Tipping in Egypt is an important part of the country's culture and customs. It's expected from visitors to tip in many situations, from restaurants and cafes to hotel staff and tour guides. However, it can be overwhelming for travelers to understand when to tip and how much is appropriate. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about tipping in Egypt.
Tipping in Restaurants and Cafes
In restaurants and cafes, tipping is expected and typically 10% of the bill is appropriate. However, some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, in which case, it's not necessary to leave an additional tip. If you received exceptional service, you may choose to tip more than 10%. It's also common to tip the server in smaller cafes and street food vendors.
Tipping Hotel Staff
It's customary to tip hotel staff in Egypt, including housekeeping, porters, and bellhops. It's recommended to tip the hotel housekeeping staff between 20-50 Egyptian pounds per day, depending on the hotel's standard. For the porter or bellhop, tip 10-20 Egyptian pounds per bag or 5-10% of the total room bill if they help with other services like organizing tours. It's also common to tip the doorman or concierge for helpful information or services like calling a taxi.
Tipping Tour Guides and Drivers
Tour guides and drivers usually rely on tips to supplement their income. When traveling with a tour guide or driver, it's customary to tip them at the end of the service. A good rule of thumb is to tip 10% of the total cost of the tour or service. If the service was exceptional, you may want to tip more.
Tipping for Other Services
In general, it's appropriate to tip for most other services in Egypt, like hairdressers, spa services, and tour operators. For hairdressers, it's recommended to tip 10-15% of the total bill. For spa services, tipping 10-15% of the total cost is appropriate. Tour operators may also expect a tip, especially if they went out of their way to ensure a great experience for you.
Final Thoughts
Tipping is a significant part of Egypt's service industry and is generally expected for excellent service. It's important to be aware of customs and etiquette when tipping in Egypt. Make sure to always carry small denominations of Egyptian currency (20 and 50-pound notes) for tipping. Most importantly, recognize that tipping customs can differ depending on the specific service or region. Use this guide as a starting point and always follow your instincts. By tipping properly, you'll be showing your appreciation and respect for the hard work of service industry members.
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