Complete Guide to Baksheesh Etiquette (Tipping Culture)

Navigate the nuances of Baksheesh: Learn the dos and don'ts of this age-old practice in different cultures around the world.

November 10, 2023

Baksheesh is a term rooted in the Persian language, which has spread across various cultures and regions. It traditionally refers to a small sum of money given as alms, a tip, or even a bribe.

The practice of tipping can be traced back to the Tudor era in England, where it was customary to give a small sum for extra services, as a token of appreciation. It became institutionalized as “drinking money,” given to servants for them to have a drink on the patron’s account.

As Europeans traveled, they took this custom with them, spreading it worldwide, adapting it to local customs and economic conditions.

In the Middle East, it is often expected and is part of everyday interactions, from dining out to mundane services (like when I was in Cairo, someone put my bag on the bus and asked for baksheesh).

Table of Contents

What is Baksheesh?

In many societies, Baksheesh is a symbol of generosity and gratitude, ingrained into the fabric of daily life. It’s a practice that can establish and reinforce social bonds, communicate respect, and is often expected as a part of customary interactions, especially in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cultures.

Baksheesh may also serve religious purposes, such as almsgiving, which is an important tenet in many faiths, symbolizing the sharing of one’s fortune with those less fortunate.

Socially, it can create a hierarchical relationship between giver and receiver, potentially leading to expectations and dependencies. Economically, baksheesh can be an essential part of income for those in low-wage jobs, particularly in economies where such roles are undervalued.

However, it can also have a distortive effect, encouraging a culture of “paying for service” that goes beyond the formal economy, which can sometimes lead to issues of corruption and economic inefficiency.

The act of giving baksheesh straddles the line between altruism and obligation.

On one hand, it can be seen as a charitable act, an expression of altruism towards those who are less fortunate or who have provided a service. On the other hand, in some contexts, baksheesh is expected and can almost be demanded, reflecting an ingrained social norm rather than a voluntary gesture of goodwill.

This duality raises important questions about the motivations behind baksheesh and the consequences it has for social and economic interactions within a culture.

History of Baksheesh

The practice of baksheesh dates back to ancient civilizations where giving alms was not only a social custom but often a religious duty. In ancient Egypt, for instance, there is evidence that tipping those who provided services was customary.

This form of gratuity carried through the Persian Empire, where the term likely originated, and was closely tied to acts of charity encouraged in Zoroastrianism. Throughout the Byzantine and the Ottoman empires, the practice evolved and took on new meanings and significance.

Over the centuries, baksheesh adapted to changing social and economic landscapes. With the rise of the Islamic Golden Age, charity and almsgiving were further emphasized, becoming one of the Five Pillars of Islam as zakat.

The practice of baksheesh found its way along trade routes and through expanding empires, becoming a common practice across various regions, including the Indian subcontinent and parts of Africa.

Baksheesh in the Middle East & North Africa

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), baksheesh is a customary part of life, intertwined with cultural norms and daily interactions.

Yet the concept of baksheesh can vary from one country to another.

Egypt: Often perceived as the heart of baksheesh culture, it is expected in many interactions, from hospitality to daily services and even in dealings with public officials.
Morocco: Baksheesh may often be expected in tourist-heavy areas, especially in markets and by service workers such as guides and drivers.
Lebanon: While the concept of baksheesh exists, it tends to be more restrained and is typically given for services rendered in a more discreet manner.
United Arab Emirates: In the UAE, Baksheesh is not as prevalent due to a higher formalization of the service industry, but it is practiced in a more modest and selective way.
Saudi Arabia: The practice of baksheesh exists but might be less common in public due to the country’s strict governance and cultural norms.
Jordan and Syria: Baksheesh is a part of the cultural fabric, commonly seen in markets, small shops, and the service industry.
Tunisia and Algeria: Baksheesh is common, particularly in areas with a high influx of tourists.

Even beyond services, baksheesh may be given to public officials, healthcare workers, or anyone who provides assistance that goes above and beyond their formal duties. It can also be an “informal payment” to expedite government procedures or secure preferential treatment.

Baksheesh in South Asia

In South Asia, baksheesh practices vary by country, also reflecting the region’s cultural and economic diversity.

India: Baksheesh can be a customary part of transactions in many settings, from casual street markets to formal establishments. It is also a traditional way of seeking blessings during religious ceremonies and festivals.
Pakistan: Similar to India, baksheesh in Pakistan is often seen as a charitable act, especially during religious events, but also as a gratuity for services.
Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, baksheesh is common in both urban and rural settings, sometimes serving as an informal fee for services, from rickshaw rides to bureaucratic processes.
Nepal: The practice is less common but can be encountered in tourist areas and in interactions with local service providers.
Sri Lanka: In Sri Lanka, Baksheesh is less entrenched but may occur in touristic settings as a tip for services.

Hospitality in South Asia is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, with a strong emphasis on treating guests with honor and generosity.

