What does the word baksheesh mean? Baksheesh as the basis of the Egyptian economy. Tipping in Egypt for additional services in hotels

You can often come across the unusual word “baksheesh” in crossword puzzles, books and programs about the East. Not everyone knows what it is. Let's find out! After all, new knowledge only benefits everyone.

Origin of the word

The term has Persian roots and comes from the word بخشش, which means “to give.” But this definition also has another translation - “forgiveness”, but it is related to the modern word “bakshish” only in one case out of several possible ones. Which one, we will soon find out.

Alms

And it is with alms that the most common meaning of the word “bakshish” is associated. What is this in the culture of the peoples of the East? Of course, first of all we're talking about about helping those in need.

But when traveling around Central Asia, be prepared for the fact that quite wealthy people who have provided you with some kind of service may also apply for alms. For example, a venerable old man who showed the way to ancient temple, or a police officer who agreed to take a photo with you as a souvenir. True, in such cases we are not talking about commercialism at all, but rather about a tribute to the old tradition. A couple of coins will be enough for baksheesh.

Bribe

This is also a fairly common meaning of the word “baksheesh”. In many Eastern countries, corruption is rampant. Do you want your issue resolved quickly? Prepare baksheesh. True, hard coins are no longer enough here; you will need crisp bills.

Tips

When going to a restaurant, don't forget about baksheesh. What does this mean in the understanding of the service personnel, who will already receive a salary for their work? This is the equivalent of your gratitude for the smile of a waiter, maid, or taxi driver. In the West, the word “tip” is more common - it is a synonym for eastern baksheesh.

Offering to the deity

What about forgiveness? You realize this on excursions to temples, which also require baksheesh. You will understand what it is by looking at the altar. People make offerings to deities, hoping for their mercy. In this case, we are not talking about money at all, but rather about gifts: jewelry, flowers, fruits, sweets. Present baksheesh to the kind eastern deity, and he will definitely answer you with forgiveness.

Baksheesh is the most popular and favorite word every Egyptian who lives in a tourist area. It is believed that literally everyone should know its translation - it is a present, gratitude, handout, tip, bribe, bribe, etc. Everyone wants to get baksheesh - beggars on the street, waiters in cafes, police officers, and children. Everything is accepted here - money, medicine, T-shirts, pens, chocolates. In other words, whatever you are willing to give it. Is it worth giving it at all? Naturally, but only if the Egyptian really deserves it or if you expect special treatment. However, to think that having received baksheesh, local residents abandon efforts to deceive, it would be wrong.

Baksheesh starts from the airport

Egyptians make their first attempts to deceive tourists at airports. For example, demanding to pay not the fifteen dollars required for a visa, but several dollars more, justifying this with the cost of the service for sticking it.
There at the airport they will offer to help you fill out a migration card, for a couple of dollars, of course. What’s so difficult about copying out a few lines from your passport? Have you ever seen non-Russian letters? See a sample of filling out a migration card >>here<

Hotel. To pay or not

The moment of moving in is a golden time for those who want to lure extra money from you. Here it’s up to you to decide whether to fall for set-up situations and pay for nothing, or to achieve your goal in cold blood, without emotions.

The simplest situation is that you are initially given a room with the worst location or with some kind of fatal problem. Don’t rush to move in, go for an inspection without suitcases, if you don’t like the room in any way, feel free to return to the reception and ask for a replacement.

At this point, the tricky traps begin:

It turns out that there are no more free rooms left - all are occupied or booked.
There are only rooms with a larger area or with a sea view, for which you need to pay a little extra, usually from $20 per person per night.
“Suddenly” the computer freezes, and without it there is no access to the exchange fund.
Sometimes everyone suddenly stops understanding Russian.

Never trust Arabs! No matter how friendly they may seem, they only want money from you. Well, or something else - if you are a pretty lonely girl...

Request a replacement without hesitation. If the issue is not resolved, ask the hotel manager. Although usually, if you do not speak Arabic, any hotel guide can easily help in this situation - after all, he hopes to make good money on your excursions, and for this he needs you to feel like an obligated debtor. Psychologists!

In difficult cases, you can call the tourist police, but they usually don’t go to this level - the arrival of the tourist police is fraught with a large fine for the administration.

And one more thing - seeing persistence plus reluctance to pay, they may persuade you to spend the night today and decide everything tomorrow. In the morning, of course, it’s easier to decide, a lot of guests leave, but 90% of those who spent the night get used to it, resign themselves and forget about their dissatisfaction. Total psychology in action! So it’s better to strike while the iron is hot than to spend the rest of your vacation feeling cheated.

