Haggling and Tipping in Egypt

Culture

When traveling through Egypt, you’ll encounter two prominent cultural practices: haggling and tipping, known locally as “”baksheesh.”” Understanding these customs will help you navigate the local environment and enhance your travel experience.

Haggling: A Traditional Aspect of Commerce

Haggling is a common and expected practice in Egypt, especially in markets, bazaars, and with street vendors. It’s not just a method of determining price but also a social interaction and a sign of mutual respect.

Tips for Successful Haggling:

Research Prices: Before making a purchase, find out the approximate value of the item to have a realistic idea of its price.
Start Lower: It’s customary to offer a price about 50% lower than the seller’s initial offer, creating room for negotiation.
Stay Calm and Friendly: Keep the negotiation friendly and composed; remember, it’s a standard part of the culture.
Be Prepared to Walk Away: If you can’t reach a satisfactory price, don’t hesitate to thank the seller and leave; this often leads to a better offer.

Baksheesh: A Token of Appreciation for Services

Baksheesh, or tipping, is a deeply ingrained tradition in Egypt and is expected for almost every service provided. For Europeans, this may be somewhat unusual, and some may even have a problem with it. After all, why pay for something that should already be included in the price of the service? However, for many locals baksheesh represents a significant portion of their income, as official wages in Egypt are very low. Most of their income is therefore made up of baksheesh, which is also ordinarily given to each other by local people.

Situations where Baksheesh is Expected:

Hotel Services: For assistance with luggage, room cleaning, or other services, it’s appropriate to tip between 1–5 Egyptian pounds (EGP).
Restaurants and Cafés: A customary tip is 10–15% of the total bill if it’s not already included.
Guides and Drivers: After a full-day excursion, it’s courteous to reward guides or drivers with an amount reflecting your satisfaction, typically around 20–50 EGP.

Recommendations:

Carry Small Change: Keep smaller bills or coins handy to easily provide baksheesh without searching for appropriate amounts.
Respect Local Customs: Even if you’re not accustomed to tipping for every service, in Egypt, it’s a sign of respect and appreciation for others’ work.

Understanding and embracing these cultural practices will help you integrate into the local environment and fully enjoy your journey through Egypt.