I used to recommend tipping in local currency (Egyptian Pounds), but recently, with all of the challenges Egypt has had in obtaining foreign currency, tipping in US Dollars or Euros is now the preferred method for most people to receive tips.
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Budgeting for Tipping in EgyptA good rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 10-15% of your total trip budget for tipping.
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. American and Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, and euros are all easily exchanged in Egypt, and Cairo International Airport has a number of 24-hour banks that give the same rates as in town.
It is expected to tip drivers who are with you for the day (driver for the temples around Luxor, private driver bringing your group from Cairo to Siwa, etc.). You should tip a fair amount, $10-$15.
Tipping 10–15% of your bill total is customary at cafes and restaurants, and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. Often known as 'backsheesh' in parts of Asia and the Middle East, tipping is standard practice in Egypt.
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. American and Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, and euros are all easily exchanged in Egypt, and Cairo International Airport has a number of 24-hour banks that give the same rates as in town.
A budget traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in Egypt, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day. It is important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.
In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended. Water treatment plants in and around Cairo heavily chlorinate the supply, so the water in the capital is relatively safe to drink. However, it is advisable everywhere else in Egypt to purchase bottled water or drink treated or purified water.
Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts? While tipping is allowed at some resorts, it is optional, so you won't have to worry about staff pressuring you to do so.
Tipping Etiquette at All-Inclusive ResortsThere aren't a lot of hard-and-fast rules about when to tip at all-inclusive resorts, but many people recommend tipping early and often to encourage staff members to continue giving excellent service.
It is best to exchange currency for Egyptian pounds on arrival in Egypt. It's straightforward to trade dollars, pounds or euros in banks for Egyptian pounds.
US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques which may be brought into the country. However, passengers entering Egypt with Egyptian currency exceeding 1000 USD must declare this on arrival.
Egypt is mostly a cash-based society, and credit cards are not something often used to make payments. This is slowly changing, so travelers can expect to use credit cards in the following scenarios: When staying at international hotel chains, like Marriott, Hilton, etc.