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“Hey, a little something, give me 1 Pound, eh eh eh eh, come on.”
This is the familiar choice of persuasive words, researched and practiced over years to perfection, that you will encounter a lot in Egypt.
This is known in Egypt as Baksheesh. It’s used to describe a small amount of money that’s been given either as a tip, bribe, or donation.
If you travel to Egypt, or many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, you will undoubtedly be introduced to baksheesh from the first day.
It is part of the Egyptian culture and plays are major role in the tourism industry.
But it can also feel overwhelming, and for some travelers, a little confrontational, so if you’re not familiar with this type of practice, then you’re going to want to keep reading to familiarize yourself with it before you go.
What’s the meaning of Baksheesh in Egypt?
In Egypt, Baksheesh means one of three things:
- Begging – Someone out of nowhere just asks you for money, pleading “give me baksheesh”
- Tipping – Attempting to do something legit in an effort to get a gratuity
- Permission for Favors – The last form of baksheesh throughout Egypt is a tweak of tipping, favors are granted and under the table tips are given
Most people will encounter the latter two forms of Egyptian baksheesh.
When people use the term baksheesh, they are usually using it to talk about tipping in Egypt and to offer a sum of money in exchange for services.
Examples of Baksheesh
In order to understand what baksheesh looks like, here is an example of what happened to me.
I was walking to the museum in Luxor one evening, knowing exactly where I was going, and walking at a brisk pace to get there.
A 13 year old boy nudged my side and said “Hey, where you going?”
I didn’t respond, yet he continued walking with me and said “Hey, you turn left here.”
I continued walking, starting to ignore the boy more and more when he recited his next verse, “Hey, give me 1 pound, I showed you where to go (at this point I hadn’t even said a word, except “hey, how are you?”).”
I almost choked on my tongue and then just grinned as I walked the 50 meters to the museum where I was already going.
It can feel aggressive, and if you’re not expecting it or know how to deal with it, can make you feel uneasy.
But it’s all part of the culture and is common practice amongst beggars in cities, as well as people working in tourism after a quick and easy buck.
The art of baksheesh in touristy areas of Egypt starts at an early age and is fine tuned throughout years of working with tourists who apparently have had unlimited supplies of cash for centuries.
Ways In Which You Encounter Baksheesh
In order to know how to deal with baksheesh, you need to know the ways in which a person may use it.
Here are some ways in which people try to get baksheesh from travelers:
- They will try to relate in a personal way to their victim and try to establish a connection or link
- They may offer a service or piece of advice (can be useful or useless)
- Without asking permission, they may provoke someone to use their service (such as a taxi or following for directions)
- They may use all rules and regulations to their advantage and discard rules that will hinder (flaky or real)
- Initially they may give roundabout clues as to their motive of making a little money but typically they will appear friendly at first and then once you engage, their motives become more apparent
- They may come right out without hesitation and demand a couple of pounds or even come right out and say “give me baksheesh”
- They will make their target feel a bit guilty for not giving a tip
- If the victim still isn’t playing ball, they may start to get a little more aggressive (not so much in a threatening way, but in a conviction of the culprits wrongdoing). They usually are not out to attack you, but they will follow you for a long time.
- They may also go up to a tourist, take off their hat or Arab style headdress and re-wrap it, then ask for a tip
- They may wear Egyptian traditional dress and ask tourists to take a photo with them, then ask for money
- They may try to show you a hidden site, that’s really just around the corner
- They may also stand outside of a random bathroom (maybe not yours) and get a tip before anyone enters even if the bathroom is free and they don’t work there
Ways to Handle Baksheesh When Traveling in Egypt
Traveling through Egypt you will certainly be faced with multiple circumstances of baksheesh on a daily occurrence.
As mentioned above, there are many ways in which you will encounter baksheesh and it can feel overwhelming when it comes at your time and time again.
To make you more at ease, here are some tips to dealing with it.
1. Think of it as normal
If you really need the service offered (bathroom, attraction, etc.) use your own discretion to determine what price it is worth and just think of it as the normal cost.