Move-in nuances

If you didn’t like the room due to some minor detail, but the reception easily met you halfway and appeased your whim - then it's a sacred thing to give baksheesh, the person deserves gratitude .
If for a symbolic price, for example $20, you are offered to improve your living conditions by moving to more spacious accommodation, don’t think long, prepare baksheesh. Although in this case - if all your vacation is at sea, on excursions, at night discos, and you only need a room to spend the night... In general the solution requires an individual, informed approach .
If, upon moving in, they immediately help you make a choice, explaining the pros and cons of different buildings (for example, the noise of music, the proximity of the smells of the kitchen, construction outside the window, the noise of the pool filter motors), and the information is confirmed, do not be too lazy to come up with a little bakshishik after a while. The man is clearly in his place and, perhaps, will do the same good deed to more than one .

Well, how can you not give baksheesh for such creativity?

Before moving into an apartment, you should find out what services you will need to pay for separately. Let's say you may be charged an additional fee for using the safe. Even if you leave the baksheesh to the service staff, they will still try to take extra money from you. By the way, you shouldn’t just store valuables in your room. If the apartment is not equipped with a safe, then you should leave it at the reception. You will definitely have to pay for this service. By the way, thefts in hotels occur quite rarely, but it’s not worth the risk - there are hotels where theft by staff has grown in an organized manner into a real business structure with mutual responsibility. A living example from personal experience is the Grand Plaza Hotel in Sharm.

Nuances of communication with staff

When moving in, give the porter who delivered the suitcases one dollar - this is at the level of an indisputable truth. You can do more, but not less.
Leave the room cleaner a dollar every 2-3 days or 1-2 pounds every day. The quality of cleaning will not noticeably improve, but at least the cleaning process itself will go unnoticed by you, and warm notes will appear in the greeting. The appearance of swans from towels and other animals and hearts does not depend on baksheesh.
Give the waiter you like in a restaurant one dollar and for several days you will be his favorite visitor. The main thing here is to catch the moment when the magic baksheesh begins to end and renew the subscription with another dollar.
Similar actions at the beach bar and pool bar. Not everyone, but only one who liked it. These actions do not require large expenses.

By following such simple rules, you will really relax in Egypt and feel taken care of, at least the appearance of care will be created.
We’ll talk separately about excursions and the intricacies of communicating with hotel guides later.

Departure

After you have rested and begin to check out of the hotel complex, you will be presented with an invoice. Be sure to check all the points and ask to see all the documents you signed.
It is better to check your accounts in advance, the day before departure.
It is better to have a reserve of time to clarify possible inconsistencies than to figure it out at the time of departure, feeling like a hunted prey in a raid. Baksheesh will not help here, this is pure accounting.

Outside the hotel

Baksheesh - gratitude, tips, bribes...

Every tourist who comes on holiday to Egypt certainly goes to the local market. But here you should be especially careful. Egyptian bazaar traders are very intrusive, loud, and also dream of their baksheesh. You should know that there are no fixed prices for goods here. Initially, they can name a price that will be three to four times more than what will be negotiated in the end.

Do not switch from one merchant to another, as this will not result in profit. On the contrary, by bargaining with just one shopkeeper, you will win much more. You should also consider things that interest you and ask about them. Show the seller that you are committed to purchasing and all that is needed is to decide on the final cost of the product. Never say the price first, ask about it and start haggling. If it seems that the price tag is unreasonably high, pretend to leave - don’t be afraid, they will definitely call you out.

Don’t forget about baksheesh if you are going to buy some goods in the same shop all the time, for example, spices or fruits.

A common method of deceiving tourists is associated with “ships of the desert.” The Arabs offer camel rides for one price. But they always “forget” to warn that in order to get off it they will have to pay double.

You should also be careful when driving a taxi in Egypt. Drivers certainly want to get their money's worth, asking much more from gullible vacationers than from local residents or experienced tourists. In addition, taxi drivers often ask to exchange small bills for large ones. As a result, having taken small money, he gives the same small bill, hoping that you will not notice the catch - you don’t understand Egyptian finance. If you call a taxi, do not agree on the amount, but ask to turn on the meter.

Finally, the most common method of deception in Egypt is “begging” for money on the street. Local beggars are very intrusive and arrogant, but under no circumstances should you give to them. By doing this, you will attract a crowd of other “needy” people. Rumors about a tourist distributing baksheesh will spread at the speed of light. Be vigilant and attentive, and in this case, you will remember the time spent there with pleasure for many years to come.

A couple of short videos about Arab children, baksheesh, camels.

