Cash first
Cards work in hotels, established restaurants and big chains. Everywhere else — ahwas, taxis, souks, site tickets, tips — it's Egyptian pounds in cash. Withdraw from a bank ATM rather than an airport machine, and decline the "convert to your currency" option on screen: the rate is always worse.
- Always keep small notes: nobody ever has change for a large one.
- Change money as you go rather than all at once.
Baksheesh, explained honestly
A tip isn't an exceptional reward here, it's a normal part of many people's income. Giving one isn't being taken for a ride; refusing on principle isn't firmness. That said, you owe nothing to someone who performed a service you never asked for.
- Restaurant: around 10%, on top of any service charge already on the bill.
- Porter, driver, guardian who unlocks a gate: a small note is enough.
- Private guide for a full day: considerably more — that's the job.
- Someone takes your photo with your phone unasked, then holds out a hand: you can decline politely.
Haggling without unpleasantness
In the souks, the first price is an opening to a conversation, not an insult. Simple rule: offer around 40% of the asking price, let the conversation do its work, expect to land at 55–65%. Smile, take your time, and if the price doesn't suit you, thank them and walk — that's accepted, and often you get called back.
- Never haggle in a fixed-price shop, a restaurant, or a metered taxi: it would be out of place.
- Don't start a negotiation you don't intend to finish.