2. Just walk on
If the baksheesh is a complete bogus claim, refuse to make eye contact with the tout and walk on.
Attempt to breeze past without speaking, playing stupid.
If the solicitor gets more aggressive, don’t sweat it, they won’t hurt you or even chase you. Just walk away at full speed.
3. Get a tour guide
Guides are great at keeping baksheesh at bay since they speak to local language. You do need to tip your guide, but at least you only tip one person.
4. Get a private driver
You can avoid confrontations on public transport by having someone drive you around all day and drop you off outside attractions you want to see.
5. Carry small bills
It’s always a good idea to carry a supply of small bills in the Egyptian pounds. This makes it easier to give appropriate tips without giving too much.
6. Be mindful of the situation you’re in
Baksheesh is often given in exchange for a service or favor received, so if someone has given you a favor and you’ve accepted it, then you’re more obligated to give a tip.
Consider the context and circumstances before deciding whether or how much to tip.
For example, tipping a tour guide or a porter who has provided exceptional service is generally expected.
7. Be discreet
If you do give baksheesh, it’s best to be discreet and avoid flaunting money.
Roll a bill up in your hands and shake hands with them as a way of giving them the money.
This helps maintain a respectful atmosphere and prevents any potential misunderstandings or uncomfortable situations.
Sometimes if someone sees you give a baksheesh, others will flock over to you.
8. Negotiate prices upfront
In some countries, baksheesh can be seen as an opportunity for negotiation.
If you’re unsure about the appropriate amount to tip, negotiate and agree on the price or tip beforehand to avoid any confusion later.
9. Respect local customs
Remember that baksheesh is a cultural practice, and it’s important to respect and adhere to local customs.
While there are some who take advantage, there are others who deserve their baksheesh (good tour guides and private drivers, for example).
Don’t go in with the mindset of not tipping in Egypt, but understand it’s a way to show appreciation for the local culture and contribute positively to the community.
10. Don’t feel obligated
While tipping is customary in many places, it’s not mandatory in all situations. Use your judgment and assess whether the service or assistance received warrants a tip.
You should never feel obligated to tip if the service was subpar or if it goes against your principles.
Final Thoughts
The art of baksheesh is ingrained into the minds of the people and ways of life in the tourism industry in Egypt.
If you are prepared or equipped with a little forewarning, baksheesh can be an amusing part of the Egyptian style and may even prove to be a bit of fun.
Though it sometimes drives people crazy, think of it with an open mind, and try not to get frustrated!
Note: Egyptians are some of the nicest and most hospitable people that I have encountered in the entire world. The art of baksheesh mostly pertains to people that work in the tourism industry day in and day out, searching for a little extra income.
Bio: Mark Wiens graduated from university and decided to indefinitely travel around the world. He thrives on exploring the local side of cultural travel by observing people and dining on all forms of street food. Check out his world adventures at Migrationology.
Tours of Egypt
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More Egypt & North Africa Travel Tips
Need more inspiration for your travels to Egypt and North Africa? Here are some other helpful guides…
- 23 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Morocco
- Things to do in Marrakesh, Morocco
- Things to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
- 8 things to do in the Canary Islands
- What to Do in Ethiopia
- 5 Experiences Egypt Has To Offer Different Travel Tastes
- What to do in Cairo, Egypt
Ever been to Egypt? What did you think of the baksheesh strategies? Let us know in the comments.
This is very interesting Mark. I think they call this hustling in the US, noh? In any case, I wonder what a large baksheesh can get you in Egypt?
Also, this reminded me a bit of an article I read on Esquire called the $20 theory of the universe linking you to it since it’s interesting: http://www.esquire.com/features/ESQ0303-MAR_20DOLLARS
Yes Grace, I think it could easily pass as “hustlin.” I checked out the article, pretty interesting!
I love the tips on how to make some baksheesh! Perhaps you’ve opened up a whole new cottage industry for travelers to the M.E.? 🙂
Thanks Raymond. Let me know how it goes if you give it a shot!
The truth is you never know when and how you will be approached by a person who will ask you for baksheesh, so at least in the situations described by you, the tourists should know what to expect.