Egyptian Rus

With Egyptian bartenders and waiters. Tipping in Egypt is the key to better service.

Do you know what tipping is called in Egypt? Baksheesh! This word is easy to remember, as it can be heard almost everywhere from service personnel in local restaurants and cafes. Sometimes waiters in Egypt show open impudence, so you should not respond to their demands on all visitors.

In Egypt they ask for baksheesh for anything. The easiest way to tip is in coins, for example 1 pound is enough, or a paper 5 pound note. For one hour of work, the standard payment is 2 Egyptian pounds, but you can give more money or not pay at all; baksheesh is not established by any documents in Egypt. Tourists who did not have time to exchange their money for small Egyptian bills usually leave euros or dollars as a tip. Baksheesh in this currency is readily accepted, but each driver and merchant can set their own rate, which may most likely turn out to be much higher than at regular exchange offices. The standard price is only indicated on the excursion, it is usually indicated in advance in US dollars.

Many travelers think that they will only get a good hotel room if they pay the staff. In principle, this is practiced in Egypt, but this does not mean that if you don’t pay, you will be accommodated in the worst room, unless you pay baksheesh. At the reception, don’t pay anything in advance, first look at the number they give you. A special person (boy) will take you to your room for inspection. If it turns out to be too small, dark, dirty, and does not correspond to what was stated on the ticket, then inform the person accompanying you so that your room can be changed.

It is not advisable to discuss personnel in the presence of other people. Once a good room is found for you, tip no more than £10-20. If none of the rooms offered by the fight suits you, then return to the hotel administrator and negotiate with him personally. You can pay him the same as the guide. And don't give in until you've personally inspected the final housing option.

In Egyptian restaurants and bars, they pay a ten percent tip, that is, they take 10% of the bill. The maids who clean your room receive a tip of 1-2 pounds every other day or every day. Put the money in a visible place before going on an excursion or to the beach so that the maid can take it for herself. If you are in Egypt for a long time and have chosen one cafe or restaurant for yourself, but tip the waiter about $1 every other time, then he will keep your table clean and serve you better. The same can be done in beach bars. At the end of the trip, if you liked the attitude and service of the staff, you can leave 5-20 pounds. Perhaps the waiter will remember you on your next holiday, and you will be guaranteed good treatment!

Children who offer their help everywhere in Egypt usually receive 25 Egyptian piastres from tourists - this is the smallest Egyptian coin. It is unlikely to be found in tourist supermarkets, but it “walks” in small shops and stores.

Remember the main thing - tipping is not an obligation! You cannot tip arrogant and lazy staff. Just politely refuse the person without being rude. To establish good contact with staff, money will not always help. It is worth addressing the person respectfully, smiling, warmly thanking, and treating him to a cigarette.

In some hotels and restaurants in Egypt, baksheesh is not welcomed by the management, so do not openly demonstrate your gratitude. Place the money under a napkin in a restaurant or give it to the waiter with a farewell handshake. To pay a tip to the porter, prepare money in advance, since he usually leaves immediately after completing the work. The cleaner, if he hasn’t received his baksheesh, may come back and ask you if you need anything else, toilet paper or bath amenities. Such questions are a clear hint of a desire to receive a tip. Of course, you may not give money, but this is uncivilized. 1 pound is enough, although it most likely will not affect the quality of cleaning and service.

Good service for a pleasant stay

In cafes and restaurants in Egypt, pay attention to the cleanliness of ashtrays and tables. If the wait staff removes dirty dishes and changes the ashtray on time, then pay the waiter £1. If you are in Egypt for the first time and go to a restaurant, leave a tip in a baksheesh bowl or box. The main thing is that the bartender sees that it was you who paid the tip. This is easier to do if there are few people in the restaurant.

After paying for baksheesh, you should be served better - not dilute the alcohol, fulfill your orders out of turn. If this doesn't happen, just don't leave a tip. When visiting an Egyptian restaurant for the first time, choose the waiter you like, leave him baksheesh before leaving and say goodbye with a smile. Then, the next time you come, he will quickly find you a free table, and a mutually beneficial relationship will begin between you.

Always behave respectfully and politely. Don't discuss waiters, bartenders, porters and maids. Many of them understand Russian, while others can simply guess and understand the meaning of the tirade. In shops and markets in Egypt, it is customary to bargain, but without arrogance, only with a good mood, smiles and praise of the product. If you have your eye on some expensive item, but cannot afford it, then come to the counter or store periodically so that the owner can see that you really need this item. On the last day of travel, he will offer you to buy it at a significant discount.

