Tipping in Morocco: A Helpful Guide for Travelers
Wondering about tipping in Morocco? We’ve put together a guide to make you feel more confident during your trip!
From the moment you leave the airport, where taxis will approach you, to dining in local restaurants and booking tours, knowing when and how much to tip will make your interactions with locals smoother.
Understanding Tipping in Morocco
Tipping is common in Morocco for both locals and tourists. It has become a part of the culture, rooted in the country’s traditions of hospitality and generosity. Although Morocco didn’t always have a tipping culture like Canada or the U.S., tourism has changed that. Tipping here is a sign of respect and gratitude. A small tip can go a long way, especially for excellent service. For instance, tipping hotel staff or a guide can lead to more personalized service. Many local guides rely on tips as a major part of their income.
Tipping Across Different Situations
Tipping amounts vary by situation. A tip for the hotel concierge differs from what you’d leave at a restaurant or for a private driver. As a general rule, round up the bill or leave about 10% when dining out. While tipping taxi drivers is optional (most taxis use a meter), a small tip is appreciated. Hotel and riad staff also appreciate extra tips, as many families depend on them for income.
Currency in Morocco
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency. It comes in coins and bills, with 1, 2, 5, and 10-dirham coins, and 20, 50, 100, and 200-dirham bills. For tipping, smaller denominations are most useful. When exchanging money, ask for smaller bills to avoid problems with making change.
You can exchange money at airports, banks, or exchange offices. To get the best rate, use banks or official exchange locations. Carrying small denominations ensures you can tip appropriately.
General Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is common for everyday services. For dining, rounding up or leaving 10% is standard. For taxi rides, rounding up to the nearest 5-10 dirhams is common. If someone helps carry bags or provides minor assistance, 5 dirhams is typical.
For private guides, tipping $10-$15 per day is standard. Drivers typically receive $5-$10. For budget accommodations, consider tipping housekeeping about 10 dirhams daily.
Tipping at Upscale Establishments
At luxury hotels or riads, budget about 50 dirhams per room daily for tips. In fine dining restaurants, tip 15%-20% for excellent service or 10%-15% for less stellar experiences. For private drivers at luxury hotels, tipping 100-200 dirhams per day is reasonable.
Sector-Specific Tipping Customs
Restaurants and Food Services
In restaurants and cafes, leave a tip of around 10% if service is good. Check your bill for a service charge to avoid double-tipping. For smaller places or street vendors, rounding up or leaving a small change is appreciated. Hand the tip directly to the server.
Accommodations
At hotels or riads, tip porters about 10-20 dirhams per bag. Housekeeping receives the same amount daily. For exceptional service, adjust your tip accordingly. Always tip in cash and directly to the person.
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Tour Guides and Drivers
For a day tour, tip local guides 50-100 dirhams and drivers 20-50 dirhams. For bus drivers in larger groups, halve the tip since they share it with the group.
Informal Tipping Situations
Taxi Rides and Small Services
Taxi fares can be rounded up by 10%, with a little extra for longer rides. For small services, such as shoe shining or porters carrying bags, 5 to 10 dirhams is typical.
Toilet and Parking Attendants
Toilet attendants appreciate 1 to 3 dirhams. For exceptional service, you can give more. Parking attendants expect 2 to 5 dirhams for their help.
Cultural Insights on Tipping
Tipping in Morocco, or “baksheesh” or “pourboire,” is a reflection of the culture’s appreciation for hospitality and personal service. It’s not legally required, but it’s a practice that holds social value. In casual settings like cafes or markets, a small tip (5-10% of the bill) is welcomed. For more formal services, tipping more generously shows respect for the service quality.
By understanding these tipping customs, you can show gratitude and create positive connections with locals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip for hotel services in Morocco?
For lower-end hotels, tip housekeeping 10-20 dirhams daily. For porters, 20 dirhams per bag is common. At luxury hotels, a higher tip is expected.
What is the customary amount to tip taxi drivers?
Round up the fare by 5-10 dirhams for short rides.
Are tips expected at all-inclusive resorts?
Yes, tipping is expected. For waiters and bartenders, 10-20 dirhams per service is common.
How much should I tip a private tour guide?
Tip 100-200 dirhams per day. For longer tours, the tip might increase.
What’s the tip for a tour guide in Marrakech?
Offer 10-15% of the tour cost or 100-200 dirhams per day, depending on the quality of service.
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
Tip around 5-10% of the bill at casual eateries. For mid-range or upscale restaurants, tip 10% if no service charge is added.
