A 3-course meal in Egypt varies widely, from around £20-£25 (approx. 1,000-1,250 EGP) in mid-range tourist spots to potentially £50+ (2,500+ EGP) in high-end restaurants, while cheaper local eateries might offer similar for less; expect local spots to be much cheaper than tourist zones like Hurghada or Cairo.
For tour guides, a tip of 100-200 Egyptian pounds per day is customary, depending on the length and quality of the tour. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is sufficient, although you may choose to add an additional 5-10 Egyptian pounds for exceptional service.
About $1-2 USD per day is a nice gesture. Tip someone who carries your bags up to your room around $1 equivalent, although they may leave abruptly after dropping bags off and not stay to receive a tip.
It's best to exchange currency for Egyptian pounds on arrival in Egypt. It's straightforward to trade dollars, pounds, or euros in banks for Egyptian pounds.
Can I BUY 3 meals with just £1 each? EGYPT, Hurghada (YOU WILL BE AMAZED)
What are the unspoken rules in Egypt?
In Egyptian culture, the right hand is used for all things clean and good—handing over gifts, eating from the communal dish—and the left hand for everything dirty and impure (yes, the dreaded bum gun). Never eat with your left hand, and always hand over money or gifts with your right or both hands.
However, smaller shops, local markets (souks), and some taxis may not accept cards. Street vendors, souvenir shops, or small cafes outside the main tourist zones often prefer cash. In these cases, having local currency—Egyptian Pounds (EGP)—is necessary.
A Big Mac combo meal, which includes French fries and a drink, previously cost 52 Egyptian pounds ($2.74). Now, a Big Mac meal costs 78 Egyptian pounds ($4.12).
Expect to pay around £8 for a meal for one in a low-key eaterie in Hurghada and £7 in Cairo. Prices increase to £25 for a three-course meal for one in finer surroundings in Hurghada, and £23 in the capital.
In Egypt, budget travelers spend $17 (E£795) per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $40 (E£1,935) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $93 (E£4,449) per day.
Tipping in Egypt's service industry is very important. A big tip, like 200 Egyptian pounds, is seen as very generous for many services. For one-time services, like in restaurants or hotels, a $5 tip is considered very good. Remember, it's best to tip in Egyptian pounds in Egypt.
Bring cash in your home currency (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD) and exchange it for Egyptian pounds after you arrive. Use pounds for daily expenses (snacks, taxis, tips) and keep some foreign cash for hotels or tours. Always carry both cash and a card for backup. Don't bring coins — they're useless here.
Even in all-inclusive packages where meals, beverages, and some activities are pre-paid, tipping remains customary for housekeeping, bartenders, waitstaff, and concierge services. Recommended guidelines: Housekeeping: EGP 50–75 per room per day placed daily on the pillow.
