Tipping
Dec 28, 2025 | 12:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sweden (but CPH is closest int'l airport)
Programs: AmXP… lost most of the others as we don’t travel as much any more!
Posts: 133
Tipping
In the Middle East countries, do you generally tip? Housekeeping, Bellhops, Tour Guides?
Do you get local currency for this, and if so, how much is suitable?
Do you get local currency for this, and if so, how much is suitable?
Dec 28, 2025 | 5:38 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,228
Yes. The average amount you would anywhere. If the country is thriving like the UAE and Qatar you would tip like you would in Western countries. If Egypt the less.
Dec 28, 2025 | 12:28 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sweden (but CPH is closest int'l airport)
Programs: AmXP… lost most of the others as we don’t travel as much any more!
Posts: 133
Jan 19, 2026 | 9:27 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP and others
Posts: 4,749
In decades traveling in the Middle East I have found that tips, Gulf-style can be very useful. That is, tip at the beginning of the trip/serve, not at the end. Ordinarily today I don't tip in Qatar unless omitting special. In UAE I tip for good service but that depends on both situation and the service provider.
In Egypt I always tip drivers and porters at the beginning.
I could go on, but realistically today, except for Egypt, and 'less-developed' areas tipping seems unnecessary but always acceptable.
FWIW the only place to NOT tip that I know is Singapore and even there in exceptional circumstances a cash tip is OK. It must be exceptional because Taxi drivers can be punished if they accept tips. ONLY Singapore, nowhere in Middle East AFAIK.
In Egypt I always tip drivers and porters at the beginning.
I could go on, but realistically today, except for Egypt, and 'less-developed' areas tipping seems unnecessary but always acceptable.
FWIW the only place to NOT tip that I know is Singapore and even there in exceptional circumstances a cash tip is OK. It must be exceptional because Taxi drivers can be punished if they accept tips. ONLY Singapore, nowhere in Middle East AFAIK.
