If you only remember four things, remember these:

  • It's a Thank You, Not an Obligation: Tipping here is a gesture of appreciation for good service, not a mandatory part of a salary.
  • Small Coins are King: We tip with coins. Having a pocketful of 5, and 10 dirham coins is your secret weapon.
  • Round Up or Leave a Little: For small services, simply rounding up the bill or leaving a few coins is perfectly normal.
  • When in Doubt, 5 % is a Great Guideline: For a nice meal or a good tour guide, 10% is considered a very generous and appreciated tip.
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The Everyday Situations (Cafes, Taxis, and Small Services)

This is where most of the confusion happens. For daily interactions, we don't calculate percentages. We use small, simple gestures.

Cafes (for coffee, mint tea, or a snack): Let's say your coffee is 12 dirhams. A local would typically leave 2 dirhams on the table. If the bill is 28, leaving 30 is a common and polite thing to do. You are not expected to leave a 15-20% tip for a simple coffee.

Taxis 🚕: There are two types of taxis. For a petit taxi (small, city taxi), the driver uses a meter. The best practice is to simply round up the fare to the next whole number or the next 5 dirhams. If the ride is 18 dirhams, give 20 and say "shukran" (thank you). For a grand taxi (larger, shared taxi or for longer trips), you agree on the price beforehand, so a tip is not usually expected unless the driver helps a lot with your luggage. In that case, 5-10 dirhams is a nice thank you.

Hotel Staff & Porters: If someone carries your heavy bags to your riad room deep in the medina, a tip of 10-20 dirhams is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work. For the cleaning staff, leaving 20 dirhams on your pillow at the end of your stay is a kind gesture.

The Main Events (Restaurants and Tour Guides)

This is where tipping becomes a bit more formal, but still very simple.

Restaurants (for a proper lunch or dinner): Look at your bill. Is a "Service Compris" (Service Included) charge already added? This is rare in Morocco, but it can happen in very high-end tourist places. If it's not there, a tip of 10% is considered good and generous. For a meal that costs 200 dirhams, a 20 dirham tip is perfect. If the service was truly exceptional, anything more is a wonderful bonus for the staff. You can usually leave the cash on the table.

Tour Guides & Drivers 🗺️: If you hire a private guide or driver for a half-day or full-day tour, they are working hard to give you a great experience. This is one of the situations where a more significant tip is customary if you are happy with the service.

A good guideline is:

  • Half-day tour: 50 - 100 dirhams per person.
  • Full-day tour: 100 - 150 dirhams per person.

This isn't a strict rule, but it's a fair way to show that you valued their knowledge and effort.

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When Not to Tip (And Why It Matters)

Just as important as knowing when to tip is knowing when not to. This is where you can avoid awkward situations and show you understand our culture on a deeper level.

In the Souk: When you are haggling and agree on a final price for a carpet or a leather bag, that price is final. The deal is done. You do not need to add a tip on top of the price you just spent ten minutes negotiating 😉. The profit is already part of the negotiation. A handshake and a heartfelt "shukran" is the perfect way to end the transaction.

For Unsolicited "Help": You will sometimes find young men or boys in the medina offering to guide you if you look lost. If you accept their help, they will expect a tip (around 10-20 dirhams). However, if you have clearly said "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and they continue to follow you, you are under no obligation to pay them when you reach your destination. Be polite, but be firm ✋. This is different from hiring an official, licensed guide.

For a Simple Purchase: Buying a bottle of water from a small shop (hanout) or a piece of bread from a bakery does not require a tip. It’s a simple retail transaction, just like at home.

The Final Word: Relax, It’s a Gesture, Not a Test

Honestly, the most important thing to remember is to not worry too much. Moroccans are famously warm and hospitable people. We will not be offended if you make a small mistake with tipping etiquette.

Unlike in some other countries, a waiter will chase you down the street because you didn't leave a 20% tip. A simple, genuine "shukran" and a smile are often more valuable than a few extra coins. Use this guide, relax, and enjoy our culture. We're just happy you're here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Real Answers for Your Moroccan Adventure: Cultural & Practical Questions, Answered by a Moroccan