Navigating the customs of a new country is part of the adventure of travel, and tipping etiquette is a common question for visitors to Morocco. While tipping, or baksheesh, is not always mandatory in the same way it is in some Western countries, it is a deeply ingrained part of the service culture and is both expected and greatly appreciated.
Wages for service industry workers are often low, so a small tip for good service can make a significant difference. It’s a way of showing appreciation and respect for the hard work and hospitality you receive.
Knowing who to tip and how much can feel confusing, so we’ve created this practical guide to help you navigate tipping in Morocco with confidence.
The Golden Rule: Always Keep Small Change
The most important tip about tipping is to always have small change on you. It is often difficult to get change for large bills, and you will need small coins and notes (1, 2, 5, and 10 Dirham coins; 20 Dirham notes) for many small tips throughout the day. Try to break larger notes whenever you can at larger shops or restaurants.
A Situation-by-Situation Tipping Guide
In Restaurants & Cafes
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For a Simple Drink (Coffee, Tea, Juice): Leaving your small change or rounding up to the nearest 5 Dirhams is a perfectly acceptable gesture (e.g., if your coffee is 12 DH, leave 15 DH).
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For a Casual Meal (Lunch or a Simple Dinner): A tip of 5-10% of the bill is standard for good service.
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For an Upscale Restaurant: For a nicer dining experience with attentive service, a tip of 10-15% is appropriate.
Taxis
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Petit Taxis (Little Taxis): When using the meter as you should, simply round up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 Dirhams. For example, if your fare is 18 DH, give the driver 20 DH and say "Shukran" (Thank you). Learn more in our guide to getting around Marrakech.
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Grand Taxis & Private Drivers: For a pre-negotiated long-distance trip or a private driver for a half-day or full-day excursion, a more significant tip is appropriate if the service was good. A tip of 50-100 DH for a full day is a generous and appreciated gesture.
In Your Riad or Hotel
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Porters: Tip 5-10 DH per bag for carrying your luggage to your room.
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Housekeeping: It’s a nice gesture to leave a tip for the housekeeping staff at the end of your stay. Around 20-30 DH per day is a good guideline. Leave it on the pillow or in an obvious place in the room when you check out.
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Concierge / Riad Staff: If a particular staff member at your Riad has been especially helpful—booking restaurants, arranging tours, or giving you great advice—it is appropriate to give them a personal tip at the end of your stay. 50-100 DH, given directly to them, is a wonderful way to show your appreciation.
Tour Guides
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Group Tours: For a guide on a half-day group tour, plan to tip around 50 DH per person. For a full-day group tour, 100 DH per person is a good baseline for excellent service.
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Private Guides: A private guide deserves a more significant tip. Plan on 150-250 DH for a full day of their dedicated attention and expertise.
Looking for a unique tour? Book an authentic rug-making workshop for a hands-on experience.
Other Common Situations
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Public Restroom Attendants: You will often find an attendant in public restrooms who keeps them clean. A tip of 1-2 DH is expected.
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Musicians & Performers: In Djemaa el-Fna or other squares, if you stop to watch a performance for a while or take a photo, a tip of 5-10 DH is appropriate.
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Help with Directions: If a local (not a "false guide") genuinely helps you find your way, a small tip of 5-10 DH is a kind way to say thank you.
Ultimately, tipping in Morocco is a way to show appreciation for the wonderful hospitality you receive. Whether it's from a waiter, a guide, or the skilled artisans who share their craft with you in a workshop, a small gesture of thanks for a job well done is always remembered and valued.
