In this guide
Tipping in Morocco is expected but modest. As a rule of thumb for 2026: round up or leave 5–10 MAD in cafés, 10% in restaurants, 10–20 MAD per bag for porters, around 100–200 MAD per half day for a private guide and 150–200 MAD per day for a driver, per booking party. Always tip in dirhams, in cash, and hand it over personally.
Why tips matter in Morocco
We will be honest, because it is our own industry: wages in tourism are modest, and many people who look after you, from waiters to camp staff, count on tips as a real part of their income. That said, tipping is a thank-you, not an obligation. If service was poor, you can give less or nothing. Most travellers find that small amounts, given often and with a smile, feel natural after a day or two.
How much to tip in Morocco: quick reference
| Who | Typical tip (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Café waiter | Round up, or 5–10 MAD | Leave coins on the saucer. |
| Restaurant waiter | About 10% (up to 15% in upscale places) | Check whether service is already included. |
| Porter (airport, hotel, medina handcart) | 10–20 MAD per bag | Agree handcart prices in the medina before starting. |
| Riad housekeeping | 10–20 MAD per night, or 100 MAD at the end of a week | Leave it in the room or a tip box. |
| Riad manager or host | Optional, 50–100 MAD per stay | For extra help with bookings or advice. |
| Licensed city guide | 100–200 MAD half day, 200–300 MAD full day | Per booking party, not per person. |
| Private driver (day trip) | 150–200 MAD | Per booking party. |
| Driver on a multi-day tour | 100–150 MAD per day | Given in one go at the end. |
| Camel handler | 20–50 MAD per person | More for overnight treks. |
| Desert camp staff | 50–100 MAD per group | Often a shared tip box. |
| Hammam attendant | 20–50 MAD | For the scrub and wash. |
| Parking guardian, petrol attendant | 2–5 MAD | Small coins are fine. |
At roughly 10.5–11 MAD to the euro, 100 MAD is about €9–10 and 10 MAD is about €1.
Guides
In Marrakech and Fes, your medina guide should be a licensed official guide carrying an identity badge. A good guide does more than recite dates: they read the group, find shade for your kids, and keep persistent sellers at bay. For a half-day tour, 100–200 MAD per group is a fair thank-you; for a full day, 200–300 MAD. If you are a larger group, increase it a little.
Mountain and local guides
On Atlas walks and in villages, a local guide often joins for an hour or two. Around 50–100 MAD per group is appropriate.
Drivers
For a single day trip, such as a private driver day out of Marrakech (from €60 per person for up to 10 hours), 150–200 MAD per booking party is normal. On a multi-day trip, budget around 100–150 MAD per day and give the whole amount at the end, ideally in an envelope with a short note. Our guide to hiring a private driver in Morocco explains what is and isn't in the daily price.
Taxis
Petit taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 MAD is common. For the ride from the airport, see our guide on getting from Marrakech airport to the medina.
Desert trips and camps
On a Sahara trip there are usually several people to thank: the camel handler who leads you into the dunes, the camp team who cook and play music around the fire, and your driver. A simple approach is to give the camel handler 20–50 MAD per person after the ride, put 50–100 MAD per group into the camp tip box, and tip your driver at the end of the whole trip. If a nomad family invites you for tea, a small contribution or buying a trinket is a kind gesture, but ask your guide what is appropriate.
Riads and hotels
In riads, a small team often does everything: cooks breakfast, carries bags, gives directions, books your hammam. Many riads have a tip box shared among staff; putting 100–200 MAD in it at the end of a few nights is generous. If one person helped especially, give it to them directly.
Restaurants and cafés
In tourist restaurants, check the bill for "service compris". If it is not included, 10% is standard. In simple cafés and street-food stalls, rounding up or leaving 5–10 MAD is plenty. At Jemaa el-Fna food stalls, a few dirhams on the table is appreciated but not expected.
Photos, performers and "helpers"
Snake charmers, musicians and people with monkeys at Jemaa el-Fna will ask for money if you photograph them. Agree an amount first (10–20 MAD is reasonable) or keep the camera down. We would also suggest avoiding animal photos entirely. In the medina lanes, uninvited "guides" may ask for money after pointing the way; you are not obliged to pay, but 10 MAD ends the conversation quickly if you did accept help.
Practical tipping tips
- Carry small notes and coins. 20 and 50 MAD notes and 5–10 MAD coins make tipping easy. ATMs usually dispense 100 and 200 MAD notes, so break them at supermarkets or cafés. Our guide to money and ATMs in Morocco has more on this.
- Tip in dirhams. Euros are accepted, but coins in foreign currency cannot be exchanged.
- Be discreet. Hand money over with a handshake or in an envelope, not with a show.
- Tip per group, not per person, for guides and drivers, unless you are a large group.
Quick FAQ
Is tipping mandatory in Morocco?
No, but it is customary and expected for good service. Leaving nothing after a great tour would be unusual.
Can I tip in euros?
Notes in euros are usually welcome, but dirhams are more practical for the person receiving them. Never tip in foreign coins.
Should I tip if service charge is on the bill?
It is not required, though leaving a few extra dirhams for your waiter is a kind gesture.
Travel with a team that makes it simple
When you travel with us, we are happy to tell you in advance what is usual for each part of your trip, so there are no awkward moments. Message us on WhatsApp (+212 606-957514) to plan a day trip or longer route, or explore our private and tailor-made trips.
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