For first-time visitors to Morocco, there are some things you must know before jumping into the seemingly ruleless world of Moroccan taxis and bargaining in markets. The first is Morocco's tipping (Bakshish) culture, which plays an important role in daily life in Morocco. Tipping is a recognition of the quality of service. Although it is not mandatory, it will make your trip smoother. So, in which scenarios do you need to tip? What is a reasonable amount of tip? This article will give you a detailed analysis of Morocco's tipping culture to help you better integrate into local society when traveling.
In most restaurants in Morocco, service charges are usually not included in the bill, so guests usually tip the waiter extra. If you are dining in a mid-range or high-end restaurant, it is recommended to tip 5-10% of the bill. For example, if your bill is 200 dirhams (MAD), you can tip 10-20 dirhams. In ordinary street food stalls or fast food restaurants, no tip is required.
Note: If the bill already includes the "Service Charge", you do not need to tip extra, but if the service is particularly good, you can still give a symbolic 5-10 dirhams.
In Moroccan cafes, tipping is not a hard and fast rule, but if the waiter provides you with special services, such as recommending drinks or warm hospitality, you can leave 1-5 dirhams as a thank you.
If the hotel porter helps you carry your luggage to the room, it is recommended to tip 10-20 dirhams, the specific amount depends on the amount of luggage and the level of the hotel.
If you stay for several days, you can leave 5-10 dirhams under the pillow every day to thank the housekeeper for her hard work.
If the concierge helps you book restaurants, arrange tours or provide special services, you can give a tip of 20-50 dirhams as a token of gratitude.
In Morocco, taxi drivers generally do not ask for tips, but if the driver is friendly, the car is in good condition and is willing to use the meter, you can give an appropriate tip of 5-10 dirhams.
Suggestion: Tips can be rounded up, for example, if the fare is 27 dirhams, you can pay 30 dirhams.
If you hire a private driver or charter service for a long trip, it is recommended to give 100-200 dirhams per day, depending on the length of the trip and the quality of service.
Short tour (half-day tour): It is recommended to give 50-100 dirhams per person.
Full-day tour: It is recommended to give 100-200 dirhams per person.
Private tour guide: It is recommended to give 150-300 dirhams per day, depending on the quality of service.
Tour guides in Morocco usually rely on tips as one of their main income, so if the tour guide's service is enthusiastic and professional, appropriate additional rewards are welcome.
In Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech or the old city of Fez, you may encounter street performers, bands or performers dressed as camel people and snake charmers. If you take photos or watch the performance, it is best to give a tip of 5-10 dirhams.
In Morocco, many public toilets require payment, usually 1-2 dirhams. Even for free public toilets, it is recommended to tip the cleaning staff.
If the gas station attendant helps you clean your car window or fill up your gas, you can give a tip of 2-5 dirhams. Similarly, if the convenience store clerk helps you pick up the goods, you can also give a symbolic tip.
We often joke that you have to pay a "parking fee" to park anywhere in Morocco. Because in big cities and tourist attractions in Morocco, there are often parking staff on the streets to help drivers park or guide them to reverse. These people are usually not hired vehicle management personnel, but just find a "job" for themselves. However, in places where there are many parked vehicles, they can indeed help you park your car better. If you accept their help, it is recommended to give a tip of 3-10 dirhams to show your gratitude.
Cash is king: Tips in Morocco are generally paid in cash, and it is recommended to carry some small dirhams with you.
Avoid giving coins (Euros or US dollars): Banks in Morocco usually do not exchange coins, so try to use dirham banknotes.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a friendly etiquette: If you are satisfied with the service, giving a proper tip can make your trip more enjoyable.
Prepare change in advance: Tipping is involved in many scenarios, and it is recommended to exchange some banknotes of 10 dirhams and below when exchanging currency.
Although the tipping culture in Morocco is not as strictly regulated as in countries like the United States, it has become an important part of the local service industry. Tipping is not only a recognition of quality service, but also makes your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. I hope this guide can help you better understand the tipping culture in Morocco and make your trip to Morocco more comfortable and worry-free!
Click here to explore more travel guides in Morocco: Travel Inspirations.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries for inspirations:
3-Day Sahara Adventure: Marrakech to Fes via Ait Benhaddou & Merzouga Desert
5-Day Journey through Northern Morocco: A Blend of History and Culture
7-Day Morocco Adventure: A Custom Journey from Marrakech
13-Day Moroccan Odyssey: A Custom Journey from Casablanca
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