Due to the constantly changing exchange rate for the value of the Egyptian Pound, this video is outdated. For an updated look at tipping in Egypt, be sure to check out my new blog post. I also plan on redoing this video in the future to talk about tipping now that the Egyptian Pound is in flux. BLOG POST: www.egyptadventurestravel.com/blog/whom-and-how-much-to-tip-in-egypt

You have touched on a very interesting subject. I've been to Egypt 3 times, I've also been to more poorer countries ( Laos, Zimbabwe, Burma, Nigeria )and nowhere did anyone demand a tip like in Egypt. Nowhere have I been/am I being jerked around or solicited like in Egypt. It was western civilization that got them used to it - driver said 20$ and received 30$, waiter said 40$ and received 50$ because they are poor- If they tell us a price it means it costs that much! - now they demand from everyone considering it part of their culture. Arabs themselves don't do it as often - if at all. Explaining that they don't earn enough is childish - most people in the world think they earn not enough (in proportion to the country they live in). There are people who of course need to be tipped extra, but please don't say that this should be done for everyone because many don't deserve it. The problems with drivers in Egypt ended when I started using Uber App - seriously. I'd make an agreement with a driver for 300 pounds and at the end of the ride he'd charge me 550 and instead of having a nice time I'd have to look for the tourist police. In a restaurant I get a menu, the cost of the food is 200 pounds and the bill is 400 - every step person has to be careful how much they pay, for what and also what change they give out because they cheat too. So maybe instead of pitying them so much they should learn how to respect tourists. Egypt is a beautiful country and I wish all of You a great holiday.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and for sharing.

@MrAchile13

6 ай бұрын

I don't have a problem paying a bit more then the locals, for the same service, given the economy. I also don't mind giving small tips and generous ones (when the person really deserves it), but I have a really hard time having any kind of empathy for people who try to scam me. Scamming should never be tolerated or excused.

@BlackSaiyan24

2 ай бұрын

Experiencing this right now. It is making the vacation here horrid. It’s a disgusting display of greed and dishonesty, especially coming from the UAE. This will be the last time I ever step foot in Egypt.

@junyongtang9271

Ай бұрын

Experiencing also that right now and i totally agree with the comment! Zero respect for the tourist. I have to think twice to come back again.

I just got back a month ago. And we tipped mostly in US dollars. They love dollars but they must be nice. Not torn or written on because they can not exchange it. We tipped all of our guides very well. They took so much time with us. We were the only ones on our tour so we got a lot of attention. Our driver we tipped st least 20 a day or more depending on the traffic in Cairo, if the traffic was unusually crazy, as it always is it could go higher

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I’m glad you had a good time and took care of the Egyptians who took care of you :)

Great video, thanks for the info!

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Thanks.

We just got back from Egypt and found your videos to be very helpful.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you went to Egypt and found my resources helpful! I hope you had a wonderful time in my second home :)

I’m going to Egypt soon. Very helpful video. You explained it well.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Have a wonderful trip.

@jonathanvasquez3801

Жыл бұрын

Me too!! End of November and beginning of December!

Thank you for the information - I am going to Egypt in Nov '22, with Gate1 from JFK, a 15 day tour with a tour guide. I am watching your video again bc it got a little confusing with the different currency calculations for the tipping - living in the NYC metro the standard we currently tip 25% - I plan on getting new US bills bf we leave to use for tips - I was planning on $100 in one dollar bills and at least $100 in five dollar bills for the small daily tips - totally separate from the tour guide & driver tips. I have read that ATM's are easy to locate in Egypt - so we should be fine if we need more cash. Thank you again for all of the informative video's - sad I didn't find your site until after I booked because you are a wealth of knowledge!

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found them useful! Have a wonderful trip. Feel free to tell your family and friends about my business, so they can reach out if they would like to book a trip!

Thanks for the video. that was helpful

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

4 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@nettielange3276

4 күн бұрын

@@EgyptAdventuresTravel still watching and studying and taking notes until we can talk mid to late 2025

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

4 күн бұрын

@@nettielange3276 sounds great!

I’ve just come back from Egypt. People were delighted to have any money from any country. The currency is really crashing. They are happy with dollars euros dinars yen they truly are they’ll take anything and I noticed many museums will not even except the Egyptian pound they only want you to pay with a credit card or foreign currency.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

10 ай бұрын

That’s interesting that museums would not accept the Egyptian Pound? I’ve never heard of that happening before. But yes, in the current economic state, foreign currency seems to be preferred more and more!

Good morning from Papua New Guinea. I enjoyed watching your contents. I liked and subscribed to your KZread channel for more contents.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

10 ай бұрын

Thank you, welcome!

