Visiting a new city is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of questions about local customs, especially around tipping. Marrakech is a vibrant city with a rich culture, but knowing how to handle tipping can be tricky. There aren’t any strict rules on tipping, but as someone who is living in Marrakech , I can tell you firsthand how important tipping is in this city.

In Marrakech, most locals in entry-level jobs earn between $200 and $400 per month, while living costs like rent are high. For many, tips make a big difference in their ability to make ends meet. Even a small amount can be significant to someone who works long hours for modest pay. Therefore, while tipping isn’t mandatory, it is highly appreciated.

This guide will give you everything you need to know about tipping in Marrakech, including when, where, and how much to tip.

Do You Tip in Marrakech? Should You Tip in Marrakech?

Tipping in Marrakech is a common practice, though it’s not enforced like in countries such as the United States. In Morocco, tipping is seen more as a gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation. However, it’s important to note that many locals working in the service industry rely on tips to supplement their income, as they don’t always earn much, despite working hard in some of the safest cities in the country.

If you’ve enjoyed the service whether at a restaurant, hotel, spa, salon, or on a guided tour leaving a tip is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. It doesn’t have to be much; you can simply round up your bill at a restaurant or leave a small amount for other services. Even a few extra Dirhams can mean a great deal to workers, making tipping a nice way to acknowledge their hard work.

In terms of how much to tip in Marrakech, it generally depends on where you are and the quality of the service you’ve received. A good rule of thumb is to tip around 10% of the bill. However, if the service was exceptional, consider tipping between 15% and 20%. People you should tip in Marrakech include waiters, drivers, hotel staff, tour guides, and other service workers, as this small gesture can make a big difference for them.

Tipping in Marrakech at Restaurants and Bars

When eating out in Marrakech, tipping is common, especially at restaurants and bars. As a general rule, you should tip around 10% to 15% of your bill. The exact amount depends on the type of restaurant, the quality of service, and the size of your party.

In fancier places, such as rooftop restaurants or cocktail bars, where the service is more personalized and attentive, you might want to tip closer to the 15% range. In smaller cafes or casual spots, rounding up the bill or leaving a tip of 5 to 10 Dirhams per meal or drink is sufficient.

Here’s an example:

• If your meal costs 100 Moroccan Dirhams, consider tipping between 10 and 15 Dirhams.
• If you’re just grabbing a drink that costs 10 Dirhams, a tip of 1 or 2 Dirhams will be appreciated.

It’s also worth noting that many waitstaff in restaurants and Marrakech bars  share their tips with the kitchen staff, so your generosity extends beyond just the person who serves you.

Tipping at Hotels and Riads in Marrakech

Hotels and riads in Marrakech often provide an exceptional level of service, and tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Here’s a breakdown of how much to tip various hotel staff:

• Housekeeping: It’s customary to tip housekeeping staff between 5 and 10 Dirhams per day. They work hard to keep your room clean and tidy, so a daily tip is a nice way to acknowledge their efforts.
• Luggage Attendants/Porters: When someone helps you carry your luggage to or from your room, a tip of 1 Dirham per bag is a polite gesture. It’s always a good idea to have some spare change on hand when you arrive at your accommodation.
• Front Desk Staff/Concierge: If the concierge or front desk staff go out of their way to enhance your stay whether by making special reservations or organizing unique activities consider tipping between 10 and 15 Dirhams. However, if the service is standard, tipping isn’t essential.
• Valets: For those using valet services, a tip of 5 to 10 Dirhams every time they bring your car is appropriate. The staff ensures your car is safely parked and handled with care, so tipping is a good way to show gratitude for their service.

While these are general guidelines, the amount you tip can vary depending on the level of service you receive and your budget. Always tip what you feel is right, and remember that anything is appreciated.

Tipping Drivers In Marrakech

When it comes to taxis in Marrakech, tipping can be a bit more nuanced. Personally, I don’t feel the need to tip taxi drivers since they have a reputation for scamming people. For this reason, I always prefer using the InDrive app, which functions similarly to Uber. With InDrive, you can agree on a price before the ride begins, ensuring you know exactly how much you’re paying and avoiding the common issues with overcharging.

