Is tipping customary in Morocco?
While tipping isn't mandatory in Morocco, rounding up the bill and leaving tips at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. If you’re happy with the service provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation. Some high-end hotels and restaurants in Morocco have begun adding a service charge of around 10% to travellers' bills. Check if this is the case, and if not, around 10–15% of what you've paid should do the trick. For smaller purchases, such as a short taxi ride or lunch at a cafe, rounding up the bill is usually a good option, but keep in mind that an extra 1 or 2 dirhams, or just throwing in your spare change, may be seen as an insult.
In the more touristed areas of Morocco, you may find yourself in situations where locals expect a tip for something you would not usually consider a paid service. For example, if you wish to take a picture of a market vendor, artisan products, a snake charmer, or of yourself holding traditional wares, expect to be asked for a tip of around 10 dirhams (USD 1) to do so, even if they don't mention this before you take the photo. Some locals may also invite to take you on an unofficial and seemingly free 'tour' of the medina or neighbourhood, but will expect a tip at the end, even if they have just been following behind you!
For service workers that you may have repeat interactions with, such as a multi-day driver, tour guide or daily porter, you can either choose to tip on each occasion or give a lump sum at the end of your trip. In a group situation, 20–50 dirhams – roughly equivalent to USD 2–5 – per person, per day, for a tour guide is standard, or for a private service, consider a larger daily amount. While it may not be customary to you, tipping is of great significance to the people who take care of you during your travels. Tipping also encourages excellent service in the future and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations.
Be sure to carry smaller denominations with you so that you can tip the amount you wish – this will also be useful when purchasing market products or street food, as these are usually inexpensive.
Participate in a tipping kitty
On the first day of your trip your local leader may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty, which everybody contributes an equal amount to at the start of the tour. Your leader then uses this to tip drivers, local guides and hotel staff on your behalf. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time, and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassle of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is optional, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader.
Tipping your local leader in Morocco
You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however the equivalent of USD 2–4 per person, per day, is a commonly used guideline. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
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