What Russian chocolate or gifts do hotel staff in Sharm el-Sheikh actually want?

If bringing chocolate, opt for something better than Alyonka — such as St. Petersburg's 'Osoby' or Babaevsky with nuts — and always pair it with dollar tips rather than using it as a substitute.

Hotel staff in Sharm el-Sheikh rarely eat Russian chocolate like Alyonka, and Egypt has plenty of good local chocolate. Cash tips are by far the most appreciated gift.

If you want to bring chocolate as a gift, a set of mini Russian chocolates with matryoshka packaging is a better choice — it looks like a souvenir and tastes decent.

Some travelers bring Alyonka chocolate specifically because staff may wave through luggage without inspection in exchange — it works as informal currency, not as a treat.