@yipmabaruya1148

10 ай бұрын

@@EgyptAdventuresTravel thank you for responding to my comments . May God bless you 🙏🙏.

This video made me laugh because, of all the countries I’ve ever travelled to, the one where I was treated the worst for tipping 20% - not the expected 25%, was in the US. Where I come from you only tip for good service *after* you’ve received exceptional service… Not in anticipation of, which in my experience never worked. I routinely was expected (forced) to tip 20 bucks for a regular meal, only to have the worst experience & service, I’ve ever had in my life. The other thing I noticed is that Americans, when they tip overseas, it’s basically loose change. Never like they would tip in their own country, where service people actually do have more money.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Did you have better service in Egypt? I find that a lot of the time, the service in Egypt is much friendlier than I get in other places I travel (or in the USA where I live).

I just got back from Egypt and the tipping is ridiculous. I was at one of those small markets in Gizza and I was getting a few bottles of water out of the cooler. As soon as I grabbed the 3 bottles of water I wanted a man appeared behind me asking me to give him the bottles of water. I didn’t know who he was so I allowed him to take the bottles out of my arms. The man then took three steps from where I was to the cash register and placed the bottles on the counter so the clerk could ring up my sale. The man then demanded a tip from me. I was like what? Lol They will walk up to you and take your scarf off your head then they will put it back on your head and then demand a tip. Again, it’s ridiculous. But as long as you really want to see Egypt, it’s really not that big of a deal. I tipped my driver just fine but for all the people just coming up to you and demanding a tip for some stupid reason, I kept small notes on me to give them.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I’m sorry that was your experience! When I have travelers with me, I never let those type of situations happen, or when they do, I explain in Arabic that we will not be tipping. But the strategy you shared of just giving the person a very small amount of money to make them go away is another one that will work well. I hope you still had a great time!

Where do I find your travel blog post with the list about who and how much to tip? That sounds like it would be extremely useful! Thank you.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Hi Judy! It’s linked in the video description, although I will be updating the post soon 👍🏼

Excellent content, I wish I’d watched your video earlier. I am currently in Cairo and I’d tipped a meet and greet person £1 coin to arrange a taxi transfer at the airport because I didn’t have any small notes. At least I know what is expected of me next when I am in similar situations.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

2 ай бұрын

It’s not a huge problem, but hopefully next time you’ll be able to tip using local currency for those small tip situations.

We are planning on coming as a large family (3 adults and 9 kids). What would tipping look like? Is it your recommended but times 12? That adds up a lot for us

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I would recommend tipping your: Tour guides between $25-$40 per day total for all of you Drivers between $15-$30 per day total for all of you Representatives between $20-$30 per day total for all of you I will be updating my blog post on tipping at some point within the next couple weeks, because now I recommend keeping tipping amounts in USD, since the Egyptian Pound's value has been fluctuating so much on the black market and currency exchange offices.

Thank you for this video. How do you tip on a cruise on the Nile if it is a cruise that lasts more than one day?

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I would either tip each day, or do a big tip at the end. You can also always ask the crew-how do you like to be tipped? Each day, or at the conclusion of the trip?

@autumn_b905

Жыл бұрын

@@EgyptAdventuresTravel ok. Thanks for your advice. I will do that

I'm going to an all inclusive resort. What about the waiters around the pool and beach areas? Each drink or at the end of the day? Thanks

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

11 ай бұрын

Depends-if you have one server with you for the duration of the day, I would do at the end of the day, otherwise, I would tip something small, like 20 Egyptian pounds, per drink. Other resorts might include tips, so you will want to ask at your specific property.

Hi Gus, I am traveling solo in Cairo but I have booked three 6 hour tours with Viator over a three day period to see Cairo. My question: as a solo traveler on a private tour, how much should I tip both the tour guide and the driver? Should the overall amount be the same as if I was traveling with a friend? Thanks for any suggestions. And my apologies for not booking with you - I only saw your website yesterday.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

7 ай бұрын

Hey there! Feel free to use the blog post linked in the video description to help with amounts for tipping as a solo traveler.

Hi We will be visiting Egypt soon A family of 4 How much can we tip a tour guide at the pyramid and at the museum Confused.... Pls advice Tq

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

2 ай бұрын

You can use the blog post linked in the video description to help-it gives all the exact tipping amount recommendations. Have a great trip!

I see tour guides and drivers who will be with you for awhile. But what about when hotels offer free airport pick-up? What would you tip that driver?

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I usually tip airport transfers 50-100 Egyptian Pounds.

Gus, I have been all over the world and have never found a place which was so expectant of tipping the way the Egyptians are. It can't be based on poverty either being Myanmar ad Laos are much poorer than Egypt. I always wondered how the Egyptian society evolved in a way that tipping almost everyone a tourist encounters happened. You have any clues to why Gus? Just curious.

