Tipping in Egypt: Baksheesh & How Much to Give (2026)

In Egypt, tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in daily life. Here's who to tip, how much, and how to navigate it.

In Egypt, tipping — known as baksheesh — is not just customary; it is a fundamental part of the economy for millions of service workers. Many Egyptians in tourism-related roles earn very low base salaries, with baksheesh making up the majority of their real income. As a visitor, budgeting for tips is as important as budgeting for entry fees. The amounts are small in foreign currency terms but very meaningful to the recipient. Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are the currency, and cash is king for tipping.

Tipping in Egypt at a Glance

Restaurants & Cafés

At tourist-facing restaurants — near the pyramids, in Luxor, Aswan, or Cairo's tourist districts — 10–15% is expected. Some restaurants add a service charge automatically, so check the bill. At local Egyptian restaurants (foul and ta'meya spots, koshari places), a tip of EGP 20–50 is a very generous gesture even though no tip is formally expected. Always tip in cash directly to the server — pooling systems mean card tips may not reach the individual.

Guides, Sites & Small Tips

Egypt's major sites — the pyramids, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings — are staffed with guards and attendants who may offer to show you something special, unlock a room, or take your photo. A tip of EGP 20–50 (or USD $1–2) is expected in exchange for these informal services. This is not optional if you accept the service. For official licensed tour guides, USD $5–10 per person per day is the standard — USD, EUR, and GBP are widely accepted and often preferred by guides due to currency stability.

Frequently Asked Questions