Unlike in the United States, tipping someone for good service is not always obligatory in Egypt. Instead, tipping is primarily reserved for exceptional work, to give someone a thank you, or to additionally compensate someone in a low-paying job for going above and beyond. Tipping is widespread in Egypt, not just at restaurants but also at stores, landmarks, and especially hotels. Egypt's tipping culture is very developed, and not tipping someone could easily be perceived as rude or ungrateful. Visitors unfamiliar with tipping in Egypt should keep extra US dollars (USD) or Egyptian pounds on hand, just in case.