CURRENCY & TIPPING

CURRENCY

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE), with each pound being made up of 100 piastres. Common notes are 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 pounds and you will rarely, if ever, use any coinage in the country. Most people are unsure as to how much currency to take with them and we would recommend that you don’t go overboard. Many retailers will accept English Pounds or American Dollars and some will even accept tips in this currency, although they much prefer to be tipped in the local currency as it is easier for them to spend.

There are numerous cash machines in the ports of call (as well as resorts if you are planning to extend your holiday) and many tour guides will arrange a cash machine visit, so you don’t have to worry about making that journey alone. We found that traveler’s cheques are more difficult to spend, particularly in smaller retail outlets. For more expensive purchases such as jewelry or souvenir items, you may wish to purchase these from official government outlets where you can feel secure about using your credit card.

TIPPING

Notoriously difficult for the English, tipping is an integral part of the tourist culture in Egypt and is relied upon by many people. Tipping can make you feel awkward, but try not to let it. If you feel like you have received good service then tip, if you don’t then, well… don’t. In a country where tipping is frequent, it is always best to carry around a wad of small notes purely for this purpose.

We have found that despite what the guide books say, our tour guides didn’t expect a tip. These high level positions are well paid in comparison to other jobs. But the tour guide is such an important part of a tour holiday that I would advise that you do tip. Most work very hard to ensure that you enjoy your visit.

It is always worth finding out how the tipping works on your boat and you will often be told this in a welcome meeting. A lot of boats pool all tips from passengers which are paid at the end of the trip rather than as you go. These are then split equally amongst the staff, from the captain to the invisible kitchen dishwasher. This is a good way to ensure that staff, many of whom are paid very little, are justly rewarded for their work. If tips are given at the end of your trip then (if you have particularly enjoyed your holiday) please remember to be generous!  

ALL TEXT AND IMAGES © COPYRIGHT CRUISETHERIVERNILE.COM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.