What's the tipping etiquette in Egypt?

Question

I am due to spend a week in Egypt in November, as I have never been before I have been doing some research into currencies and what to take/not to take. I have finally settled on taking a mixture of Egyptian pounds and US dollars. I intend to use the US dollars for tipping only and waned to know how much should be tipped when having meals, bar staff and pool helpers etc?

I live in the UK and thought that tipping in US dollars would mean that I could get away with tipping with $1 bills instead of £1's!

Answer 1

Before you leave the UK change enough to see you over a day or two of arrival. The rate of exchange is always higher in Egypt than in the UK. Our banks close on Friday & Saturday. If you are flying on a Thursday & are on a b&b basis at the hotel i suggest you change about £100 in UK.

The guys here earn very little salary(200 - 300le £25-£30 per month) & therefore rely on tips, if you are A.I. then you tip just 1 or 2 egyptian pounds daily(10p - 20p) I do not advise you to tip in US.$ they will think you very rich.Any other board basis around 5le if you consider the service to be good you can leave a little extra when you vacate the hotel. Just fetch GBP & change notes in any bank. Hotels will be pleased to change money though they will give much lower rate.

We do have ATM machines that can change notes & give you currency from your card, again you will get lower rate.

I hope this information is of help to you? Should you need any more information about our Country rules & regulations etc., please e.mail me. I lived in Sharm el Sheikh for 7 years & know practically all there is to know about that area& also Hurgada& Marsa Alam

I wish you a good trip!

Answer 2

10 or 15 egyptian pounds are reasonable

Answer 3

We've just come back from Egypt and to be honest if you can tip them in Egyptian money then do that because they go around trying to change it back with tourists if you give them dollars or uk pounds.  

Don't tip on All Inclusive until the last day - they value 10 Egyptian Pounds which is £1 or $2 most but to be honest they are happy with anything you give them no matter how small.  Make sure you tip your room cleaners but don't tip anyone at the airport as they are not suppose to ask apparently.

Have a great holiday!