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How much is a good tip in Egypt?

Budgeting for Tipping in Egypt While the amount you tip may seem small, it can add up quickly, especially if you are traveling for an extended period. A good rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 10-15% of your total trip budget for tipping.



Tipping, known locally as "Baksheesh," is a deeply ingrained part of Egyptian culture and is expected for almost every service. In restaurants, a tip of 10% to 15% is standard, even if a service charge is already added to the bill (as that charge often goes to the establishment, not the server). For hotel porters, 20 to 50 Egyptian Pounds (EGP) per bag is appropriate. For a full-day private tour guide, a tip of 300 to 500 EGP is considered generous, while a driver might expect around 150 to 250 EGP. In public restrooms, it is common to give the attendant 5 to 10 EGP for providing paper or keeping the area clean. Always try to carry a large supply of small bills, as "no change" is a common phrase when it comes to tipping. It is important to remember that for many workers in the tourism industry, tips make up the vast majority of their take-home pay. While it can feel overwhelming at first, treating it as a small "service tax" will make your interactions much smoother. Being polite and offering baksheesh with a smile is the best way to ensure excellent service throughout your trip.

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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.

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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.

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For a tour that only lasts a few hours, tip your guide 10 percent to 20 percent the cost of the tour. How much you tip also depends on the size of your tour, so you should tip more for a more personalized experience. For a multi-day tour, you should tip your guide $5 to $10 per day on the last day.

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Typically, the gratuity rate for guides should be around 10 to 20 percent of the total trip cost.

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Budgeting for Tipping in Egypt A good rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 10-15% of your total trip budget for tipping.

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Money Matters 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.

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You're never obligated to tip someone when they've provided you poor service or if you've had a rude interaction with them.

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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.

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Shukran: thank you (?????) Experienced travellers know it's essential to learn how to say “thank you” wherever they visit, and this small politeness goes a long way in Egypt.

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According to Salary Explorer, the average monthly salary in Egypt is 9,200 EGP (Egyptian Pound) – the local currency of Egypt. This is equal to USD 303 (United States Dollars) per month based on the exchange rate in May 2023.

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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.

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Some experts recommend that you bring a total of $150 to $200 USD for tips for a 1-week stay. This equates to around $20 to $25 USD per day for all staff members who might help you throughout the day.

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For example, food and drink service has a recommendation of fifteen to twenty percent of the total bill as an ideal tip, whereas housekeeping and porters are recommended to receive between one and five dollars per night or per bag carried.

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According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), guests should tip housekeeping anywhere between $1 to $5 per night for a mid-range or business hotel. For luxury hotels where the staff offers daily cleaning services and nightly turndown services, guests should leave a little more.

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