Why tip?
Tipping is considered to be part of the income of the person serving you, and is expected in this culture. However, it should only be given if the service is of an excellent standard. Tipping encourages the guides ,drivers, hotel staff, waiters to always do their best, and you personally giving them the tip will encourage them to continue serving you well. Tips are best given in an envelope with a short word of thanks.
Gratuity Guidelines per Person per Service in EUR
(Suggestions – not compulsory)
General Gratuity Guidelines
| Service | Suggested Tipping |
|---|---|
| Airports Assists / Driver per day tour | EUR 4–6 per person per day |
| Guide | EUR 9–13 per guest per day |
| Camel or Horse ride | EUR 2 per person per ride |
| Felucca or motor boat ride (1–2 hours) | EUR 1–2 per person per ride (depends on the number of guests on board) |
Dahabiya Gratuities Suggestions for Dahabiya Crew
(Not compulsory)
| Service | Suggested Tipping |
|---|---|
| Dahabiya Crew tipping | EUR 13–17 per person per night Per Person Per Night on board 3 Nights: From 38 EUR – 51 EUR per person per trip 4 Nights: From 61 EUR – 68 EUR per person per trip Note: The fewer the number of people on board, the higher the per person rate is expected. |
Important Note:
The above gratuities cover all staff (12–14 crew members) on board the Dahabiya, including:
- Captain
- Chef
- Waiter
- Housekeeping
- Sailors
- Tug Boat Driver
- etc.
Not including the Tour Guide on board.
Gratuities are best given in an envelope on the last night after dinner to the boat captain (the night before check-out).
Nile Cruise Crew Tipping
| Service | Suggested Tipping |
|---|---|
| Nile Cruise Crew tipping | EUR 9 per person per night Per Person Per Night on board 3 Nights: 26 EUR per person per trip 4 Nights: 34 EUR per person per trip |
The above gratuities do not include Tour Guide tipping.
Overnight Felucca Crew Tipping
| Service | Suggested Tipping |
|---|---|
| Overnight Felucca Crew tipping | EUR 4–9 per person per day Note: The fewer the number of people on board, the higher the per person rate is expected. |
The above gratuities do not include Tour Guide tipping.
Before you travel
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Get travel insurance, essential for medical emergencies, and make sure it covers the COVID. Also check any medications you need are LEGAL in Egypt
Email to yourself scans / photographs of your important documents – passport, including the stamped Visa page, travel insurance, both sides of your debit and credit cards. This makes it easy for you to have copies to arrange replacement, if the originals are lost or damaged. Also email yourself a list of your important phone numbers in case of phone loss or damage.While you will be with your guide for much of the time, there will be times you are on your own. Don’t expect all Egyptians to understand your language. Instead, learn some useful phrases. Even if you have only a few basic phrases, people will appreciate this and make an effort to communicate or help you.