Well, it's funny how you will be introduced to the term BAKSHEESH (tip) soon after you land in Egypt. Baksheesh is an inseparable part of Egyptian culture and quite inevitable, too! Like for us, it might be rude to get asked for money when we clearly don't intend to tip, but for them, it's considered downright rude to not give them any baksheesh when they expect it, which they will, all the time!
Now, there are two ways of asking for Baksheesh.
The FIRST one, where they will casually ask for baksheesh without any logical reasoning. Here's how-
They say hello- Baksheesh!
They show you the way- Baksheesh!
They help you with a picture- Baksheesh!
They suggest you funny poses with the Sphinx- Baksheesh!
Clean your room- Baksheesh!
Ask for fresh towels- Baksheesh!
And the list goes on and on!
BUT, there's absolutely nothing that a polite yet firm 'No, Thank You' can't do. We heard and read so much about how the tourists felt hassled because of constant nagging, but we not even once faced a circumstance where someone troubled us or kept asking for baksheesh. The idea is to not make eye contact and keep walking. You just have to ignore them if they insist even after a 'No, Thank You'!
We NEVER tipped anyone unless we saw some legit efforts being made, and the others got a 'No, Thank You' from us when they tried to act smart.
The SECOND one, where you will be expected to give baksheesh for the services you take.
For this, we would first advise you to fix the rates beforehand for any service or tour package you take. I know it goes without saying, but when you are in Egypt, confirm the final price twice, or maybe thrice. More the better!
Why, you ask?
So, as we were headed towards a point on the sand dunes, where all the 9 pyramids could be spotted (not the famous panorama viewpoint), we were stopped by someone who claimed to be a policeman. ''You are not allowed to go there on your own, you can only go there on a camel'', he shrieked. Trust me, he wasn't making sense. The distance between that point and where we stood was not more than 100 meters. Moreover, we didn't see any signboards, too. We could tell, they were cooking this story up for everyone present there and we all had no choice other than listening to what he had to say. So, after some meaningless argument, we decided to take a camel cart ride. We agreed upon a price which was around 200 EGP, after some haggling. After spending around half an hour there, taking in the most magical vistas, clicking some photos, we headed back to the point where he picked us. Now comes the important part! We were told we owed an extra 100 EGP since he had to wait for half an hour (something we were not informed). My blood started to boil at this point. I wouldn't pay him 200 EGP for a distance as small as this, only to touch it and come back! We paid him 200 EGP at last and yes, we did not give him any baksheesh, of course!
So kids, ALWAYS fix the price in advance and stick to that, no matter what they say. To tip or not to tip, or even the generosity for that matter should purely depend upon the services you get.
TIP- Always keep small change in hand for tips.
A Little Something on the Touts
Like I said earlier, we read so many articles on how touts tend to ruin the entire experience of tourists at the pyramids. We were a little scared, too, I won't lie!
But hey, haven't you dealt with the touts before? Do these touts kill you or harm you, if you don't take the services they offer? Do they steal from you? Do they abuse or misbehave?
Well, there's only one answer to all the above questions, and that's 'NO'! They are human beings like you and me, trying to make a living.
I don't want to generalize, but coming from India, it did feel like a cakewalk, if nothing else.
But yes, they can be cunning and play smart, at times. All you gotta do is, be vigilant and never really succumb to any pressure.
Some things I heard from fellow travelers were-
They will show you the way, that you never really asked for.
They will promise to take you to a secret point where you can spot the three major pyramids together, but never really take you there. Instead, they drop you at a point where you can only see the two of them.
But, I don't understand how that can ever turn against you. I will never pay someone or take anybody's services if they are trying to unnecessarily show me the directions, or if I'm not delivered what's promised.
Having said that, if you are a solo traveler and you really don't want any hassles whatsoever, then consider hiring a private guide or doing a group tour. Touts will never bother you if you are with a local guide!
'Hello, where are you from?', will be a usual conversation starter! If you are an Indian, then get used to hearing- Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Aishwariya Rai, Salman Khan. I guess, these 4 are everyone's favorite there. FYI, Egyptians LOVE Bollywood Movies ;)
No matter what happens, never let any of this trivial issue (if any) bitter this otherworldly experience for you. It's not every day you get to see the world's most incredible wonder with centuries-old history and culture!
Like I said before, there's no rocket science involved! A firm, 'No, I'm Good', did wonders for us. It shall do the same for you, too!
That would be it, my lovelies! Hope this post comes in handy in solving the baksheesh theorem and making your stay in Egypt worthwhile!