Baksheesh is intertwined with this concept, serving as a tangible expression of hospitality. For instance, in the hospitality industry, baksheesh can be a way to show appreciation for exceptional service. It is also extended to guests as a gesture of welcome or farewell, strengthening the bonds between host and visitor.

Baksheesh vs Tipping in Various Cultures

Here’s a comparative analysis structured as a table to highlight the differences in the practice of baksheesh across various regions and aspects:

	Middle East & North Africa	South Asia	The West
Cultural Perception	Integral to social and daily life; can be a sign of respect or for facilitation of services.	Often tied to religious and social ceremonies; a mix of altruism and social obligation.	Seen as a reward for service; more transactional and tied to service quality.
Economic Impact	Can be significant, especially in lower-wage economies; sometimes expected to supplement income.	Essential for service workers; part of religious and social giving.	A supplement to wages, especially in the service industry.
Sociological Role	Reinforces social hierarchies; can express social status and ensure future services.	Acts as social cohesion; reflects cultural values of generosity and hospitality.	Indicates satisfaction with service; reflects economic relationships.
Typical Amounts	Variable; often discretionary and based on the giver's status and the context.	Discretionary; influenced by the giver's ability and the occasion.	Calculated as a percentage of the bill; more standardized.
Legal Standing	Often unregulated but can border on corruption; legality varies by country and scale.	Generally accepted but can be legally ambiguous when excessive.	Regulated in many countries; clear legal distinctions from bribery.
Expectation	Frequently expected; can be seen as obligatory in many interactions.	Expected on special occasions and in certain services; varies by country.	Expected for most services; often seen as a social obligation.
Tourism Impact	Tourists often face higher expectations; can impact the cost and experience of travel.	Tourists may be unfamiliar with customs; contributes to authenticity of experience.	Part of travel budgeting; tips often expected and factored into costs.

The Ethics of Baksheesh

The ethics of baksheesh are hotly debated, particularly concerning its relationship with corruption. Regular expectations of baksheesh for routine services can lead to a culture where informal payments become a norm, potentially opening the door to more corrupt practices. This blurs the lines between what is considered a harmless cultural practice and what might be enabling a form of low-level systemic corruption.

Baksheesh becomes a contentious issue when it crosses into the territory of bribery. While baksheesh is traditionally seen as a voluntary tip, bribery is a deliberate attempt to influence outcomes through illicit payments.

The distinction can often be murky, particularly in situations where baksheesh is expected, and not giving it could result in a denial of service or slower processing, effectively coercing the payment.

Legally, the stance on baksheesh varies across regions:

In some countries, like Egypt, small-scale baksheesh is culturally accepted and not legally challenged, whereas larger amounts may raise legal concerns.
In countries with strict anti-corruption laws, such as the UAE, any form of payment that could be construed as an attempt to influence or expedite service may be illegal.

The Economics of Baksheesh

Baksheesh can have a multi-faceted impact on the economy. In regions where it is prevalent, it can act as an informal economic stimulator, circulating money and aiding those who may not have a stable income.

However, its informal nature means that baksheesh often goes unrecorded, making it difficult to quantify its true economic impact.

Additionally, the expectation of baksheesh can sometimes lead to the inflation of prices and can potentially encourage a parallel economy that operates outside of government regulation.

In many cultures where baksheesh or tipping is common, service workers may rely on these informal payments to supplement their often meager wages.

This reliance can sometimes perpetuate low wage standards, as employers may expect workers to meet their financial needs through baksheesh rather than receiving a fair wage. This aspect of baksheesh raises questions about wage equity and the responsibility of employers in the economies where this practice is widespread.

How to Give Baksheesh

The practice of giving baksheesh involves understanding the appropriate amount, which can depend on the country, the service provided, and the local economic conditions.

In practice, the amount of baksheesh given is often a matter of personal discretion, but there are some general guidelines based on the setting:

Small Services (like carrying luggage or parking a car): A few coins or small bills equivalent to a dollar or two may be sufficient.
Restaurants: While not always necessary, 5-10% of the bill can be customary, unless a service charge is already included.
Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest convenient denomination or adding 10% of the fare is often appreciated.
Tour Guides and Drivers: For a full day of service, a baksheesh equivalent to 10-20 USD can be considered generous.

Etiquette also varies by context:

Restaurants: Discreetly leave the money on the table or hand it to the server directly.
Hotels: Leave baksheesh for housekeeping daily, as the staff may change. For bellhops, baksheesh is given per bag.
Taxis: Hand the baksheesh to the driver directly as you pay your fare.

Understanding when and how much to give requires keen observation and sometimes asking discreetly. In Egypt, for instance, a small baksheesh might be expected for bathroom attendants or museum guards, ranging from 5 to 20 EGP. In Jordan or Lebanon, giving a baksheesh in local currency equivalent to 1-3 USD for small favors is a good practice.

Tourists often face heightened expectations when it comes to baksheesh. It’s important for you to research customary practices in your destination country to avoid under-tipping, which might be seen as insulting, or over-tipping, which can contribute to inflated expectations for locals.