Tipping, or baksheesh, is part of everyday life in Egypt. Wages in tourism are low, and tips make up a real share of what guides, drivers, cruise crews and hotel staff take home. That does not mean you have to hand out money all day. Once you know who expects a tip, how much is normal and which currency to use, tipping becomes simple and stress-free. This guide gives practical amounts for 2026–2027 and explains how to handle the awkward moments.
Amounts are guidelines, not rules. They are based on an exchange rate of about EGP 56 to US$1 in October 2026. Tip more for excellent service and less for poor service.
Tipping in Egypt: Quick Guide
- Private Egyptologist guide: US$10–20 per day per group, more for large groups or exceptional days.
- Driver: US$5–10 per day per group.
- Nile cruise crew (shared envelope): about US$5–10 per person per night.
- Restaurant waiters: 10% if service is not already added, or round up.
- Hotel porters: EGP 20–50 per bag.
- Housekeeping: EGP 50–100 per night.
- Toilet attendants: EGP 5–10.
- Felucca captains and boatmen: EGP 50–100 per group.
- Balloon ground crew: EGP 50–100 per person.
Why Tipping Matters in Egypt
In Egypt, baksheesh covers more than tips for good service. It is also a small payment for a favour: someone carrying a bag, opening a door or watching your car. For many workers in tourism, especially drivers, cruise crew and hotel staff, tips are a large part of monthly income. Leaving a fair tip is expected and appreciated. At the same time, you are never obliged to pay for help you did not ask for, which is explained below.
How Much to Tip Guides and Drivers
Private guides
For a licensed Egyptologist who stays with you for a full day, US$10–20 per day for a couple or small family is normal, and more for larger groups. If the same guide stays with you for several days, you can tip at the end of the tour rather than daily. On a group tour, around US$5 per person per day is common.
Drivers
Drivers usually receive less than guides: around US$5–10 per day for the group. For airport transfers, EGP 50–100 is fine.
Site guardians
Inside some tombs and temples, guardians may offer to show you a hidden detail or a “better angle”, then ask for a tip. Photography rules are strict in many tombs, so politely decline if you do not want the help. If you accept, EGP 20–50 is enough.
Tipping on a Nile Cruise
Most Nile cruise ships collect tips for the crew (waiters, cabin staff, kitchen and deck crew) in a shared envelope or box at reception at the end of the cruise. A typical amount is about US$5–10 per person per night, so a couple on a four-night cruise would leave roughly US$40–80 in total. Your Egyptologist guide on board is tipped separately, using the guide amounts above.
Some ships add a service charge to drinks bills; this does not replace the crew tip. If you are still choosing a ship, our Nile cruise price guide explains what is usually included.
Hotels and Restaurants
- Porters: EGP 20–50 per bag.
- Housekeeping: EGP 50–100 per night, left daily (staff rotate) or at the end of your stay with a note.
- Restaurants: many restaurants add a 12% service charge and 14% VAT. The service charge does not always reach the waiter, so leaving an extra 5–10% in cash is common. If no service charge is added, tip 10–15%.
- Cafés and street food: rounding up or leaving EGP 10–20 is enough.
- All-inclusive resorts: tipping is not required, but EGP 50–100 for bar staff or waiters you see every day is appreciated.
Taxis and Transport
- Ride-hailing apps in Cairo: tipping is optional; rounding up or a small tip in the app is fine.
- Street taxis: agree the fare before you get in; no tip needed beyond rounding up.
- Felucca rides: if the price is agreed per boat, add EGP 50–100 for the captain at the end.
- Horse carriages (caleche): agree the full price first, including any tip, to avoid disputes.
Tipping at Tourist Sites
- Toilet attendants: EGP 5–10. Carry small notes, as they rarely have change.
- Camel and horse handlers at Giza: agree the price for the ride, the duration and the photo stop before you get on. Only tip if you are happy.
- Shoe minders at mosques: EGP 5–10.
Which Currency Should You Use?
Egyptian pounds are best for small tips, because many people cannot easily exchange foreign coins or small foreign notes. For larger tips, such as guides, drivers and the cruise envelope, US dollars, euros or pounds sterling in clean notes are also widely accepted. Never tip with foreign coins. Our guide to money in Egypt explains how to get small notes.
How to Handle Unwanted “Help”
At busy sites you may be offered help you did not ask for: someone takes your photo, points the way or puts a scarf on your head, then asks for baksheesh. A firm, friendly “la, shukran” (no, thank you) before accepting is usually enough. If you have already accepted a small service, a tip of EGP 10–20 is fair, but you do not have to pay inflated amounts. A good guide will handle most of these situations for you. Read our guide to common scams in Egypt for more.
Budgeting for Tips
For a typical guided trip, plan around US$10–15 per person per day for all tips combined. For a one-week trip with a private guide and a Nile cruise, a couple might spend about US$150–250 on tips in total. It helps to put the expected amounts in separate envelopes before the trip ends.
For the full picture of what a trip costs, see our Egypt trip cost guide.
Tipping on Day Tours and Excursions
On a shared day tour, such as an excursion from Hurghada to Luxor or a snorkelling trip, it is usual to tip the guide around US$3–5 per person and the driver or boat crew a smaller amount, often collected together at the end. On private excursions, use the guide and driver amounts above. Snorkelling and diving crews on the Red Sea often share a tip box; EGP 100–200 per person for a day trip is common.
Tipping in Specific Situations
- Airport porters: EGP 20–50 per bag.
- Meet-and-assist representatives at the airport: EGP 100–200 if they help with your visa and luggage.
- Hairdressers and spa staff: around 10%.
- Bathroom attendants at restaurants and malls: EGP 5–10.
- Someone who watches your car or helps you park: EGP 10–20.
- Photography permission at a private home or village: a small tip if you photograph people who agreed to it.
Tips for Tipping Smoothly
- Get small notes when you change money or withdraw cash, and break large notes in hotels and supermarkets.
- Keep tips in a separate pocket or envelope so you are not opening your wallet in busy places.
- Hand tips over discreetly with a “shukran” (thank you).
- If you are unsure, ask your guide or tour operator what is normal; good operators will tell you honestly.
- Tip for the service you received, not for pressure. You can always say no to services you did not request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping mandatory in Egypt?
No, but it is strongly expected in tourism, and many workers depend on tips. You should tip for services you used and were happy with, but you do not have to pay for help you did not ask for.
How much do you tip a tour guide in Egypt?
For a private guide, about US$10–20 per day for a small group is normal. On a group tour, around US$5 per person per day is common.
How much should I tip on a Nile cruise?
About US$5–10 per person per night for the crew, usually placed in a shared envelope at reception, plus a separate tip for your guide.
Can I tip in US dollars in Egypt?
Yes, for larger tips such as guides and cruise crews. For small tips, use Egyptian pounds, and never tip with foreign coins.
Do restaurants in Egypt include service charge?
Many do, usually 12% plus 14% VAT. Leaving an extra 5–10% in cash for the waiter is still common.