Tipping in Morocco — a small gratuity for good service — is part of the social fabric, not a tax on tourists. Done well it's discreet, sincere and small. Done badly it's loud and awkward for everyone. Here is what we tell our guests, with real amounts.
Private tour guides
A licensed Moroccan guide goes through years of training and exams. For a full-day private guide, the local norm is US$15–25 per guest per day, handed at the end of the day in an envelope or folded note. For multi-day private driver-guides, US$10–20 per guest per day is generous and well received — pool it at the end of the trip.
Drivers
For a one-off airport transfer, US$3–5 is enough. For a full day with a private driver, US$10–15 per group. On a multi-day chauffeured route from Ouarzazate to Aït Ben Haddou and the Sahara, plan US$10–15 per day from the group as a whole, handed at drop-off.
Hotel staff
- Porters: US$1–2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: US$2–3 per night, left on the pillow.
- Concierge / front of house: US$5–10 at the end of the stay if they arranged taxis, dinners and recommendations.
- Breakfast staff: round up the breakfast tab or leave 10 Dh.
Restaurants & cafés
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill — if so, leaving the small change is fine. Where it is not included, 10% is generous. In casual cafés and grill counters, rounding up is normal.
Sahara camp crews & desert guides
On an overnight in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, pool US$10–15 per guest at the end and hand it to the camp manager to share with cooks, musicians and tent staff. Nomad 4×4 drivers and camel handlers appreciate US$3–5 directly.
Kasbah mule handlers & cooking class hosts
The short mule ride up to the kasbahs along the trail is often included in your visit — a 20–30 Dh tip to the handler is customary. For a half-day cooking class with a host in a local home, US$10 per guest. For artisan workshop hosts (zellij, weaving), US$5–10 per guest on top of the booking fee.
Cash, currency & etiquette
- Always tip in cash. Card tips do not reach the staff.
- Moroccan dirhams (MAD / Dh) are best. Small US dollar or euro notes are accepted; coins from outside the country cannot be exchanged.
- Hand notes folded or in an envelope. Don't count loudly in front of people.
- If service was poor, it's acceptable to leave nothing — Moroccan staff understand this.
- Don't tip in every interaction. Tipping unsolicited helpers around the sites encourages persistent following.
A quick at-a-glance table
| Service | Suggested tip |
|---|---|
| Full-day private guide | US$15–25 / guest / day |
| Multi-day private driver-guide | US$10–20 / guest / day |
| Airport transfer driver | US$3–5 |
| Hotel housekeeping | US$2–3 / night |
| Concierge (end of stay) | US$5–10 |
| Restaurants | 10% (if not already added) |
| Sahara camp crew (per night) | US$10–15 / guest |
| Nomad 4×4 driver / camel handler | US$3–5 |
| Kasbah mule handler | 20–30 Dh |
Frequently asked
How much do you tip a private tour guide in Morocco?
For a full-day private guide, US$15–25 per guest per day is the local norm. For a multi-day private driver-guide, US$10–20 per guest per day is generous and well received.
How much do you tip a driver in Morocco?
For a one-off airport transfer, US$3–5 is enough. For a full day with a private driver, US$10–15 per group. For multi-day chauffeured trips, US$10–15 per day from the group is standard.
Do you tip in hotels in Morocco?
Yes — small amounts go a long way. US$1–2 per bag for porters, US$2–3 per night for housekeeping left on the pillow, and a US$5–10 thank-you at the end of the stay for the concierge who arranged things.
How much do you tip in Moroccan restaurants?
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill; if so, leaving the small change is fine. Where it is not included, 10% is generous. In casual cafés and grill counters, rounding up is normal.
Should you tip in cash or by card?
Always cash, and ideally in Moroccan dirhams (MAD / Dh). Small US dollar or euro notes are accepted but harder for staff to change. Avoid coins from outside the country — they cannot be exchanged.
Do you tip Sahara camp staff and desert guides?
Yes. Pool around US$10–15 per guest at the end of an overnight, handed to the camp manager to share. Nomad 4×4 drivers and camel handlers appreciate US$3–5 directly.
Planning a trip?
We'll handle the tipping etiquette for you.
Every Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou Tours itinerary comes with a one-page tipping cheatsheet, and your trip lead is on call throughout to take the awkwardness out of it.
Request an itinerary