@lindagurnish7540

Жыл бұрын

And Egyptians tip Egyptians for EVERYTHING!!!

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I don’t know how this started, but now Egyptians who work in the tourism industry rely on tips (like a server working in an average, sit-down restaurant in the USA relies on tips). They are not paid enough by the companies they work for in order to get by. It may be in part due to tour companies in Egypt realizing that they do not need to pay guides/drivers as much if they receive tips? I am not sure. It is one reason why I build tipping into all of my guided tours that I lead on my own-I want to take VERY good care of all of my people, but I don’t want any guests to need to worry about tipping.

@cehaem2

Жыл бұрын

Tipping is just part of the Egyptian culture. When you're on a night out with friends, business partners, whatever, and you're paying you usually add a hefty tip. In Egypt if you have money, or at least are pretending to have money, you show off. That's sort of expected from you and you also do it to confirm your status. And, obviously, you do it in front of everyone. This might have to do something with islamic Zaqat, but I'm not sure. Now to the Travel&Tourism industry. Just like all the other North African countries Egypt has one particular problem. Lots of well-educated people -remember, this country has over 100 mio inhabitants, and not enough jobs.Plus most of the jobs in that industry are only seasonal and located hundreds of kilometers away from the major cities. Again, like 90% of all Egyptians live in the Nile Delta while most hotels are on the Sinai Peninsula or on the Red Sea Coast (Egyptians do also go to places like Dahab but the lower middle class usually can afford only the Mediterranean. Jobs there are usually seasonal. Companies obviously take advantage of that and offer them as little money as possible. Plus, after the season, these people usually have no income, so they have to live off what they got extra as tips.

@jeffreyrivera8158

Жыл бұрын

So true, as a country that depends on tourism this is the only place on earth that people feel entiltled for tips. I was on a small hotel for couple of nights and a housekeeper pick up my room trash and I gave her $5 . She look at the money on her way out and shout, sir do you know how much money you gave me? I though she appreciate it but no she told me that is not enough. I traveled all over the world, rich or poor country but this is the worst place for tipping. Will not coming back.

Hey great video. My son and I are traveling to Egypt in May. My credit card does not charge to use in Egypt but my debit card to use at an ATM does. I’m looking to bring cash into the country. My question is how many Egyptian pounds and US dollar can I bring through the airport? I’m nervous about using the ATM over there. Thanks so much!

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

8 ай бұрын

You can bring a maximum of $10,000 USD or equivalent in cash. Have a great trip!

@AvaRose00

8 ай бұрын

@@EgyptAdventuresTravel that’s for the reply. I booked my trip to Egypt a few days ago. Because of the war in Israel, my wife is scared to let my son and I go. What are your thoughts on everything and safety? Thank you!

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

8 ай бұрын

@@AvaRose00 I still feel totally safe, but this is a developing situation, so things may change. You should follow what the state department and the US embassy (or your country’s embassy) say and make your own informed decision about whether or not travel to Egypt is right for you 👍🏼.

Hello Gus, I was looking for tour guide in Cario. I got quoted 50.00 USD per person for one day tour for the pyramids. Please advise if this is adequate or overpriced? Based on your blog and your video, sounds like this quote is too much. Drop me a line and lets connect. Thanks

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Hi William, feel free to send me an email at gus@egyptadventurestravel.com and I would be happy to set up a consultation to answer your questions. Thanks!

Yep I agree with you. When I was there I didn’t hesitate giving a dollar or 2 or 5 (depending on the service) in tip even though the tour guide said we didn’t have to tip that much because I knew they make so little.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I am the same way :)

Hi I have chosen your 1st itinerary for 7days. We 3 person (family). With cruise. Please suggest me per day how much I can pay as tips for all 3 person in EGP. Please 🙏

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

4 ай бұрын

You can use the blog post linked in the video description to calculate how much for each day is a good amount.

how about a 12 days tour. my guide with us from Cairo, Aswan nile Cruise to Luxor.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

6 ай бұрын

You can read the blog post linked in the video description for more information.

Dont be cheap with the tips but also try to not overtip in developing countries. Egypt as a country can never reach its potential as long as a toilet cleaner makes much more than a police man. I only tip if someone shows effort. I would never give someone tip for just holding a door.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I also would never tip someone for holding a door in Egypt.

Im going on my own in two weeks so i will kerp your vidio close to me ta fir that

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

This video is outdated in its recommendations since the currency has now lost some of its value, so you should use the blog post in the video description as your guide.

What about in a all inclusive resort

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

11 күн бұрын

You can treat it just like a normal hotel-tip porterage, and leave some money on your pillow for cleaning staff, and any services you get (massage at the spa, snorkeling excursion) you can tip as well. No need to tip at the breakfast buffet, unless specifically asked by the resort.

