CUSTOMS / TIPPING

There are many local customs throughout Egypt, some varying across the entire country. One, however, spans the length and breadth of this fascinating land – tipping!

Tipping, or "baksheesh" as it’s called in Egypt, varies in the amount requested for services rendered and what is actually acceptable to pay for those services. The general rule of thumb is the basic rule for tipping – you should pay in relation to how well the service was provided for you. For example, if you were happy with the service of a waiter, show your appreciation by paying 10% of the bill, as you would at home. If it was exceptional service, pay more than 10%. If it was below standard, pay less than 10%.

You must remember that many people in Egypt live off the “baksheesh” that tourists pay them, so you’ll find that many hands are reached towards you for payment, whether the owner has assisted you in any way, or not!

As a warning, you will be expected to pay for hotel porters, airport porters (one lot before customs and one lot after), drivers, guides, transfer assistants, cruise staff, waiters, felucca and speedboat captains, camel drivers and horse & carriage (gharry) drivers. The tips can be as small as US .50c (for the gharry drivers), up to US $5.00 per day for the cruise guide. Please remember, it’s up to you, but those are standard, accepted rates.