💵 Hurghada Tipping Guide 2026 – How Much to Tip in Egypt’s Red Sea City

Why a Hurghada tipping guide matters

In Hurghada and across Egypt, “baksheesh” (tipping) is part of everyday life. Salaries for many workers are low, and tips are an important part of their income. At the same time, some tourists feel pressured, chased, or even tricked into tipping everywhere. The goal of this Hurghada tipping guide is simple:

• Show you where tipping is normal and where it is optional.
• Give clear amounts in Egyptian pounds and euros for 2026.
• Help you stay polite and generous without being pushed or scammed.
• Connect tipping with your overall budget – see also our Cost of Living in Hurghada guide.

Quick tipping cheat sheet for Hurghada (2026)

These are average suggestions for normal service. You can always tip more for excellent service or less if the service was poor.

💡 Keep a mix of small notes (10, 20, 50 EGP). They are your best friend in Hurghada.

When tipping in Hurghada is expected – and when it is optional

In Egypt, service charge on the bill does not always go to the staff. That is why people still expect cash tips. However, you are not required to tip every single person you meet. Use this rule:

• Expected: direct personal service – carrying bags, cleaning your room, table service, private driver, tour guide, spa therapist.
• Optional / small: security opening doors, toilet attendants, beach towel man, animation team.
• Not required: someone who just said “hello”, pushed you to enter a shop, or gave you unwanted help.

If you are on a tight budget, focus your tips on housekeeping, waiters who serve you every day, and the staff on excursions. For more money-saving tips see our Hurghada on a Budget guide.

Tipping in Hurghada hotels & all-inclusive resorts

Hurghada is full of large all-inclusive resorts. Staff usually work long shifts, and tips make a big difference to them. Here is how to handle tipping in hotels without feeling lost.

Bellboy / luggage porter

For bringing your suitcases to the room, 20–40 EGP per bag (around €0.50–1) is fair. If you arrive late at night or have very heavy luggage, you can round up.

Housekeeping

A good standard is 30–60 EGP per room per night (around €1–2). You can:

• Leave it daily on the pillow with a short “Thank you” note, or
• Give a bigger amount at the end of the stay if you had the same cleaner all week.

Waiters & bartenders

In all-inclusive hotels, you are not paying for each drink, but small tips make service faster and friendlier. You can:

• Tip 30–50 EGP to the waiter who brings your drinks at the start of the evening.
• Give 50–100 EGP to your favourite bar or restaurant waiter every few days.

Beach towel man & pool staff

Completely optional. If someone keeps your sunbeds every day or helps you a lot, 20–50 EGP once in a while is enough.

Animation team

Animation teams work hard but do not expect tips from every guest. If you really enjoy their shows or kids’ club, you can give 100–200 EGP to the team at the end of your holiday.

📝 Choosing the right hotel area can also reduce pressure and hassle. Check our Where to Stay in Hurghada guide for quieter or more local-feeling districts.

Tipping in restaurants, cafés & shisha bars

Outside hotels, most restaurants in Hurghada add a service charge and tax to the bill, but this still does not always reach the waiter. The usual rule:

• Tourist restaurants: 10–15% of the final bill in cash if service was good.
• Local eateries & koshary / falafel shops: Round up the bill or leave 10–20 EGP.
• Cafés & shisha bars: 10–30 EGP depending on how long you sit and how many orders.

If the service was really bad, it is okay to tip less or not at all. Do not feel guilty – tipping is a thank-you, not a fine.

Tipping taxis, drivers & transfers in Hurghada

Transport in Hurghada is a common place for confusion and overcharging. First, agree the price before you start the trip. After that, you can decide if you want to tip.

City taxis & ride apps

• Short rides inside town: add 10–20 EGP on top of the agreed fare.
• Longer rides (e.g. to El Gouna or Sahl Hasheesh): 20–50 EGP extra is enough.

Private airport transfers

For a pre-booked Hurghada private transfer, 50–150 EGP (€2–5) per car is normal, depending on the distance and how helpful the driver is with luggage and kids.

Bus & long-distance tours

On group trips to Cairo or Luxor, the guide often collects a shared tip for the bus driver at the end. Around 50–100 EGP per person is fair.

Tipping on boat trips, safaris & excursions

On Hurghada excursions there are normally several people working: captain, crew, snorkel guide, photographer, driver… Don’t stress about tipping each one separately. You can either:

• Give a tip to the main guide and say it is “for the team”, or
• Put money in the shared tip box near the end of the trip.

Suggested tips per person

• Snorkeling / island trips: 50–150 EGP (€2–5) per person.
• Desert safari / quad bike: 50–100 EGP per person.
• Big full-day tours with Egyptologist guide: 200–400 EGP per person for the guide, plus 50–100 EGP for the driver.

If you book privately with DH Tours / Discover Hurghada, you can always ask us on WhatsApp what is reasonable for each specific trip.

Tipping in spas, salons & beauty services

For massages, Turkish Hammam and beauty treatments, tipping works more like in Europe:

• Massage / Hammam: 100–200 EGP per person (€3–6).
• Haircut, manicure, pedicure: 10–15% of the bill, or 50–100 EGP.

Many therapists in hotels rely heavily on tips, so if you are happy with the treatment, your tip will really make their day.

Cash, currency and smart tipping hacks

• Tip in Egyptian pounds when possible. Staff can use it immediately without changing money.
• Small euro coins are okay in hotels and tourist places, but banks do not change coins – staff give them to friends or exchange informally.
• Use ATMs or currency exchange offices to get small notes. Avoid changing big amounts at the airport only.
• Prepare an envelope or small pouch in your room with organised 10, 20, 50 EGP notes ready for tips.
• If you stay long-term, agree with your favourite staff on a weekly tip instead of giving tiny amounts many times per day.

For a full money overview, check also our Hurghada Visa & entry rules and Hurghada transportation guide.

Common tipping mistakes & small scams to avoid

• Paying twice: You already paid a “service charge” on the bill, then the waiter says service is not included. Decide yourself if service was good enough for an extra tip.
• Feeling obliged after forced help: Someone grabs your suitcase without asking, then demands a tip. You can simply say “No, thank you” and walk away.
• Handing big notes for small services: It is better to give 20–50 EGP than 200 EGP if you are not sure. Do not show your whole wallet.
• Letting someone count your change: Always count your change yourself; do not hand your wallet to strangers.

Remember: tipping in Hurghada should feel like appreciation, not pressure. A polite smile and a clear “no, thank you” are completely acceptable.

Hurghada tipping guide – FAQ

Do I have to tip everywhere in Hurghada?

No. You are expected to tip when someone gives you real personal service – carrying bags, cleaning your room, serving you at the table or guiding you on a tour. For small things like opening a door or giving directions, a smile and “thank you” is enough.

Is it better to tip in Egyptian pounds or euros?

Egyptian pounds are always the most practical. Staff can use them immediately. Euro coins are still appreciated in hotels, but they are harder for staff to exchange.

How much should a family of four budget for tips in a week?

For a one-week all-inclusive holiday, a realistic tipping budget is around 1,000–2,000 EGP (€30–60) for the whole family, including hotel staff and one or two excursions.

Can I refuse to tip if the service was bad?

Yes. Tipping in Hurghada is customary, but it is still voluntary. If service was rude or careless, you can politely say no and keep your money.