Egypt has one of the most deeply embedded tipping cultures in the world, built around the concept of “baksheesh” — small payments given for a wide range of services, favors, and interactions that go well beyond what’s considered tipping in most other countries.
The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency, but USD is widely accepted alongside it, especially for tips in tourist areas.
Understanding Baksheesh
Baksheesh is central to understanding tipping in Egypt. It’s not limited to restaurants and hotels — it extends to almost any small service: someone showing you where the bathroom is, a guard letting you take a photo somewhere “off-limits,” someone helping you find your way. Small amounts (5–20 EGP or $1 USD) are commonly expected in these situations.
Carrying a supply of small bills — both EGP and USD — throughout your trip is essential, as you’ll encounter baksheesh situations frequently, especially at tourist sites.
Tipping at Restaurants
10–12% is standard at sit-down restaurants if a service charge isn’t already included. Many tourist-area restaurants add a 12% service charge automatically — check your bill. Even when included, a small additional cash tip directly to your server is common and appreciated.
Tipping at Hotels
- Housekeeping — $1–2 USD per night, left daily
- Porter / bellhop — $1 USD per bag
- Concierge — $5–10 USD for meaningful assistance
Tipping Taxis and Transportation
Tipping taxi drivers is common — rounding up the fare or adding 10% is appropriate. Always negotiate or confirm the fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used outside of ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem.
Tipping Pyramids and Tour Guides
For organized tours — Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Nile cruises — $5–10 USD per person is standard for a group tour. For private guides, $15–25 USD per day is appropriate. At sites like the Pyramids, expect frequent baksheesh requests from site staff offering “extra access” or photo opportunities — these are optional, but small bills ($1 USD or 20 EGP) help avoid awkward interactions.
Cultural Notes
Baksheesh reflects Egypt’s broader economic reality — many service and tourism workers rely heavily on these small payments as part of their income. It can feel overwhelming to first-time visitors due to its frequency, but reframing it as “small payments for small services” rather than “tipping” in the Western sense helps.
Always carry a mix of small EGP bills and $1 USD bills. These cover the vast majority of baksheesh situations you’ll encounter.
Egypt Tipping — Quick Reference
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10–12% |
| Restaurant (service charge included) | Small extra cash tip common |
| Hotel housekeeping | $1–2 USD per night |
| Taxi | Round up or 10% |
| Baksheesh (general) | 5–20 EGP or $1 USD |
| Tour guide (group) | $5–10 USD per person |
| Private tour guide | $15–25 USD per day |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is baksheesh?
Baksheesh refers to small payments given for minor services, favors, or assistance — far broader than typical Western tipping. Carrying small bills (5–20 EGP or $1 USD) throughout your trip is essential.
Should I tip in USD or Egyptian pounds?
Both are widely accepted, especially for tips in tourist areas. Carry a mix of small bills in both currencies.
Do taxi drivers in Egypt expect a tip?
Yes — rounding up the fare or adding 10% is common. Negotiate the fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used outside ride-hailing apps.
Will people ask for tips at the Pyramids?
Yes, frequently — site staff often offer “extra access” or photo opportunities in exchange for small tips. These are optional, but having small bills ($1 USD or 20 EGP) ready helps avoid awkward situations.