On tips and tipping

When we started our various travels we were quite obsessed that we should tip the right amounts.
We got excellent advice from Marie at Mara House Hotel to help deal with the hassle of Luxor.  Her viewpoint is interesting because she runs a hotel in Luxor and so knows who gets paid what. For example, if you go on Felucca ride, don't tip the captain because you have paid his fee but do tip the lad who climbs up the mast because he will be doing all the work for very little money and the tip is a big part of his income.

As we move on we still tip but less often and in a different way. I think you just eventually work something out for yourself that you feel comfortable with.

For us, more and more we tip people who do us a service with a smile that seems cheerful and genuine. We don't tip people who haven't done much but then lurk pointedly for a handout.

We also watch the examples of locals. Here in Delhi for instance, our cafe owner gave our left overs to a guy outside who was obviously struggling.  He did ask us first.

Our driver keeps a stock of very small denomination rupee coins for people begging at traffic lights in Rajasthan. Egyptians and Hindus do see it as a duty to give to charity and do give something to street beggars.

An English couple we met who have been on the road for a long time said they carry their own bags so don't tip. If someone grabs their bags off them looking for a tip then that is their choice. They still don't get a tip.

In most of the tourist hotels, there are people who lurk because some foreign travelers tip well.  Only the very upmarket hotels train their staff not to ask. Also in one of the hotels we stayed at where normally only Indians are the customers I offered a tip and the guy refused to accept it. Most unusual but a pleasant surprise

Obviously if you are away from home a lot tips are going to stack up so you are different from a short stay visitor.

In a nutshell.. From us. .. Sleazy or greedy guys don't get tips. Genuinely helpful and pleasant guys may.

In fact if you ask a local for guidance on how much to tip you usually won't get past 'It's up to you'. That's because ultimately it is up to you and what you can afford.