A Traveler's Guide to Tipping in Morocco

Aisha Benali
August 4, 2024

Tipping is a customary part of life in Morocco and a way of showing appreciation for good service. While it's not always mandatory, it is often expected, and a small tip can go a long way in making a positive impression. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the nuances of tipping.

General Guidelines

  • Carry Small Change: It's always a good idea to have a collection of small coins and bills (e.g., 1, 5, and 10 dirham coins, and 20 dirham notes). It can be difficult to get change for large notes, especially for a small tip.
  • Tip for Service: The principle is to tip for services rendered. This includes everything from a waiter in a cafe to someone who helps you with your bags.
  • It's a Gesture: Remember that in many cases, the amount is less important than the gesture itself. A smile and a "shukran" (thank you) along with your tip are always appreciated.

Who and How Much to Tip

Restaurants & Cafes

  • Cafes: For a simple coffee or tea, leaving a few dirhams (2-5 MAD) on the table is polite.
  • Casual Restaurants: A tip of around 10% of the bill is a good rule of thumb. If service is included, a smaller additional tip is still appreciated for good service.
  • Upscale Restaurants: For fine dining, a tip of 10-15% is appropriate.

Tours & Guides

  • Private Drivers/Guides (Multi-day): For a driver on a multi-day tour, a good tip is around 150-250 MAD per day from the group. For a guide, slightly more, perhaps 200-300 MAD per day. This should be given at the end of the tour.
  • Local City Guides (Half/Full Day): For a half-day tour, 50-100 MAD is appropriate. For a full-day tour, 100-150 MAD is a good amount.
  • Camel Handlers (Desert Trips): A tip of around 50 MAD per person is a nice gesture for the person who leads your camel.

Hotels & Riads

  • Porters: Tip 5-10 MAD for help with your luggage.
  • Housekeeping: It's a nice gesture to leave 10-20 MAD per night for the housekeeping staff. You can leave this in the room at the end of your stay.
  • General Staff: Many riads have a "tip box" at the reception. This is an excellent way to thank the entire team (kitchen staff, reception, etc.) who made your stay enjoyable. Putting 50-100 MAD in the box at the end of your stay is a great way to show appreciation.

Taxis & Transportation

  • Petit Taxis (Small Taxis): Simply round up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 dirhams. For example, if the fare is 17 MAD, give 20 MAD.
  • Grand Taxis (Large Taxis): If you've negotiated a price for a longer journey, a tip isn't strictly necessary, but rounding up or adding 10-20 MAD is a kind gesture.

Other Services

  • "Unofficial" Guides: In medinas, you may be approached by people offering to help you find your way. If they are genuinely helpful, a small tip of 10-20 MAD is fine. If you don't want their help, a firm and polite "La, shukran" (No, thank you) is the best response.
  • Musicians/Performers in Squares: If you stop to watch and take photos, a tip of 5-10 MAD is appropriate.

Tipping in Morocco is a way of directly rewarding individuals for their hard work and hospitality. By following these simple guidelines, you can do so with confidence and grace.