Learn the ins and outs, dos, and don’ts of tipping in Morocco. The tipping culture in Morocco is not as rigid as some countries you may have traveled to, but it is the norm. Read all about it in this blog!
Camel trekking in the Moroccan Sahara Desert
Should you tip in Morocco?
Tipping is customary in Morocco, but it is not mandatory. The best rule of thumb when it comes to tipping is to round up the bill and leave spare change. If you received poor or inadequate service, you are not obligated to tip. Tips are not generally included in the bill in Morocco, though some more upscale restaurants have begun adding a 10 – 15% service charge to the bill. Read on for more about how much and who to tip during your travels in Morocco.
PRO TIP: For the sake of convenience, it’s sometimes easier to think of 10 dirhams as approximately 1 USD.
Who do I tip in Morocco?
It is standard practice to tip tour guides, tour bus drivers, restaurant & cafe servers, taxi drivers, and hotel luggage porters in Morocco. If someone offers you exemplary service by going above and beyond, we recommend offering a tip as a gesture of appreciation.
Expect to be asked for a tip if you wish to take a picture of a market vendor, artisan products, a snake charmer, etc. They’ll generally ask for anything from 10 – 50 dirhams (≈ $1 – $5 USD). Remember that it is always good practice to ask permission before taking a photo!
Tipping your tour guide and tour bus driver at the end of your trip is also strongly recommended, especially if you are satisfied with the service they provided and they helped you have a great trip.
NOTE: We always suggest tipping your hotel maids as the majority are females. Morocco is a very male-dominated society with many women lacking access to education and decent job opportunities. Hotel maids are very hard-working and deserving of a tip just as much as your luggage porter or restaurant waiter.
On our tours, the tour leader may suggest a tipping kitty at the beginning of your tour to cover tips for luggage porters, cleaning staff, waiters at restaurants for included meals, etc. This is also for buying water for the group as well as a few surprises not on the itinerary along the way. Your tour leader will usually ask for around $50 – 60 USD per person to contribute to the kitty.
One reason for this kitty is that making small change can be difficult and many travelers choose not to tip because they don’t have small bills. Another reason is that the service and hospitality industry workers in Morocco are poorly compensated compared to the West and tips help them earn a decent living.
How much should I tip in Morocco?
Below is a list of who and how much to tip while traveling through Morocco:
- Restaurant/Cafe servers: Round up the bill & leave spare change. (i.e. If the bill is 137 dirhams, round up to 150)
- Taxi drivers: Round up the fare & leave spare change. (i.e. If the fare is 25 dirhams, round up to 30)
- Luggage porters: 10 dirhams per piece of luggage. More if your luggage is extremely heavy.
- Housekeeping: 10 dirhams per day in one lump sum at the end of your stay.
- Photo of vendors, products, etc.: 10 – 50 dirhams depending on if and how much they ask for.
PRO TIP: Try to pay with larger bills whenever possible in order to make small change for tipping at more upscale restaurants or when purchasing an expensive item. Making change for market vendors or small cafes and eateries can sometimes be very difficult!
Hotel maids make sure your unique Moroccan accommodations are beautiful and comfortable!
Should I tip my tour guide in Morocco?
We always recommend tipping your Moroccan tour guide and tour bus driver, especially if you feel they did an exceptional job and enhanced your experience.
Below are suggested amounts for tipping your tour guide and bus driver at the end of the trip based on our past travelers’ feedback from our 12-day Morocco trip. If you feel they made your trip extra special, then you’re welcome to tip more.
- Tour guide: 500 – 1500 dirhams (≈ $50 – $150 USD)
- Driver: 200 – 400 dirhams (≈ $20 – $40 USD)
PRO TIP: When withdrawing from an ATM in Morocco, try to take out an odd-numbered amount (i.e. 490 instead of 500 dirhams) and you’ll get smaller bills that are easier for small vendors to break. For more information on exchanging currency in Morocco, check out our How to Exchange Money in Morocco blog.
Chefchaouen, also known as The Blue City
Tipping in Morocco is pretty modest and straightforward. Just remember, tipping is not compulsory and tips should only be given when excellent service is received. Happy travels!
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As a seasoned traveler with extensive experience exploring diverse cultures, I've traversed the intricate landscape of tipping etiquettes across the globe. My wealth of knowledge comes from firsthand encounters, cultural immersion, and an insatiable curiosity about the customs that shape our interactions. The realm of tipping in Morocco is no exception, and I'm well-versed in the nuances of this North African country's tipping culture.
In Morocco, tipping is a customary practice deeply embedded in the social fabric, yet it maintains a flexibility not seen in some other nations. The dos and don'ts of tipping in Morocco are intricately woven into the daily experiences of travelers, from camel trekking in the Sahara Desert to navigating the vibrant markets of Chefchaouen. Allow me to shed light on the key concepts embedded in the article:
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Tipping Culture in Morocco:
- Tipping is customary but not obligatory in Morocco. The general rule is to round up the bill and leave spare change.
- Poor or inadequate service does not mandate a tip. However, some upscale restaurants may include a 10-15% service charge.
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Who to Tip in Morocco:
- Standard practice involves tipping tour guides, tour bus drivers, restaurant and cafe servers, taxi drivers, and hotel luggage porters.
- Exceptional service, such as assistance in capturing memorable moments like a picture of a snake charmer or market vendor, may warrant a tip.
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Special Considerations:
- Tipping your hotel maids is encouraged, acknowledging the challenges faced by many women in a male-dominated society.
- Group tours may involve a suggested tipping kitty at the tour's onset, covering various service personnel and unexpected expenses.
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Tipping Amounts:
- Specific guidelines are provided for different service providers:
- Restaurant/cafe servers: Round up the bill and leave spare change.
- Taxi drivers: Round up the fare and leave spare change.
- Luggage porters: 10 dirhams per piece of luggage, more for heavy items.
- Housekeeping: 10 dirhams per day in a lump sum at the end of the stay.
- Photo requests: 10-50 dirhams based on the vendor's request.
- Specific guidelines are provided for different service providers:
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Tour Guide and Driver Tipping:
- Tipping your tour guide and bus driver is recommended, with suggested amounts ranging from 200 to 1500 dirhams based on the level of satisfaction.
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Pro Tips:
- Currency-related tips, such as withdrawing odd-numbered amounts from ATMs for smaller bills, are provided to ease tipping in diverse situations.
In conclusion, tipping in Morocco is characterized by modesty and a straightforward approach. While not mandatory, tips are appreciated for exceptional service. Armed with this comprehensive understanding, you're well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of tipping during your Moroccan adventures. Happy travels!
