Getting Straight to It: How Much Should You Tip in Morocco?
If you’re an American traveler heading to Morocco, you’re probably wondering right off the bat, how much to tip in Morocco?
Good news — tipping in Morocco is pretty straightforward once you get a feel for it. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Service | Tip Amount (in Moroccan Dirhams – MAD) | Tip Amount (Approx. in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (good service) | 10–15% of bill | ~$1–$5 |
| Cafes | 3–5 MAD | ~$0.30–$0.50 |
| Hotel Porters | 10–20 MAD per bag | ~$1–$2 |
| Housekeeping | 10–20 MAD per night per room | ~$1–$2 |
| Taxi Drivers | Round up fare or add ~10% | varies |
| Tour Guides (Half-day) | 50–100 MAD | ~$5–$10 |
| Tour Guides (Full-day) | 100–200 MAD | ~$10–$20 |
| Drivers (full day) | 50–100 MAD | ~$5–$10 |
| Restroom Attendants | 2–5 MAD | ~$0.20–$0.50 |
✅ Tip: Always carry small change in Moroccan dirhams (MAD)! It makes tipping way easier.
Why Tipping Matters So Much in Morocco
In Morocco, tipping isn’t just a nice thing to do. It’s a real sign of appreciation and respect.
Most service workers—waiters, drivers, hotel staff—earn pretty modest wages. Tips often help cover living expenses. So when you hand over a few dirhams, you’re making a real difference.
And it’s not just about money. In Moroccan culture, generosity is admired. Tipping, or giving baksheesh, shows that you recognize someone’s effort, their hospitality, their kindness. It’s a human moment, not just a transaction.
Where and How Much to Tip: A Closer Look
Let’s break it down properly by situations you’ll run into:
Restaurants and Cafés 🍽️
- If service charge is included (check your bill), leave a small token—maybe 5–10 MAD—for exceptional service.
- If no service charge, it’s expected to tip 10–15% of the total bill.
- Exceptional service? Feel free to tip even a little more. You’ll make someone’s day.
- In small cafés, just leave 3–5 MAD.
👉 Story tip: After a cozy lunch in a Marrakech café, slipping a few coins into the tip tray made the waiter beam like I’d gifted him a new car.
Hotels 🏨
- Porters: 10–20 MAD per bag.
- Housekeeping: 10–20 MAD per night per room (not per person).
- Concierge who arranges tours or reservations: 50–100 MAD depending on the complexity.
Why tip daily? Staff shifts often change. Leaving a daily tip ensures the person who actually cleaned your room gets rewarded.
Taxis 🚕 (Including Petit and Grand Taxis)
- Always agree on a fare before the ride starts, especially if the meter isn’t running (which is common).
- After the ride, round up or add about 10% as a tip.
- If they help with bags or are particularly friendly, a few extra dirhams won’t hurt.
👉 Real tip: I once tipped an extra 10 MAD after a taxi driver saved me from getting totally ripped off at a fake market. Worth every cent.
Tour Guides and Drivers 🚐
- Half-day private guide: 50–100 MAD
- Full-day guide: 100–200 MAD
- Private driver for a day: 50–100 MAD
How much depends on:
- Length of tour
- Level of expertise
- Friendliness and personal touches (like stopping for unexpected photo ops or helping you haggle!)
Small Service Providers 💧
Restroom attendants, parking helpers, street musicians—they all appreciate small tips.
- 2–5 MAD is plenty.
- These small gestures may seem minor, but they show you respect the hard work people put in for even the simplest services.
👉 Friendly reminder: Sometimes, restroom attendants literally keep the facilities clean just thanks to those tiny tips!
Using the Right Currency When Tipping
Always tip in Moroccan dirhams (MAD), not in US dollars.
Locals appreciate dirhams because they can actually use it without having to exchange currencies (which costs fees). Plus, it avoids any awkward confusion about exchange rates.
If you don’t have change? Politely ask your hotel front desk or a cashier for small bills before heading out.
Common Tipping Mistakes Americans Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Avoid these slip-ups to make sure your trip is smooth sailing:
- Mistake #1: Overtipping massively.
Problem: Locals might see it as showing off or being wasteful. Stick to reasonable, respectful tips. - Mistake #2: Forgetting to tip when service was good.
Problem: It can come across as rude or dismissive. A few dirhams go a long way. - Mistake #3: Tipping in dollars.
Problem: It creates hassles for workers who can’t easily exchange small amounts.
Quick Guide: How Much to Tip in Morocco (USD Equivalent Approximate)
| Situation | Recommended Tip (MAD) | USD Approximate |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee or Snack Café | 3–5 MAD | ~$0.30–$0.50 |
| Restaurant | 10–15% | ~$1–$5 |
| Hotel Porter | 10–20 MAD per bag | ~$1–$2 |
| Housekeeping | 10–20 MAD per night per room | ~$1–$2 |
| Taxi Driver | Round up or 10% | varies |
| Tour Guide (Half-Day) | 50–100 MAD | ~$5–$10 |
| Tour Guide (Full-Day) | 100–200 MAD | ~$10–$20 |
Final Thoughts:
Mastering how much to tip in Morocco isn’t just about doing the “right” thing—it’s about understanding the heartbeat of Moroccan hospitality.
A small, thoughtful tip makes locals feel seen, valued, and respected. It opens doors. It invites better conversations. Sometimes, it even leads to a secret menu recommendation or a local market tour you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Respect the culture. Tip reasonably. Enjoy deeper, more genuine connections everywhere you go.