Tips handed out left and right are not a guarantee of good service and attitude. The service personnel, who interact with hundreds of visitors every day, immediately know how to recognize falsehood and feigned politeness. Large tips will turn you into a “cash cow” from which they will extract money with all their might. Relationships with people should be warm, don’t throw money around, but don’t be greedy either, so that your vacation goes without incident.

And in South Asia. According to the caustic definition given to this phenomenon by the author of works on archeology Leo Doyel, these are “generous rewards and bribes roughly demanded and kindly accepted by local residents in exchange for little or no services rendered.”

Varieties

Charity, donation to the poor. In Pakistan and India, beggars beg by shouting " baksheesh, baba!» .
Tips . This form is not entirely consistent with the European tipping system, since giving baksheesh also implies an expression of gratitude, respect and honor. A street performer, for example, a fakir, who asks for baksheesh does not consider himself a beggar. In Pakistan, the alms giver often thanks the beggar for giving him the opportunity to do so. In Egypt and Syria, baksheesh is often asked for above the regular rate by taxi drivers, and as a payment for good service by waiters, doormen, shopkeepers, parking lot attendants and many other service workers. Many instructions for tourists, mentioning this phenomenon, give strict recommendations not to pay baksheesh under any circumstances [ ] .
A donation to a deity can also be considered as baksheesh.
Bribery. For example, a police officer can avoid detaining someone by asking for and receiving an appropriate reward.

Distribution of the term

This terminology has spread to the west from its place of origin. In Albanian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Macedonian and Turkish, baksheesh means "tip" in the usual European sense. In Greek - μπαξίσι (baksisi) can mean an ordinary gift. In German and French bakschich means a small bribe. In Ukrainian history, bakshish is mentioned as gifts to officials in literature about the Cossacks.

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Notes

Excerpt characterizing Baksheesh

“No, he’s not a fool,” Natasha said offendedly and seriously.
- Well, what do you want? You are all in love these days. Well, you’re in love, so marry him! – the countess said, laughing angrily. - With God blessing!
- No, mom, I’m not in love with him, I must not be in love with him.
- Well, tell him so.
- Mom, are you angry? You’re not angry, my dear, what’s my fault?
- No, what about it, my friend? If you want, I’ll go and tell him,” said the countess, smiling.
- No, I’ll do it myself, just teach me. Everything is easy for you,” she added, responding to her smile. - If only you could see how he told me this! After all, I know that he didn’t mean to say this, but he said it by accident.
- Well, you still have to refuse.
- No, don't. I feel so sorry for him! He is so cute.
- Well, then accept the offer. “And then it’s time to get married,” the mother said angrily and mockingly.
- No, mom, I feel so sorry for him. I don't know how I'll say it.
“You don’t have anything to say, I’ll say it myself,” said the countess, indignant that they dared to look at this little Natasha as if she were big.
“No, no way, I myself, and you listen at the door,” and Natasha ran through the living room into the hall, where Denisov was sitting on the same chair, by the clavichord, covering his face with his hands. He jumped up at the sound of her light steps.
“Natalie,” he said, approaching her with quick steps, “decide my fate.” It's in your hands!
- Vasily Dmitrich, I feel so sorry for you!... No, but you are so nice... but don’t... this... otherwise I will always love you.
Denisov bent over her hand, and she heard strange sounds, incomprehensible to her. She kissed his black, matted, curly head. At this time, the hasty noise of the countess's dress was heard. She approached them.
“Vasily Dmitrich, I thank you for the honor,” said the countess in an embarrassed voice, but which seemed stern to Denisov, “but my daughter is so young, and I thought that you, as a friend of my son, would turn to me first.” In this case, you would not put me in the need of refusal.
“Athena,” Denisov said with downcast eyes and a guilty look, he wanted to say something else and faltered.
Natasha could not calmly see him so pitiful. She began to sob loudly.
“Countess, I am guilty before you,” Denisov continued in a broken voice, “but know that I adore your daughter and your entire family so much that I would give two lives...” He looked at the countess and, noticing her stern face... “Well, goodbye, Athena,” he said, kissed her hand and, without looking at Natasha, walked out of the room with quick, decisive steps.

The next day, Rostov saw off Denisov, who did not want to stay in Moscow for another day. Denisov was seen off at the gypsies by all his Moscow friends, and he did not remember how they put him in the sleigh and how they took him to the first three stations.
After Denisov’s departure, Rostov, waiting for the money that the old count could not suddenly collect, spent another two weeks in Moscow, without leaving the house, and mainly in the young ladies’ room.
Sonya was more tender and devoted to him than before. She seemed to want to show him that his loss was a feat for which she now loves him even more; but Nikolai now considered himself unworthy of her.
He filled the girls' albums with poems and notes, and without saying goodbye to any of his acquaintances, finally sending all 43 thousand and receiving Dolokhov's signature, he left at the end of November to catch up with the regiment, which was already in Poland.

