Tipping In Morocco: Complete Guide + Tips

Tipping in Morocco is a very big part of Moroccan culture that reflects your appreciation for good service. Whether you’re going out for dinner in a restaurant or receiving help from the staff at your riad, understanding local tipping standards in Morocco can be incredibly helpful for your stay. While tipping is not always obligatory, it is expected in most situations. The amounts can vary depending on the service and setting. In this guide to tipping in Morocco, we’ll explore all of the nuances of tipping in Morocco. From how much to tip in different situations to when it’s appropriate to do so. Use this guide to feel confident while exploring this important part of the Moroccan culture.

Topics

• Why does Morocco have a tipping culture?
• Is tipping in Morocco obligatory?
• How do I know how much I have to tip?
• Tipping guide Morocco: from restaurants, riads and guides to the local hammam, learn about tipping at any occasion!
• Tipping like a pro: The best tips for tipping in Morocco

Why is tipping such a big part of Moroccan culture?

The moment you step foot on Moroccan soil, you immediately get soaked into its tipping culture. This can feel weird or scary, especially if you come from a place where tipping is unusual. But actually, tipping in Morocco is something beautiful, as it represents the countries’ values of hospitality and gratitude. It’s a possibility to show your appreciation for good service. You can use a tip to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the people around you. Apart from that, many service workers depend on tips to boost their low wages. Giving a tip is seen as a gesture of respect, and can be a great way to connect to locals.

Is tipping in Morocco obligatory?

First things first, tipping in Morocco is not mandatory. That being said, it is highly appreciated and often expected in certain settings. A small tip, or ‘bakshish’, is a polite gesture in restaurants, cafés, and for services like taxi rides and guided tours. Even though tipping is optional, you can imagine it really helps people with low income jobs to make ends meet.

Tipping in Morocco: How do I know how much to tip?

When traveling through Morocco you can feel overwhelmed by the amount of people you have to tip. It can feel like a complete mystery how much to tip the helpful people you encounter. Even though it might seem difficult at first, it’s actually quite easy to get used to. After a couple of days in Morocco you’ll be a tipping expert! You can use this guide as a guideline for tipping in Morocco, and adjust these amounts to the level of service, the setting and your own budget.

Tipping at restaurants in Morocco

Since the Moroccan kitchen is probably one of the first things you’ll want to explore during your trip, this will also be the first place where you’re going to leave a tip. At small cafes and local eateries, you can leave a tip of around 10%-15% of the bill or 5 to 10 dirhams per person. For mid-range or more upscale restaurants, leave a tip of around 10%-20% of the bill, depending on the level of service. At street food stalls or juice stands, you can leave 1 or 2 dirham per person or round up the bill to the nearest round number.

How much to tip at your riad or hotel in Morocco

There are a lot of people working hard to give you the best time at your riad or hotel in Morocco, so tipping can feel a bit overwhelming here. If you’re staying at a small riad or guesthouse you can either tip the staff directly (which is way more fun) or upon checking out. Some accommodations have a common ‘tip jar’ at reception so the amount can be evenly divided between staff. I usually ask what their tipping policy is at check-in and handle accordingly. When you tip directly, you can keep these amounts as a guideline.

• Luggage attendant or doorman – 10 to 20 dirham, or a little more if you bring a lot (or heavy) luggage or when they provide other services like hailing a taxi.
• Concierge or hotel receptionist – you can either tip 10 to 20 dirham per service, or 50 to 100 dirham at check-out (only when service is provided).
• Housekeeping: 20 dirham per day, leave your tip in a spot that’s not directly visible to ensure your tip really goes towards housekeeping.
• Room service: 10% of the bill if a tip is not already included. You can see this on your receipt.
• Breakfast staff: many riads, hotels and guesthouses in Morocco provide elaborate little feasts for breakfast. Even though this is not standard practice, I always thank them after final breakfast and tip 30 to 50 dirhams for their amazing service.

