Baksheesh is the Arabic word you will hear most often on a first trip to Egypt — and it confuses more travellers than any other. Is it a tip? A bribe? A tax? The honest answer is: it is a social obligation that oiled the wheels of daily life long before tourism existed. This guide explains how it works, what things cost, and the exact difference between a well-earned tip and a request you can decline.

What baksheesh actually means

Literally, baksheesh means "something given for free" — but in practice it is broader than the Western tip. It covers everything from a 20 EGP note given to a bathroom attendant to a substantial payment to a guide who has made your week. The common thread: money changes hands for a service, a small kindness, or a job done well. It is not a bribe, and Egyptians do not consider baksheesh for services rendered as degrading — it is a wage supplement, especially for people in lower-paid roles.

Who to tip, and how much

Fair amounts at the time of writing, in Egyptian pounds (adjust for inflation):

  • Restaurant server: 10–15% of the bill if not already added.
  • Hotel housekeeping: 50–100 EGP per day, left in the room.
  • Hotel bellhop: 50–100 EGP for carrying bags.
  • Taxi / Uber driver: round up; 10–20 EGP extra on a typical city ride.
  • Private driver (full day): 200–400 EGP, more for excellent service.
  • Licensed guide (full day): 200–500 EGP per group.
  • Bathroom attendant: 10–20 EGP.
  • Site ticket helper or "guide" who appears unsolicited: 0 EGP. Decline politely.
  • Any "official" who demands money to let you enter: 0 EGP. Not legitimate.

When baksheesh is a scam

Not every hand extended in Egypt is a tip. Learn to spot the difference:

  • Someone "guarding" your car: They are unofficially "looking after" it and expect payment when you return. Give 10–20 EGP for a genuine parking situation, decline if you parked legally and they appeared after you parked.
  • A man who "shows you" the best photo angle: Often a tout who will demand 100 EGP after. Say "no thank you" firmly and walk away.
  • Site staff who unlock a gate for you: Unless the gate was officially closed, this is not a service to pay for.
  • Anyone who demands baksheesh "for the government": This is a scam. Government fees are always paid at a ticket office, not to an individual.

How to hand it over

  • Cash only. Cards do not work for baksheesh.
  • Keep 20, 50, 100 and 200 EGP notes in a small pocket so you can tip quickly without fumbling.
  • Hand it discreetly. Do not wave money in public.
  • Say "shukran" (thank you) with a smile. It turns a transaction into a moment.

How our tours handle it

Every tour we sell includes a private driver and a licensed guide, and tipping them is a normal, expected part of the experience — but it is never compulsory. On our private Pyramids tour, 7-day Egypt tour and luxury Egypt tours, we will tell you the fair tip range for each day and let you decide. We do not accept commission on tips. Our team answers any question about baksheesh before and during the trip — it is one of the most common topics on the first day.