Tipping in Egypt

What to Know Before You Go

Tipping—locally known as baksheesh—is a big part of everyday life in Egypt. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee in Cairo, taking a camel ride at the pyramids, or checking into a hotel in Luxor, chances are you’ll encounter a moment when a tip is expected. But how much should you give, and when?

In this guide, we break down Egypt’s tipping culture so you can travel confidently and respectfully—without awkward guesswork or over-tipping your way through the country.

General Tipping Culture in Egypt

Tipping is widely practiced and often expected in Egypt, especially in the tourism and service sectors. While some locals rely on tips as a key part of their income, for travelers it’s a way to show appreciation for good service. That said, you don’t need to tip everyone or feel pressured—being polite and prepared is enough.

Pro tip: Always carry small bills (5, 10, and 20 EGP notes), as change isn’t always readily available.

Tipping at Hotels

Bellhop 50–250 EGP ($1–$5) per bag
Housekeeping 50–100 EGP ($1–$2) per day
Concierge 100–300 EGP ($2.00–$6) depending on service
Doorman 50–100 EGP ($1–$2) if they assist

Some high-end hotels include a service charge, but tips for individual staff are still appreciated.

Tipping at Restaurants & Cafés

Street food & casual cafés: Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving 10–50 EGP ($0.20–$1) is a kind gesture.
Mid-range or tourist restaurants: Many include a 10–12% service charge, but that doesn’t go directly to staff. It’s customary to leave an additional 5–10% in cash (usually around 20–50 EGP or $0.40–$1.00 USD).
High-end dining: 10–15% cash tip is expected, around 300+ EGP ($6+), depending on the bill.

Tipping Drivers & Taxis

Local taxis: Round up the fare to the nearest 50 EGP ($1).
Private drivers or airport transfers: 50–100 EGP ($1.00–$2.10) per ride or per day.
Uber/Careem: Tipping isn’t required, but adding 50–100 EGP ($1–$2) for friendly drivers is appreciated.

Tour Guides & Day Trips

Private guide: 500–1000+ EGP ($9.97–$19.94) per day.
Group tours: 200–500+ EGP ($3.99–$9.97) per person per day.
Tour drivers: 200–500 EGP ($3.99–$9.97) per day.

If you’re on a Nile cruise or package tour, there’s often a collective tipping envelope at the end of the trip.

Please keep in mind, these numbers are just a guideline. Most of the people in the travel industry live off tips, so if you feel your guide did an excellent job, and you have enough to give more, they will really appreciate it.

Egypt was one of the first places I went to, and I didn’t really know how to – how much to tip. I didn’t even think I needed to tip drivers, until one of the guides told me about it. I know better now, and while $10 might not be significant for me, it will be for them, so I tried to tip more know, especially if I can.

Tipping in Egypt doesn’t need to feel stressful. A little generosity goes a long way, and it’s always appreciated when paired with kindness and respect. Just keep small bills handy, tip when you genuinely feel you received good service, and don’t be afraid to politely decline if someone insists on a tip when it’s not warranted.

Egypt is a land of legendary hospitality—tip with a smile, and you’ll likely get one in return.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

I booked a couple of tours for my trip to Egypt and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

I booked a couple of tours for my trip to Egypt and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

Tipping in Egypt

What to Know Before You Go

General Tipping Culture in Egypt

Tipping at Hotels

Tipping at Restaurants & Cafés

Tipping Drivers & Taxis

Tour Guides & Day Trips

Things to do in Egypt

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

Things to do in Egypt