With a few exceptions, tipping is not expected, and if you do not tip it will not affect the excellent service you receive.

Most Egyptian Hotel workers receive approx £35 a month wages.

Tip if you receive good service. A thank you and a smile will get you a lot.

When taking a Nile Cruise check your boat's policy for tipping.  The Sonesta Moon Goddess policy, for example, asks you not to tip individuals but put what you think is justified, based on the level of service you received, into an envelope when you check out.  It will be distributed to the entire crew.

Tipping is expected when using most WC (bathrooms).  The norm is 50 piastres (1/2 of an Egyptian pound -$0.09 USD).  Since you will probably not have any 50 piastre notes (they are hard to come by) you will be tipping 1 LE or $0.18 USD.  This baksheesh entitles you to some toilet paper (bring your own) and possibly a clean WC and keeps a person employed.