How much should you tip parking attendants in Morocco

When it comes to parking attendants in Morocco, a small tip is greatly appreciated. Typically, giving around 3-5 dirham is considered appropriate for street parking guardians or gas station attendants, depending on the location and the level of service. In busier areas or tourist hotspots, you may want to tip a bit more, especially if an attendant is assisting with parking in a crowded space. While tipping isn’t obligatory, it’s a nice gesture and shows appreciation for their assistance. If they offer to clean the outside of your car, a tip of 20 dirham is standard. For valet parking 10 to 20 dirhams is considered appropriate.

Tipping at a Spa or Hammam in Morocco

Visiting a spa or hammam is one of the most amazing experiences in Morocco. From modest bath houses to upscale spas, there’s something for everyone! When you visit a hammam, it is appropriate to tip 30 to 50 dirham per staff member working on you. So if you get a full package with a massage, exfoliation and scrub session there are more people to tip. If you book a couple of spa services, like a facial, manicure, pedicure or wax, you tip around 10% per service.

Street-performers and tipping in Morocco

When you travel through Morocco you will most definitely encounter many street-performers. From acrobats to musicians, they provide the amazing vibes within the medinas of cities like Marrakesh, Fez, Essaouira and Chefchaouen. When you stay to watch or listen to a performance, or if you take pictures of street performers, 10 to 20 dirham is an appropriate tip. If there’s a live performance at a restaurant or hotel a tip of 20 to 50 dirham per party is greatly appreciated.

How much should you tip tour guides in Morocco

Tour guides can really make your trip unforgettable! Local guides can give you the most amazing tips, a lot of background information and a little peek inside their culture. We can split them up in multi-day tours, where you can tip around 200 dirham per (small) booking party for every five days, full day tours, where you can tip around 150 dirham per person and half-day tours, where you can tip around 100 dirham per person. Make sure to check beforehand if you’re booking with an official guide, as using unofficial guides in Morocco is illegal.

Drivers and transportation services: Tipping in Morocco

Whether you’re going on an extensive road trip through Morocco or taking a quick city break, you will definitely use some sort of transportation while you’re there. Inside every major city there are petit taxis, where you can (optionally) round up the amount to the nearest round number. Make sure the meter is running, as some taxi drivers try to take advantage of tourists. Other forms of transportation include:

• Multi day tour driver: 100 dirham per day per party, 200 dirham per day when you’re traveling with a private driver.
• Full day tour driver: 150 to 200 dirham per party.
• Half day tour driver: 100 dirham per party.
• Local transfers, like grand taxis: depending on the distance you can (optionally) give a tip of 10 to 50 dirham.
• Airport transfers: 20 to 50 dirham per person.

Workshop instructors

Workshops or classes are a fun way to dive into Moroccan culture, and to meet new people. From artisan workshops where you can learn crafts like painting, pottery or basket weaving to cooking classes where they teach you how to make traditional Moroccan dishes, taking a workshop in Morocco is a wonderful experience. You can tip your workshop Instructor between 20 to 50 dirham per person or 200 dirham per (small) party.

Tips for Tipping in Morocco

• Always tip in dirham: avoid tipping in euros, dollars or pounds, as your recipient usually can’t easily exchange it to local currency or use it in local shops.
• Hold on to small change: small change can come in handy when you tip parking attendants, vendors, or other people that will help you on your way.
• Don’t let yourself get bullied into tipping: it’s possible to encounter some less lovely people in Morocco that demand a tip for their ‘service’, even if you didn’t ask for, or didn’t receive said service. Be firm, say no, and walk away from the situation.
• Enjoy giving a tip to people that made your trip extra special: Morocco is a magical country, and you will definitely encounter people that will make your trip unforgettable. However, in some countries, tipping is not usual or non-existent, so it can feel awkward or uncomfortable to give a tip. If you feel awkward, try to step out of your comfort zone, open up, and give a sincere compliment while handing over your tip. When you make such a real connection with people, tipping rarely feels uncomfortable!
• It’s okay to make mistakes: as nothing is set in stone when it comes to tipping in Morocco, I recommend to accept beforehand that you are going to make a mistake by tipping either too much or too little. Don’t let this ruin your experience, you’re only human.

Now that you know everything there is to know about tipping in Morocco you’ll be well on your way! Enjoy this incredible country with its amazing nature, beautiful cities and lovely people! Read all about travel to Morocco here

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