Morocco — particularly Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen — has a tipping culture where small gratuities (“nssara” tips, though more commonly just called tips) are woven into daily interactions, from restaurants to riads to the bustling souks. Carrying small change is essential for navigating daily life smoothly.
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the local currency. USD is not accepted for everyday transactions.
Tipping at Restaurants
10% is standard at sit-down restaurants if a service charge isn’t already included. At riads (traditional guesthouses) and upscale restaurants, service charges are sometimes included — check your bill.
At casual local spots and street food stalls, tipping is not strictly expected but leaving small coins is common.
Tipping at Riads and Hotels
- Housekeeping — 10–20 MAD per night, left daily
- Porter / bellhop — 5–10 MAD per bag
- Riad staff (general) — small tips throughout your stay for various services are customary and appreciated
Tipping Taxis and Transportation
Tipping taxi drivers is common — rounding up the fare is standard practice. Always negotiate or confirm the fare before getting in for petit taxis, as meters are inconsistently used.
Tipping in the Souks
While not a direct “tip,” it’s worth knowing that bargaining is the norm in Moroccan souks, and small tips to guides who help you navigate (official or unofficial) are common — 10–20 MAD for brief assistance is appropriate.
Tipping Tour Guides
For organized tours — medina walking tours, desert excursions, day trips from Marrakech — 50–100 MAD per person is standard for a group tour. For private guides, 150–300 MAD per day is appropriate.
Cultural Notes
Tipping in Morocco extends well beyond restaurants and hotels — it’s part of daily interactions throughout the country. Small tips for parking attendants, people offering directions, or minor services are common and appreciated, similar to Egypt’s baksheesh culture but generally on a smaller scale and less obligatory.
Always carry a supply of small dirham coins and low-denomination bills. Running out of small change can make everyday interactions more awkward than they need to be.
Morocco Tipping — Quick Reference
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% |
| Riad housekeeping | 10–20 MAD per night |
| Riad porter / bellhop | 5–10 MAD per bag |
| Taxi | Round up |
| Small services / souk assistance | 10–20 MAD |
| Tour guide (group) | 50–100 MAD per person |
| Private tour guide | 150–300 MAD per day |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tip a lot in Morocco?
Tipping is customary throughout daily life, but amounts are small — 10–20 MAD covers most everyday tipping situations, and skipping it for minor interactions won’t cause offense.
Should I tip in USD or Moroccan dirhams?
Dirhams only. USD is not accepted for everyday transactions anywhere in Morocco.
Do taxi drivers in Morocco expect a tip?
Rounding up the fare is standard practice. Negotiate or confirm the fare before getting in, especially for petit taxis.
How much should I tip a guide in the Marrakech souks?
For brief assistance navigating, 10–20 MAD is appropriate. For an organized walking tour, 50–100 MAD per person is standard.