Why tip?
Tipping is considered to be part of the income of the person serving you, and is expected in this culture. However, it should only be given if the service is of an excellent standard. Tipping encourages the guides ,drivers, hotel staff, waiters to always do their best, and you personally giving them the tip will encourage them to continue serving you well. Tips are best given in an envelope with a short word of thanks.
Tipping is not compulsory
Tours tippings guidelines (suggestions – not compulsory)
Tipping guidelines in EGP per service providers (in case you want to handle the tipping yourself) –
Tipping in Egyptian pounds EGP (these amounts are per group not per person). The Minimum amount is for a small group (1-2 people) and the Max amount for a larger group.
* Driver 150-250 for a full day
* Driver 100-200 for a half day or airport transfer.
* Bellman in hotel 30 when you check in and 30 when you check out
* Dahabiya Cruise, Regular Nile Cruise, Felucca per person (as in the list attached at the end of the doc).
* In restaurants 5-10% of the meal cost (about 50-150 )
* Tour guide about 300-400 per full day (7-8 hours)
* Motor boats or Felucca rides 50 – 100.
* Airports/transfers/ operator/ assists 75 – 100
* Camel / Carriage driver 50 – 100.
EX: If you have 4 full days tours and you are in a private tour in a group of 4 people, your average tipping is as following:
(Guide = 300x 4 )+ (Driver = 200×4) = EGP 2000 (about USD 125 as total) for the guide and driver.
Note: Dahabiya cruise tipping guidelines at the end of the doc
Before you travel
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Get travel insurance, essential for medical emergencies, and make sure it covers the COVID. Also check any medications you need are LEGAL in Egypt
Email to yourself scans / photographs of your important documents – passport, including the stamped Visa page, travel insurance, both sides of your debit and credit cards. This makes it easy for you to have copies to arrange replacement, if the originals are lost or damaged. Also email yourself a list of your important phone numbers in case of phone loss or damage.While you will be with your guide for much of the time, there will be times you are on your own. Don’t expect all Egyptians to understand your language. Instead, learn some useful phrases. Even if you have only a few basic phrases, people will appreciate this and make an effort to communicate or help you.