I usually bring dollars as well as local because i cant keep up with the devaluation of the Egyptian pound. I think it has just dropped 30% last month alone

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

27 күн бұрын

Yes, this video is due for an update. I now recommend tipping in USD as much as possible instead of local currency. I’ve kept the blog post updated, and a video update will be out sometime in the next couple months. Thanks for commenting!

@davidlawlor4317

26 күн бұрын

@EgyptAdventuresTravel brill I will go get some exchanged now. Thankyou for this information.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

26 күн бұрын

@@davidlawlor4317 my pleasure-have a great trip!

Do not tip $1 bills. They cannot exchange them. Egyptians typically go to an ATM to exchange currency and the lowest denomination that is accepted is $5 and some places $10. So what happens is they collect the dollars and then they need to find, in this case, an American, to exchange those dollar bills. Happened to us this June 2023 down in Luxor. And there is no problem whatsoever getting smaller bills. Go get a water in a store and give a 100EGP note, you’ll get plenty of smaller notes this way.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

11 ай бұрын

I 100% agree with all of this 👍🏼

@macmac3280

Ай бұрын

what happens with all that foreign currency disappearing in ATMs?

Will it be better to tip on Egyptian pounds in general if you have it available?

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

8 ай бұрын

It used to be better, but now, lots of Egyptians prefer being tipped in USD, Euros, or GBP. Just avoid using $1 bills, and never use coins. These are unable to be exchanged at exchange offices.

Are you a tour guide or do you offer tour services?

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

I am both! Shoot me an email at egyptadventurestravel@gmail.com and let’s chat!

How much is the cost of living though?

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

9 ай бұрын

Significantly less than the USA, but because of inflation, most things are double, triple, or even higher than what they used to cost, and salaries have largely stayed the same or increased just a small amount. Plus, cars, computers, phones, electronics, and anything that is imported (makeup, clothing, the list goes on and on) still costs what it costs in the USA, so a lower cost of living does little to help you afford a car when you make around $100-200 USD monthly.

Exchange rate has gotten worse since this video was created. So raise his suggestions by about 30%. You'll be spending the same amount of dollars 👍

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Yes, this is a very good point--I will be updating my KZread video and my blog post on tipping to reflect the change in exchange rates, and I think from now on, I will recommend the tipping amounts in USD$, which travelers can then either pay in USD$, or can convert using the current exchange rate.

@Kid_Ikaris

Жыл бұрын

@@EgyptAdventuresTravel smart. Your video was awesome btw. Very informative. Any experience going to Middle Egypt? Just liquidated my Robinhood account to pay for a trip out there to see Petosiris' Tomb and check out the New Hermopolis project. So excited to finally go.

going back to sharm in 9 days time. we always tip 5 english pounds. our experience just gets better and better, we dont even need to que for anything

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

4 ай бұрын

Have a great trip!

Hi, I’m new to your channel. I will be in Egypt next month! Can recommend a fun gay bar/club? Thanks

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Hi, welcome! Egypt has no gay bars or clubs, sorry! It is not ok to be out and openly LGBTQ+ in Egypt. For more information on how to travel safely as an gay person, check out my video on the topic. Have a great trip!

@Jthegreat84

Жыл бұрын

@@EgyptAdventuresTravel Will do, thank you!

I went to egypt and tip to the tour guide $100 dollar,the same to the driver.those guys are humble.❤🇵🇾

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Жыл бұрын

Wow, that’s a lot! Definitely not as much as you would need to, but very kind of you.

tipping in $,€,£ is better since the egyptian pound is weak

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

5 ай бұрын

Yes, that is true now-I need to do an updated video talking about this 👍🏼

My god! I am currently in Egypt and I hate the tipping culture in Egypt. It’s never enough and they are extreme aggressive. I can’t save this country! The min tip they always want is 100/200 pound (2/4 euro) Even the guards in Luxor wants min 200 pound tip instead of the 20 you mentioned. The funny thing is… a second guards joins in and also want the tip as well. There is no genuine help in that country. They just want money. The tour guides are not cheap at all and should it be our problem that the workers don’t get a fair salary or don’t get paid at all? The standard food is cheap and the tip should reflect that! We have been in so many other countries (poorer) where they don’t behave like this people in Egypt. I am sorry to say this. The lost civilized culture is indeed lost. They are just animals. I mean you can be poor, but please don’t lose your dignity.

@EgyptAdventuresTravel

Ай бұрын

I’m sorry you’re having this experience. This is one of the reasons I handle all of the tipping with my tour groups, so none of my guests have to ever worry about tips. I hope you’re able to enjoy your time otherwise. Safe travels!