Tipping in Egypt - Baksheesh

Tipping known locally as Baksheesh, or Ba'Sheesh, is common and often expected and not an invention of Egypt. There are limits to anyones pocket, even when it comes down to tips of 25 piastres a time. You will soon get fed up with people asking for Baksheesh and if you start out with the rule not to tip for a service that has not been rendered even if they look like they need the money! For taxis in particular, the price discussed and agreed upon is usually paid without a tip and unless the taxi driver has rendered you a personal service you find to be specifically helpful don't feel obliged to give one. Although as with hotels throughout the world, porters and others should be tipped when bags are carried or room service is delivered.

Egyptians are by their nature courteous and welcoming hosts. If you ask a stranger on the street for directions, the 'help' does not warrant a tip, and in most cases, the stranger would probably be offended if you offered one. Many people involved in the tourist industry, including taxi drivers, may wish to point you out to a good shop. Most will then receive a commission from any sale made, so here again, a tip is not warranted.

Baksheesh is a great excuse to carry a few one pound notes (Egyptian) at all times. One Egyptian pound is worth less then 10 pence (GBP), so keep this in mind.

Incidentally the word 'Buckshee' that we use to mean 'Free' comes from Baksheesh.

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