AUD), a tip of up to £60 EGP ($3 AUD) would be expected.
Tipping Hotel Staff
Tipping hotel porters, housekeeping staff, and concierge in your hotel is also common practice in Egypt, although the amount you should tip varies between roles.
What is a Fair Tip for Hotel Staff in Egypt?
Housekeeping staff should be tipped a few Egyptian Pounds for each day of your stay, which can be left clearly labelled for them to find, while hotel porters should be tipped between £10-£20 EGP ($0.50-$1.00 AUD) per bag. The amount you tip a concierge is completely at your own discretion and will depend on the service provided.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
It is also customary to tip your taxi driver in Egypt, along with any other workers operating transportation (such as private car drivers and felucca operators).
What is a Fair Tip for Taxi Drivers in Egypt?
The best way of tipping a taxi driver in Egypt is by rounding up the fare, although if you feel they've provided particularly exceptional service, you can add an extra amount on top. For private drivers and felucca operators, a tip of a few Egyptian Pounds is acceptable.
Tipping Tour Guides
Tipping tour guides in Egypt is expected, especially if you have received a private tour or had a tour designed specifically for your interests.
What is a Fair Tip for Tour Guides in Egypt?
The amount you should tip your tour guide in Egypt varies, depending on the length and quality of the tour. For full day tours, a tip of around £50-£100 EGP ($2.50-$5.00 AUD) per person would be expected, while shorter tours will warrant a small tip.
Egypt Tipping Etiquette: How to Give a Tip?
The best way of giving a tip to a service provider in Egypt is by handing it directly to them rather than leaving it on a table or in a tip jar. This shows appreciation for their individual service and also ensures that the tip goes directly to the person who deserves it.
It's also best to tip using cash in Egypt, as this is the most common method and is in accordance with the country's local customs. Tipping in cash also ensures that the money goes to the recipient rather than being absorbed by the business through card payments.
Top Tip: Since tipping in Egypt is best done in cash, make sure you have plenty of Egyptian Pounds on your person throughout your stay. You can find the best rates on AUD to EGP at Crown Currency.
Are There Any Cases Where You Should Avoid Tipping in Egypt?
Even though tipping in Egypt is common and, in most cases, expected, there are some situations where you don't need to worry about tipping at all.
The first of these is in fast food restaurants, and this is because there is no table service or order taking, which essentially means there is nobody to tip.
You also don't need to tip when purchasing goods from local markets or if you have bartered for a price on goods. This is because the price will have been agreed upon upfront, and adding extra money as a tip is likely to cause confusion.
Heading to Egypt? Get the Best Rates of Egyptian Pounds at Crown Currency
Get prepared for your Egyptian adventure by sorting out your spending and tipping money before you go! Head to Crown Currency Exchange, and you'll find the best rates on AUD to EGP with zero commission fees and no hidden costs. Find your nearest Crown Currency Exchange store and speak to our friendly team of experts today!
