Are you planning to travel to Egypt? Then you must know everything about tipping in Egypt, from who to tip, how much to tip, and why tipping is important. Read on to learn more.
Egypt is a beautiful country known for its rich history, ancient monuments, and hospitable people. When traveling to Egypt, you are likely to experience a unique culture, but tipping in Egypt can be quite different from other countries. In Egypt, tipping is a way of showing appreciation for the service provided, and it is an essential part of the culture. It is essential to understand the tipping culture in Egypt to avoid any embarrassment or misunderstandings during your trip. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about tipping in Egypt.
Why is Tipping Important in Egypt?
Tipping in Egypt is a way of showing gratitude and appreciation for good service. In Egypt, most workers receive low wages, and tipping is a way of supplementing their income. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a common practice in Egypt, and not tipping can be seen as disrespectful or stingy.
Who to Tip in Egypt?
Knowing who to tip in Egypt is essential, and it can help you avoid over-tipping or under-tipping. Here are some of the people you should consider tipping during your visit to Egypt:
Tour Guides and Drivers
When visiting Egypt, you are likely to hire a tour guide or a driver to help you navigate the city. It is customary to tip them for their service. A reasonable amount to tip a tour guide is about 10-20% of the total cost of the tour, while drivers can receive 5-10% of the total cost of transportation.
Hotel Staff
Tipping hotel staff is a common practice in Egypt. It is customary to tip housekeeping staff about 5-10 Egyptian pounds per day. It is also common to tip hotel porters 5-10 Egyptian pounds per bag, and the doorman 10-20 Egyptian pounds for hailing a taxi.
Restaurant Staff
Tipping restaurant staff is expected in Egypt, and it is customary to tip about 10% of the total bill. However, some restaurants may add a service charge to the bill, so it is essential to check before tipping.
Street Vendors
Tipping street vendors is not common, but it is a good way to show appreciation for their services. If you buy something from a street vendor, you can round up the amount to the nearest whole number or give them a small tip.
How Much to Tip in Egypt?
Knowing how much to tip in Egypt can be tricky, and it depends on the service provided. Here is a guide to help you know how much to tip in different situations:
Transportation
When using taxis, it is common to round up the fare or add an extra 5-10 Egyptian pounds as a tip. For longer rides, such as from the airport to your hotel, you can tip about 10-20 Egyptian pounds.
Restaurants
It is customary to tip about 10% of the total bill in restaurants, but it is essential to check if a service charge is included in the bill. If a service charge is included, you can still tip extra if you received excellent service.
Tour Guides and Drivers
Tipping tour guides and drivers is essential, and a reasonable amount to tip is about 10-20% of the total cost of the service provided.
Egyptian Attractions
If you visit some of Egypt's famous attractions, such as the Pyramids, Sphinx, or temples, it is common to tip the local guides who offer their services. A reasonable amount to tip is around 20-30 Egyptian pounds per person.
When Not to Tip in Egypt?
While tipping is a common practice in Egypt, there are some situations when you should not tip. These include:
Government Officials
It is illegal to tip government officials in Egypt, and doing so can lead to legal consequences.
Police Officers
Tipping police officers is also illegal in Egypt, and it can lead to severe consequences.
Begging Children
While it may be tempting to give money to begging children, it is not recommended. This can encourage a culture of begging, and the children may end up in dangerous situations.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about tipping in Egypt:
Is tipping expected in Egypt?
Yes, tipping is expected in Egypt, and it is a common practice.
Can I tip in US dollars or euros?
It is recommended to tip in Egyptian pounds, but US dollars or euros are also accepted.
Should I negotiate the tip amount?
No, it is not customary to negotiate the tip amount in Egypt. However, if you feel that the service provided was not satisfactory, you can lower the tip amount.
Can I tip with a credit card?
While it is possible to tip with a credit card in some places, it is recommended to have cash on hand for tipping.
Conclusion
Tipping in Egypt is an essential part of the culture, and it is a way of showing appreciation for good service. It is essential to know who to tip, how much to tip, and when not to tip to avoid any misunderstandings. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can ensure that your tipping practices are respectful and appropriate during your visit to Egypt. Remember, tipping is not mandatory, but it is an excellent way to support the local economy and show appreciation for the services provided.
