YepTip

Tipping in Egypt: The Egypt Tipping Guide

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How much to tip in Egypt

Service Range Recommended Notes
Restaurant 10–In Egypt Tip 10% when dining out% %
Hotel / Housekeeping 3–in Egypt Tip 3-10 LE at Hotels% %
Taxi / Rideshare 5–15% 5% Agree on fare before riding; a small extra is appreciated.
Spa & Massage 15–At Spas Tip 10-15% in Egypt% %
Bar 0% Optional Round up per drink.
Hairdresser / Barber 0% Optional A small tip is appreciated.
Tour Guide 50–in Egypt Tip 50 LE per day for tour guides% %
Food Delivery 5–15% 5% A small tip is appreciated.

Notes by Service

Restaurant

Hotel / Housekeeping

Taxi / Rideshare

Agree on fare before riding; a small extra is appreciated.

Spa & Massage

Bar

Round up per drink.

Hairdresser / Barber

A small tip is appreciated.

Tour Guide

Food Delivery

A small tip is appreciated.

About Tipping in Egypt

Overview

Tipping — known locally as "baksheesh" — is an ingrained part of Egyptian social and service culture that predates modern tourism. It applies broadly: restaurant staff, hotel workers, drivers, guides, and even attendants who open a door or direct you to a site all expect a small gratuity.

When to tip

Tip at restaurants (5–10%), with taxi drivers, tour guides at the pyramids and Luxor, hotel housekeeping, and anyone who provides a specific service. For guided tours, budget $2–5 USD per person per day and hand the tip to the guide at the end of the tour.

How to tip

Carry Egyptian pounds in small denominations — 5–50 EGP — at all times. USD and EUR are accepted as tips in major tourist areas but local currency is preferred and more practical. At restaurants, leave cash on the table or hand it directly to your server; card gratuity lines are uncommon at most local spots.

Cultural context

Baksheesh in Egypt operates as a parallel system of micro-payments for services both formal and informal — it isn't considered charity but a fair acknowledgement of assistance rendered. In a country where official wages in hospitality are very low, the system genuinely supplements income. Travellers who understand this navigate the culture with ease; those who treat every baksheesh request as a scam miss the underlying social logic entirely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is tipping customary in Egypt?

Yes, tipping is customary in Egypt.

How much should I tip at a restaurant in Egypt?

10–In Egypt Tip 10% when dining out% is typical. undefined

How much should I tip hotel housekeeping in Egypt?

3–in Egypt Tip 3-10 LE at Hotels% is typical. undefined

How much should I tip a taxi driver in Egypt?

5–15% is typical. Agree on fare before riding; a small extra is appreciated.

How much should I tip for a massage or spa treatment in Egypt?

15–At Spas Tip 10-15% in Egypt% is typical. undefined

Do you tip at bars in Egypt?

Tipping is not generally expected. Round up per drink.

How much should I tip a hairdresser in Egypt?

Tipping is not generally expected. A small tip is appreciated.

How much should I tip a tour guide in Egypt?

50–in Egypt Tip 50 LE per day for tour guides% is typical. undefined

Should I tip for food delivery in Egypt?

5–15% is typical. A small tip is appreciated.

Is EGP20 a good tip for a taxi driver in Egypt?

Yes, EGP20 is a standard and polite tip for a short taxi ride in Egypt, though rounding up the fare to the nearest convenient note is also highly common.

How much should I tip for a 60-minute massage in Egypt?

A tip of EGP150 to EGP200 is customary and highly appreciated for a 60-minute spa massage in Egypt.

Is EGP1000 a big tip in Egypt?

Yes, EGP1000 is an exceptionally large and generous tip in Egypt, often representing a significant portion of a service worker's weekly income.

Is it rude not to tip at a restaurant in Egypt?

Yes, it is considered quite rude not to tip at Egyptian restaurants, as service staff depend heavily on these tips (known locally as baksheesh) to make a living wage.

Is EGP50 a good tip for a hotel porter carrying bags in Egypt?

Yes, EGP50 is a very respectable and appreciated tip for a hotel porter who helps carry your luggage to your room.

How much should I tip a private tour guide for a full day in Egypt?

It is customary to tip a private tour guide between EGP400 and EGP600 for a full-day tour, depending on their knowledge and level of service.

Is EGP10 a good tip for a bathroom attendant in Egypt?

Yes, EGP10 is the standard, expected small change tip for bathroom attendants, shoe keepers at mosques, and parking helpers throughout Egypt.