Tipping in Egypt
Tipping is expected in Egypt. Not tipping can be considered rude.
Calculate your tip
Tipping quick reference
| Service | Recommended | Range | Payment | Service charge? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Baksheesh is expected. Service charge sometimes included; if not, leave 10–15% | 12% | 10–15% | Cash only | Often included |
| Taxi Round up the fare or add 10–20%; agree on the price before the ride | 15% | 10–20% | Cash only | No |
| Hotel housekeeping 20–50 EGP per night ($0.50–$1 USD) | E£30 per night | E£20–E£50 | Cash only | No |
| Hotel porter 20–30 EGP per bag | E£20 per bag | E£10–E£50 | Cash only | No |
| Bar 10% on a tab; small notes at the bar | 10% | 10–15% | Cash only | No |
| Café Round up; small baksheesh appreciated | 10% | 0–15% | Cash only | No |
| Hairdresser 10–15% of the bill | 10% | 10–15% | Cash only | No |
| Tour guide 250–500 EGP for half-day, 500–1000 EGP for full-day private tour. USD bills also accepted | E£500 per service | E£250–E£1000 | Cash only | No |
| Food delivery 10–20 EGP cash to the driver | E£10 per service | E£5–E£20 | Cash only | No |
| Spa & massage Therapists are commonly tipped around 10% of the treatment | 10% | 10–15% | Cash only | No |
| Valet parking A small cash tip when the car is returned is customary | E£50 per service | E£20–E£100 | Cash only | No |
Tipping Culture in Egypt
In Egypt, tipping goes by a broader name — baksheesh — and it covers more ground than the English word “tip” suggests. It can mean a reward for good service, a small payment for a minor favor, or something closer to a charitable gesture, and it shows up constantly throughout daily life, not just at restaurants and hotels. Wages in Egypt’s tourism sector are genuinely low, and for many workers, tips make up a substantial share of real income — which is why baksheesh is less optional in spirit than tipping customs in most other countries, even where it’s not formally required.
The situation that catches visitors most off guard happens at archaeological sites. Guards at places like Saqqara or the tombs of Luxor will sometimes offer to unlock a closed area, show you a hidden detail, or take your photo — and they’ll expect a small payment afterward, typically 20–50 EGP. This is different from an unsolicited approach, where someone offers something you didn’t ask for and then asks for payment; you’re under no obligation to pay in that case, and a polite, direct “la’, shukran” (no, thank you) is a complete and accepted answer.
Because so many of these exchanges are small and immediate, having a stock of low-denomination Egyptian pound notes is genuinely practical — vendors and casual helpers often can’t break a large bill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Baksheesh is broader than a service tip. It covers everything from restaurant gratuity to a small payment for a minor favor — expect it to come up more often than in most countries.
- Site guards may offer access for a fee. If a guard at a monument offers to show you something extra, 20–50 EGP is the going rate — agree on the amount before, not after.
- You can decline unsolicited offers. “La’, shukran” (no, thank you) is polite, complete, and genuinely accepted without pushback.
- Carry small notes constantly. Many of these exchanges are for a few Egyptian pounds — break large bills at your hotel rather than relying on vendors to have change.
Tipping FAQ for Egypt
What does “baksheesh” mean in Egypt? It’s broader than “tip” — it covers service gratuities, small payments for minor favors, and charitable gestures, and it comes up throughout daily life, not just in restaurants and hotels.
Do I have to pay if a guard shows me something at a monument? If you agreed to it (or they offered and you accepted), yes — 20–50 EGP is standard. If it was unsolicited, you’re not obligated to pay.
How do I politely decline a baksheesh request? “La’, shukran” (no, thank you) is a complete, accepted answer — no explanation needed.
Why do wages depend so much on tips in Egypt? Base wages in tourism are low, and for many workers, baksheesh makes up a meaningful share of their actual income.