Tipping on Nile Cruises

In Egypt, tipping is not merely a gesture of appreciation. It is considered a long-standing cultural tradition that plays a significant role in the day-to-day life of many locals. Although tipping on a Nile cruise in Egypt is strictly mandatory, it is widely expected and will surely be greatly appreciated. People working in Egypt’s service industry receive very minimal salaries. So, any tip, regardless of the amount, is surely a big help. 

If you plan to go on a Nile River cruise in Egypt, it may be a good idea to understand the tipping culture, locally known as “baksheesh”. That way, you will have an idea of its importance, how much to give, and when to tip.

What Is Baksheesh?

When taking a Nile cruise in Egypt, expect to hear “baksheesh” too often. This practice might be unfamiliar to those who come from countries where tipping is not customary. However, in Egypt, it is an acceptable part of life.

You are not really expected to give flashy amounts. Even a small amount will surely be appreciated. What matters is the gesture itself, an indication that you appreciate the person’s effort in providing you with their time and service.

Note that baksheesh should not feel forced. If you are not satisfied with the service or if you feel that it was not up to standard, you are not obligated to give. However, if you want to show your gratitude, giving even a small amount is a meaningful way to take part in the local custom and support the people who make a living by providing services to tourists.

Tipping Onboard the Nile Cruise.

As you embark on a Nile cruise, here are a few key things to keep in mind about baksheesh.

 * Who to Tip.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the staff, Nile Cruises in Egypt are able to operate smoothly and safely. Throughout your cruise on the Nile, a team will be looking after you to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.

Each staff member plays a crucial role in the overall operation. They include the housekeeping staff who will clean up your cabin daily, the kitchen staff who will prepare delicious meals, the waitstaff who will be serving the food, and the maintenance team who will be responsible for running the ship safely and efficiently.

* How It Works.

It is a common practice for guests of Nile River cruises to leave a lump sum tip for all the staff onboard the ship. Instead of tipping each and every staff member, most cruise ships make it easy by collecting the tips from all guests. You can place the money in an envelope and give it to the receptionist before leaving.

The management of the cruise will distribute the total amount fairly to the entire team. These include the housekeeping staff, waiters, kitchen staff, and everyone else working for the cruise.

* Suggested Amount.

The general guideline when it comes to giving tips on a cruise in Egypt is around $5 – $10 USD per person, for every night of your cruise. So, if you’re a couple and you have chosen to book a Nile River cruise package for 4 nights, then the appropriate tip is around $40 – $80 USD.

If you are very happy with the service and the level of service is exceptional, you are welcome to tip on the higher end or even give a little extra. Otherwise, if you are not satisfied with the experience, you can tip less or not at all. They will also appreciate it if you provide feedback so the team can improve their service.

Tipping Your Tour Guide.

Depending on the Nile River Cruise package that you booked, your cruise will include excursions and activities like sightseeing in historic sites, visiting markets, and other iconic landmarks along the Nile River. You will likely be assigned a licensed tour guide who will accompany you on every stop and will walk you through these places while sharing some insights as well.

It’s customary to also tip your guide at the end of your tour, especially if you are happy with their service and appreciate their time and effort. The general guideline is to give $10 to $15 USD per person per day. If you are happy with the professionalism, attentiveness, and knowledge of your guide, you can increase your tip to $20 or more.

Tipping Drivers.

Besides tipping your guide, it’s also a good practice to give a small amount to drivers who will transport you to places during your sightseeing excursions. Even though you will not directly interact with the drivers, they play an important role in making sure that you are safe and comfortable during your tour.

A suggested amount for tipping the driver is around $5 USD per person, per day, or per transfer. Of course, this will also depend on the distance and how long the trip is. If you find the driver to be very helpful and you are satisfied with the way they drive and navigate the busy roads of Egypt, you can be more generous with your tip.

Tipping Etiquette: Be Fair and Respectful.

While tipping is a common practice in Egypt, it’s worth noting that your tip should be based on how satisfied you are with the service you received. Good service definitely deserves recognition. However, if they fail to meet your expectations, then you are not obligated to tip. But providing constructive feedback to the staff is helpful, so they know what went wrong and can improve their service.

Try to be discreet and polite when you give tips. Hand over the cash quietly or place it inside an envelope. It’s a courteous way to show your gratitude. It’s a good idea to have some small bills on hand at all times, so it will be easy to tip your guide, driver, etc.

Remember, tipping is not mainly about the money. It is a means to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those responsible for making your Nile River cruise in Egypt a success.

FAQs

Do I have to tip on a Nile River Cruise?

While giving tips on a Nile River cruise in Egypt is not mandatory, it is a practice that’s widely accepted and culturally acceptable. In fact, it plays a significant role in the daily life of people who provide services in Egypt. So, if you are going on a cruise in Egypt and you are pleased with the experience, it’s polite and respectful to give a tip.

Can I tip in Egyptian pounds or should I use U.S. dollars?

You can tip in either the local currency or in US dollars. Both are accepted. However, many would prefer to receive US dollar bills due to the higher exchange rate. If you want to tip in Egyptian pounds, carry small denominations with you so you can give conveniently.

Should I tip my guide and driver separately?

Yes, it is generally advised to tip your guide and driver separately from the staff of the Nile cruise ship. The general guidelines are to give around  $10 to 15 USD per person for the guide, while it’s around $5 USD for the drivers. Of course, if you are not satisfied with the service of your guide or driver, you can give less or not at all.