Yes, you are right Adrian. It’s quite a safe assumption that if you are in any touristy area, you will definitely be approached for some baksheesh.
That’s so interesting! And very helpful to know if I ever decide to go to Egypt!
Thanks Lindsay!
When I was last in Egypt, the focus was less on small bribes for services, which I’ve always handled by shaking my head and negative body language, but trying to entice my son to get interested in toys, which could then be sold at an over-inflated price. I wandered around saying No a lot. The time before that, I was with a group of Israelis, so attracted sod-all attention.
Hi Theodora,
That’s interesting, there is definitely a diverse range of methods used for gaining income from tourists!
I loved the section on how to spot baksheesh. I think I may try that in Touristy-Orlando!
Excellent, I think you have a great chance at some extra income!
great post! Never been to Egypt but heard a lot about Baksheesh…the “Always try to get in camera photos, even if you have to jump in front of people” made me laugh out loud! 🙂
Very nice and funny post! People should remember this especially when going to the Giza Pyramids! But don’t worry… there is always a way to sneak out!
great post! when i was in egypt i was with a group that included some blondes as well as some people of middle eastern descent. once, when egyptians were (yet again) taking pictures of a blonde friend, one of the middle eastern kids popped out and asked for baksheehs from the egyptians. the end result? lots of laughter and offers for shay.
one other thing–do you speak arabic, or have you been to other middle eastern countries? i only ask because you wrote jellibeyeh instead of gallibeyeh. some of the tweaks of egyptian arabic are so particular, like the change of j to g.
This is extremely informative and spot-on from what we experienced. In Luxor, I had a child walk alongside me asking for baksheesh while literally reaching into my back pocket where many men keep their wallets – he was disappointed. I found the guards at the sites to be the most insistant in asking for baksheesh. At one of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings (where there is only 1 entrance and 1 exit), I had a guard ask for baksheesh because he showed us the exit. I just laughed and then he just laughed. I think many folks ask for baksheesh just to see what they get away with. If you say no, it doesn’t seem to be an issue. However, if someone does provide a legitimate service or their service is exemplary, it does warrant baksheesh/tip.
Many of the “guards” and/or “guides” at or around ancient Egyptian sites etc have no official function but are guys who just hang about providing “services” for baksheesh – you must always remember that 1 Egyptian pound is just a few pence/cents, but is a lifeline to many older (& younger) people in Egypt so don’t get angry if they try to rip you off with extravagant claims, give them what you may think appropriate to the service provided – a caleche (horse drawn carriage) driver in Luxor want E£100 for a 10 minute ride, I gave him 10 (& 5 for his horse) & he accepted it with a laugh – at the V of Ks, an old man showed me & explained some interesting things to photo, I gave him E£5 for his troubles & he was most grateful, shaking hand & wishing God speed. Remember that baksheesh is just part of life’s tapestry, annoying perhaps but part of the travelling adventure. Otherwise just stay at home!
I’m Egyptian and I’m stating that this is revolting !! no Am just kidding, I like this blog and this post is actually interesting. I believe that this is the truth.. Matter fact, if I’m driving my car and i did something against the “traffic laws” i may get a fine but if my ex-pat/foreigner friend is driving the same car and he broke the law the same way i did, he will get a smile and hello !!! and that’s revolting:D … It’s a petty that some Egyptians respect foreigners more than they respect each other.
I got so sick and tired of all the “baksheesh” requests in Luxor that I was literally stunned when I got to Jordan and nobody asked for it! Want directions from the nice Bedouin folks at Petra? They’ll happily give them to you without asking for anything in return. In Egypt? Fughettaboutit!
i was there for working purposes and take few days off for visiting tourist place. it was terrible this culture even i dont’ want to start conversation with anybody i dont know. plus at the last gate before i departed in airport the police/gate keeper asking egyptian pound. i won ‘t come back there if i have no business there and for sure not for vacation. and there are more stories con man and even regular people take advantages to the tourist.example price of food written in arabic is much cheaper than written in english. what a bad experience i have. 🙁 sorry to say that