After his explanation with his wife, Pierre went to St. Petersburg. In Torzhok there were no horses at the station, or the caretaker did not want them. Pierre had to wait. Without undressing, he lay down on the leather sofa in front of the round table, put his big feet in warm boots on this table and thought.
– Will you order the suitcases to be brought in? Make the bed, would you like some tea? - asked the valet.
Pierre did not answer because he did not hear or see anything. He began to think at the last station and continued to think about the same thing - about something so important that he did not pay any attention to what was happening around him. Not only was he not interested in the fact that he would arrive in St. Petersburg later or earlier, or whether he would or would not have a place to rest at this station, but it was still in comparison with the thoughts that occupied him now whether he would stay for a few days. hours or a lifetime at this station.
The caretaker, the caretaker, the valet, the woman with Torzhkov sewing came into the room, offering their services. Pierre, without changing his position with his legs raised, looked at them through his glasses, and did not understand what they could need and how they could all live without resolving the questions that occupied him. And he was preoccupied with the same questions from the very day he returned from Sokolniki after the duel and spent the first, painful, sleepless night; only now, in the solitude of the journey, did they take possession of him with special power. No matter what he started to think about, he returned to the same questions that he could not solve, and could not stop asking himself. It was as if the main screw on which his whole life was held had turned in his head. The screw did not go in further, did not go out, but spun, not grabbing anything, still on the same groove, and it was impossible to stop turning it.

Whether you like it or not, the country is eastern, with a truly eastern mentality. And trade culture is part of the global local culture. Baksheesh is a kind of custom. Looking ahead, I will say that it is necessary to give it!

They took the suitcases to the room. How much to tip?

In Egypt, it is customary to give 1 dollar for a boy carrying your suitcase to your room. If there are a lot of suitcases and two porters go with you, it is customary to give a dollar to each. Don’t be fooled by their “Little!”, say “One dollar from ok, friend!” Like “1 buck is fine, buddy”!

Tip for a good room

It’s worth saying right away that an exchange of a number for a better one is usually agreed upon right away. The receptionist names the amount, say 50 dollars for your 7 days. You name, say, $25. You stop at 30. You give them if the new number suits you. Not a penny more.
If you want to thank the reception for some service, then you need to start from 1 to 5 dollars.

Tipping in Egypt for additional services in hotels

At the hotel, you can get much better service for baksheesh than other vacationers will get. If you want not just room cleaning, but also bed linen change - it’s easy! 2 dollars a day will solve the problem. For 1 dollar they will clean your room, maybe even wash it, or make a swan or crocodile out of towels.
If you are a fan of perfect cleanliness - 5 bucks a day and the room will be the same as on the day of arrival. But such things should be discussed with the cleaner personally. It often happens that $5 goes into your pocket for regular cleaning and a couple of towel figures.
Catch your cleaner and explain what you want to get for your money. I did everything perfectly and got an A. From now on he will do everything himself, just make sure you pay!

Other bonuses for "baksheesh"

There is one rule in Egypt that is worth remembering. If something is not possible, then it can be done for money. For example, if you want to smoke a hookah in your room and it is prohibited, you just have to ask someone from room service, promise him 5-10 dollars and in half an hour you will be smoking a nice hookah on your sofa.
In the dining room they don't allow you to take a whole bottle of strong alcohol or wine into your room? 5 dollars will solve the problem.

What's the result? Tipping in Egypt - how much to give?

To summarize, I would like to say that for our tourists this tipping system is very beneficial. There is always the opportunity to get a better service than it was originally. And for very little money. After all, the attitude towards you changes, even because of the 1 dollar that you give to a pleasant waiter. Be sure that he will remember you and will try to please you - pour a full glass, give you the best dishes, make various interesting cocktails and the like. The cleaners will also ensure that your room is perfectly clean.

One buck won't make you poor. But you will radically change your attitude towards your person.

https://site/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/5-1024x682.jpghttps://site/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/5-150x150.jpg 2015-10-11T21:06:33+00:00 admin Egypt

For those who have been to Egypt at least once, the meaning of the word “Baksheesh” is no longer a secret. In the east, this is what they call Tipping. And you must tip in Egypt always and everywhere! Whether you like it or not, Egypt is an eastern country, with a truly eastern mentality. And trade culture is part of the global local culture....

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