Tipping in Egypt: Who, When, and How Much

Tipping in Egypt — known as baksheesh — can baffle first-time visitors. It's far more pervasive than in many countries, expected for all sorts of small services, and getting it right makes interactions smoother and shows appreciation to people whose livelihoods often depend on it. The good news: once you understand the rhythm, it's easy and even pleasant. Here's a clear guide to who to tip, when, and roughly how much.

The short answer: tipping is expected in Egypt for many services — hotel staff, drivers, guides, boat crews, servers, and small helpers. Carry small cash in small denominations, tip modest amounts generously and often, and treat it as a normal part of daily life.

Understanding baksheesh

Baksheesh is a deeply embedded part of Egyptian culture — a system of tipping and small payments for services and gestures. It reflects the reality that many people in service roles rely on tips as an important part of their income. Rather than seeing it as an imposition, think of it as the normal, expected way of acknowledging service. A little generosity goes a long way and is genuinely appreciated. The key practical skill is simply being prepared with small cash and tipping willingly.

Who to tip

Tipping applies broadly. Common recipients include:

• Hotel staff — porters/bellhops (for carrying bags), housekeeping (left periodically or at the end), and helpful staff.
• Restaurant servers — even where a service charge is added, a little extra for good service is customary.
• Drivers — taxi and transfer drivers, especially for good service or extra help.
• Tour guides — for guided trips and excursions.
• Boat crews — on day trips, dive boats, and liveaboards (crew tips are customary and important).
• Dive guides/instructors — for their service and care.
• Small helpers — anyone who provides a small service (helping with directions, bathroom attendants, etc.).

Essentially, service of almost any kind may warrant a small tip.

How much to tip

Rather than fixed figures (which vary with currency and context), the principle is: tip modest amounts, generously and frequently. Small denominations of local currency for minor services; somewhat more for substantial service like a day's guiding or a liveaboard crew. For restaurants, a small percentage on top of the bill for good service. For guides and crews on trips, a more meaningful tip reflecting the quality and length of service. The amounts are typically small by Western standards but meaningful locally, so err toward generosity. When in doubt, a small note willingly given is rarely wrong.

When and how to tip

• At the point of service — give tips directly to the person who served you, at the time or end of the service.
• For trips — tip guides and crews at the end of the excursion or trip (often there's a moment for it, or a crew tip box on boats/liveaboards).
• For hotels — tip porters on the spot; housekeeping periodically or at departure.
• Discreetly and politely — hand it over with a thank you.

Practical tips for handling baksheesh

• Carry plenty of small cash in small denominations — the single most important practical tip. ATMs and exchanges give large notes, so break them down.
• Keep tips accessible — a pocket of small notes ready for the constant small moments.
• Tip willingly but sensibly — generous for good service, but you needn't reward pushy or poor service.
• Budget for it — small amounts add up over a trip, so factor tipping into your overall budget.
• Don't stress — a small note given with a smile is the right move in most situations.

Practical tips

Bring and maintain a stash of small-denomination cash throughout your trip. Tip hotel staff, drivers, guides, crews, servers, and small helpers. Give modest amounts generously and often, more for substantial service. Tip at the point of service, directly and politely. Budget for it as a real (if small) part of your costs. And approach it relaxed — once you get the rhythm, baksheesh becomes second nature.

Tipping in Egypt is simply part of the culture — a small, frequent way of acknowledging service and supporting the many people whose income depends on it. Carry small cash, tip generously and often, and you'll navigate baksheesh with ease, smooth your interactions, and spread a little goodwill wherever you go.

Sorting the practical side of your trip? Plan your Red Sea experiences on packnplan, and head off knowing exactly how to handle the day-to-day essentials like tipping.