Tipping, called baksheesh, is part of daily life in Egypt. Many people in tourism earn modest wages, and tips make up an important part of their income. Nobody expects you to tip for everything, but knowing the usual amounts makes your trip smoother and helps people who work hard for you.
The golden rules
- Carry small notes. Keep a stack of EGP 10, 20 and 50 notes. Change is often hard to get.
- Tip for real service. A good guide or a helpful porter deserves a tip; someone who points at a monument without asking does not.
- Tip in Egyptian pounds for small amounts. For guides and cruise crews, US dollars or euros are also welcome.
- Hand it over discreetly, folded in your hand, with a thank you: shukran.
How much to tip: a quick guide
| Who | Suggested tip (2026) |
|---|---|
| Egyptologist guide | US$5–10 per person per day |
| Driver | US$3–5 per person per day |
| Nile cruise crew (shared box) | US$5–10 per person per night |
| Restaurant waiter | 10% of the bill, in cash |
| Hotel porter | EGP 20–50 per bag |
| Housekeeping | EGP 50–100 per night |
| Airport assistant | EGP 50–100 |
| Felucca captain | EGP 50–100 per group |
| Toilet attendant | EGP 10–20 |
| Camel or horse handler | EGP 50–100, after the agreed price |
These are guidelines, not rules. Families and small groups often give a combined amount. Adjust for the quality of the service and your own budget.
Restaurants and the service charge
Many restaurants add a 12% service charge to the bill. This does not always reach the waiter, so a small extra tip in cash, about 5–10%, is still appreciated. In local cafes and street food spots, rounding up the bill is enough.
Tipping on a Nile cruise
Most cruise ships collect tips for the whole crew in a box at reception on the last day. This covers the cabin staff, waiters, kitchen and deck crew, who share it. Your guide is tipped separately.
Tipping guides and drivers
On a private tour, your guide and driver are with you all day and often shape the whole experience. Most guests tip at the end of the tour, or at the end of each city if the guide changes. If your guide made your trip special, a bigger tip is a wonderful thank you.
Is tipping included in my Lilly Tours package?
Tips are personal and are not included in our tour prices, so you can decide based on the service you receive. Before you travel, we send you a simple tipping guide for your exact itinerary, so you never have to guess.
For more practical advice, see our Egypt travel FAQ and our guide to the Egypt visa. Ready to travel? Browse our Egypt tour packages.