However, when it comes to private transfers, tipping is more customary. For longer trips, it’s appropriate to tip around 10% of the total fare, especially if the driver goes out of their way to assist with luggage or provides extra help during your Morocco trip. For example, if your private transfer costs 200 Dirhams, you could tip 20 Dirhams if the service was exceptional.

For shorter rides, rather than calculating a percentage, it’s perfectly fine to simply round up the fare to the nearest significant amount in Moroccan Dirhams. This approach is convenient and still shows appreciation for the driver’s service without over complicating the tipping process.

Tipping Tour Guides in Marrakech

When taking a tour in Marrakech, tipping your guide is not only customary but also greatly appreciated, especially if they’ve enhanced your experience. A typical tip is around 10% of the tour cost, whether you’re on a private, 3 days tour from Marrakecch, or group tour. Guides play a vital role in elevating the quality of your trip, so showing your appreciation through a tip is always welcome.

Even on “free tours,” where the concept is often based on a ‘pay what you like’ system, tipping is expected and may be the guide’s primary source of income. If the guide has enriched your journey, it’s a good practice to be generous with your tip.

In some cases, guides might request a review on platforms like TripAdvisor instead of a tip. Positive reviews can significantly impact their visibility, helping them earn commissions and attract future travelers to their services. So, if your guide has provided a memorable tour, leaving a glowing review can be just as valuable as tipping.

Tipping at the Hammam In Marrakech

A visit to a traditional Moroccan hammam offers a unique and rejuvenating experience, and it’s customary to tip the staff for their hard work. Tipping is generally expected for all treatments, including massages and other spa services. Plan to leave a tip of around 10% to 15% of the treatment cost, depending on the quality of service you receive.

For example, if your hammam treatment costs 100 Dirhams, you might tip 10 Dirhams for good service and 15 Dirhams for outstanding service. Keep in mind that performing these tasks, especially massages and traditional hammam treatments, requires significant physical effort. Therapists and bath attendants often work long hours, especially in some of the top hammams in Marrakech. Your tip is a great way to show appreciation for their skill and dedication.

Tipping in Other Situations in Marrakech

There are plenty of other situations where you may want to tip during your stay in Marrakech. Here are a few additional examples:

• Street Performers: If you stop to enjoy a performance in the Jemaa el-Fna square, it’s polite to leave a small tip of 5 to 10 Dirhams. These performers rely on tips for their income.
• Restroom Attendants: It’s common to leave 1 or 2 Dirhams for restroom attendants in public areas.
• Parking Attendants: If someone helps you find a parking spot or watches over your car, tip 2 to 5 Dirhams.
• Spas and Salons: Just like with the hammam, tip around 10% to 15% of the cost for any services you receive.

How to Tip in Marrakech: Practical Advice

Here are a few practical tips to help you navigate tipping in Marrakech:

1. Always Carry Small Change

It’s a good idea to carry small denominations of Dirhams with you. Many people in Marrakech don’t have change for larger bills, and it’s easier to tip if you have smaller amounts on hand. Whether you’re tipping a porter, taxi driver, or street performer, having small change makes the process smoother.

2. Tip in the Local Currency

Always tip in Moroccan Dirhams. While you might be tempted to tip in your home currency, especially if you don’t have local cash on hand, this can actually cause a hassle for the person receiving the tip. They’ll need to go to a bank to exchange the currency, and fees will often be deducted from the total.

3. Check for Service Charges

In some higher-end restaurants or hotels, a service charge may already be included in the bill. Make sure to check your bill before tipping, so you don’t end up tipping twice. However, if the service has been exceptional, you can still leave a small tip on top of the service charge as a personal gesture.

4. Use Your Judgement

Remember, tipping is a personal decision. There are no strict rules about how much you should tip in Marrakech, and ultimately it’s up to you. If you received great service and feel like showing your appreciation, do so. If the service was lacking, you’re under no obligation to leave a tip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Tipping in Marrakech is not mandatory, but it is a generous and kind gesture that makes a real difference to locals working in the service industry. Many people in Marrakech rely on tips to make ends meet, so even a small tip can go a long way.

Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a rooftop restaurant, getting a massage at a hammam, or taking a guided tour through the city, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for good service. Keep some small change on hand, and don’t hesitate to leave a tip if you’ve had a positive experience.

The amounts and guidelines provided here are just suggestions. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember, even a small amount can have a big impact on someone’s day. Happy tipping!