Tipping in Saudi Arabia is optional and never demanded. Unlike in the US or parts of the Caribbean, service workers here don’t rely on tips as a primary income source — wages are regulated and service charges are frequently built into the bill. That said, a modest cash tip for genuine service is appreciated and fits comfortably within the country’s broader culture of hospitality and generosity.
Restaurants
Always check your bill first. Many restaurants in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities, particularly international chains and hotel restaurants, add a 10–15% service charge automatically. If one is included, no additional tip is needed, though leaving 5–10 SAR for genuinely excellent service is a thoughtful gesture.
Note: Saudi Arabia applies a 15% VAT on goods and services. This appears on every receipt and is not a service charge or tip. Don’t mistake it for one.
If no service charge is included, 10–15% is a reasonable tip at a sit-down restaurant. At casual local spots and fast-food counters, tipping isn’t expected at all.
Hotels
Hotel tipping is appreciated at higher-end properties, particularly those catering to international visitors:
- Porter/bellhop — SAR 5–10 per bag
- Housekeeping — SAR 10–20 per night, left in the room
- Valet parking — SAR 5–10 when your car is returned, handed directly to the driver
- Concierge — SAR 20–50 for meaningful assistance with reservations or arrangements
Most hotel bills in Saudi Arabia already include a service charge. Check before adding anything extra.
Taxis and Rideshare
For metered taxis, rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 SAR is the standard practice. If the fare reads 23 SAR, handing over 25 SAR is natural and appreciated. For longer rides like airport transfers, 10–20 SAR on top is a generous gesture.
Both Uber and Careem operate widely across Saudi Arabia and both offer in-app tipping. A 5–10 SAR tip for good service is a reasonable in-app amount, particularly for rides in difficult traffic or extreme heat.
Tour Guides and Drivers
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing fast under Vision 2030, and guides at sites like AlUla, Diriyah, and the Edge of the World genuinely appreciate tips. For a small private group, $10 per person per day for a guide and $5 per day for a driver is a reasonable guideline. For larger groups, $5–$7 per person per day for the guide is standard.
Spas and Salons
A 10% tip at hotel spas and upscale salons is appreciated. At local salons and barbershops, a small tip of 5–10 SAR for good service is a kind gesture.
Cultural Notes
Tipping in Saudi Arabia should always be done discreetly and in cash. Handing a tip quietly and directly is far more appropriate than making a show of it. In some cases, staff may politely decline a tip — this should be accepted gracefully rather than insisted upon.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a cashless society, with Mada cards, Apple Pay, and credit cards accepted nearly everywhere. That said, tipping is still primarily a cash practice. Carry small SAR notes specifically for this purpose since tip prompts on card terminals are still uncommon.
| Situation | Typical Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10–15% |
| Restaurant (service charge included) | Not necessary; 5–10 SAR optional |
| Fast food/counter service | Not expected |
| Hotel porter/bellhop | SAR 5–10 per bag |
| Hotel housekeeping | SAR 10–20 per night |
| Valet parking | SAR 5–10 |
| Metered taxi | Round up to nearest 5–10 SAR |
| Uber/Careem | SAR 5–10 in-app |
| Tour guide (small group) | $10/day per person |
| Tour driver | $5/day per person |
| Spa/salon | 10% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping expected in Saudi Arabia?
No, it’s optional. Staff don’t rely on tips as primary income and refusing to tip won’t cause offense. A modest tip for genuine service is appreciated but never demanded.
What is the 15% VAT on my Saudi Arabia bill?
This is a standard consumption tax applied to all goods and services in Saudi Arabia. It’s not a service charge or tip — always check for a separate service charge line before deciding whether to tip.
Should I tip in cash or by card in Saudi Arabia?
Cash is strongly preferred. Card tip prompts are uncommon in Saudi Arabia. Carry small SAR notes specifically for tipping throughout your stay.
What if a staff member refuses my tip?
Accept it gracefully and don’t insist. This happens occasionally and is a matter of personal or professional preference, not an offense.
More Middle East Tipping Guides
Traveling elsewhere in the Middle East? Check out our other tipping guides: