Baksheesh
I came across one, in my opinion interesting, article on the topic of tips in Egypt and decided to "distribute" it.
. . . Tipping in Egypt is like a natural disaster for tourists, especially for those who came to Egypt for a holiday for the first time. It must be borne in mind that the tip here consists of two parts - "type" and "baksheesh". "Type" - borrowed from the European culture of service, and "baksheesh" - the concept of Eastern culture. Both together make up a third, or even half, of the staff's wages.
For Russian tourists, the Egyptians themselves can call both “type” and “bakshish” generically “bakshish” or “tip” (if they speak Russian), but this does not change the essence of the matter, it’s just that the word “type” is unusual in Russian.
Speaking in English or other European languages (for European tourists), the Egyptians do not mix "type" with "baksheesh".
So, what is the difference between "type" and "baksheesh"?
First of all, a "type" is, roughly speaking, a "perk", and a "baksheesh" is, as it were, a "gift", but this is not a gift from a client, but from fate. Therefore, when receiving a “baksheesh”, an Egyptian never feels gratitude to you personally, but thanks fate, circumstances, heaven or the Almighty, who sent him such a “good client”.
The size of the "type" does not change over the years, and any change up or down causes misunderstanding. But the size of the "baksheesh" everyone determines for himself, according to the situation and mood. "Type" is not asked, it is only reminded to a forgetful client, and "baksheesh" do not hesitate to demand and even beg. Moreover, on the issue of paying "baksheesh" it is not shameful to bargain. "Type" may well be included in the bill (which basically happens) or collected by a guide ahead for all cases of tourist life, but "baksheesh" is given only from hand to hand, and if someone gave money as "baksheesh" for you -something different, then this is not a "baksheesh" from you, but from another or even an anonymous gift from heaven, so you are a "freeloader".
Absolutely everyone will want to get baksheesh from you, wherever you go. These will be the bus driver, guide, hotel staff, museum and temple attendants, cleaners, waiters, a passer-by who showed you the way, self-appointed guides, camel owners, etc. But not everything is as bad as it might seem. You should always remember that a tip for an Egyptian is like a thank you. And it doesn't matter where you rest - in Cairo, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh. Tipping is accepted for any work done, because. the practice of baksheesh is an integral part of local business relationships.
If you want to thank someone, then baksheesh will be quite appropriate. It is better to give baksheesh little by little and not fall for constant begging, but limit yourself to a small amount in the case when the service really deserves it. It is more convenient to give baksheesh with paper bills or 1 pound coins.
If you gave less than the person deserved, then he will definitely tell you about it (although here they like to ask for more). But if you gave more, then you should not hope that they will “correct” you or give you change...
There is an opinion that you can get a good room in an Egyptian hotel only by giving baksheesh to the reception staff. Often this is true, but this does not mean at all that a tourist will necessarily get a bad room if he does not give baksheesh, as well as the opposite situation. Therefore, try not to give money until you yourself see the proposed number. If the room does not meet the promised conditions (small, dirty, etc. ), you must say so and ask for another one. If none of the shown numbers suits you, then already negotiate at the reception. And only when you are offered a suitable number (you also need to look at it first), give baksheesh. And if the proposed option is much better than you expected from the very beginning, then you can give baksheesh in a slightly larger amount.
Don't forget to pay the porter when you check in and out of the hotel. The acceptable amount is £.5. But, if the porter had to carry suitcases to several rooms, then you can add a little to this amount.
It is better to prepare small money in advance, after “breaking” them into baksheesh for various services.
In many hotels in Egypt, the cleaners ignore the cleaning of the rooms, or do it badly if they do not leave baksheesh. If you find yourself in a similar situation, please contact the administration with a complaint. And if you are satisfied with the quality of cleaning, then the cleaners can leave a small amount every day or every other day. Leave tips in a conspicuous place. Do not forget that any money left by you in a conspicuous place in the room (not put away in the safe) may be mistaken for baksheesh by local staff…
In order to improve relations with the service staff, it is not at all necessary to “overwhelm” them with tips, sometimes it is enough just to smile and be polite and respectful when meeting.
When visiting a restaurant or cafe, the tip, as elsewhere, is 10% of the order amount. If you plan to visit a certain restaurant several times, then first evaluate the waiters in this institution and sit down at the table that is served by the waiter you like the most. If the quality of service suits you, then thank the waiter before leaving and leave him a baksheesh. On your next visit, he will notice you and offer you a table, so you will start a mutually beneficial relationship, but in the future, do not forget about baksheesh.
Never offer baksheesh in Egypt to people who are equal in profession or social status, because. it might be taken as an insult.
