Tipping in Egypt

Tipping in Egypt is customary, especially for service staff, and it's appreciated as part of the local culture. In Egypt, the word for "tips" is baksheesh. It's a common practice to tip in Egypt, and "baksheesh" is used to refer to the money given as a tip for service. It is generally expected in most service industries, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, taxis, and tour guides.

Whether you're touring the Pyramids of Giza or getting off a Nile Cruise, remember to give a tip. How much should you tip?

• Restaurants: Tip 10-15% of the total bill. Some restaurants may include a service charge, but it's still customary to add an extra 5-10% in cash. 

• Taxis: Tip 5-10% of the fare, or round up to the nearest 5 or 10 EGP.

• Tour Guides: Consider tipping 15% of the total cost at the end of the tour. For tour guides, a tip of 100-200 Egyptian pounds per day is customary, depending on the length and quality of the tour.

• Other Services: For things like restrooms, hairdressers, and massage therapists, tipping 5-10% or a small amount (5-10 EGP) is appropriate. 

• Hotels: For housekeeping, bellhops, and doormen, tip 20-30 Egyptian pounds per service.

Always carry small bills with you! It's best to tip in Egyptian Pounds (EGP). If tipping in US dollars, use low-denomination bills (1, 2, 5, 10, or 20).