In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Morocco, tipping isn`t required all the time, although it is appreciated in many situations.
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Dirhams?
The currency of Morocco is the dirham (abbreviated Dh). U.S. dollars are not accepted. One dirham is divided into 100 santimat. A dirham is equivalent to approximately 10-12 U.S. cents, making the exchange rate roughly 8 to 10 to the U.S. dollar. The dirham is a closed currency, which means you cannot buy any until you have arrived in Morocco. Bureaux de change are available at your arrival airport, at major banks, and in many tourist hotels. Keep your conversion receipt as you may need it when exchanging your dirhams for dollars upon leaving Morocco. ATMs will offer good exchange rates, and it is recommended to withdraw a couple days` worth of cash at a time if you do not decide to convert a large amount while at the airport or on your arrival day. Keep in mind that away from major tourist attractions, ATMs may only present options for use in Arabic and French.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
If your bill doesn`t already have a surcharge on it, it is customary to leave 10 or 15% of the bill`s cost as a tip. Note that service in Morocco tends to be more relaxed, so if you are basing your tip on prompt and fast service, note that dining habits in the U.S. and dining habits in Morocco are quite different. If you`re in a nightclub or bar, tip between 10 and 20 dirhams on the bill, more if the bill is larger. Tip about five dirhams for an order at a cafe, or round to the nearest five dirhams on the bill.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Hotel staff do expect tips in Morocco. Be sure to tip your bellboy either 10 or 20 dirhams, depending on the number of bags handled. The maids should be tipped 20 dirhams per day, or at least 100 dirhams per week, with the money tipped at the end of the stay/week. Tipping in hotel restaurants will ensure more prompt service. Tip a certain amount per day if you know you will be eating multiple times at the same hotel restaurant.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Rounding up your fare to the nearest 10 dirhams is a sufficient tip for a cab driver who operates on a meter. In many cases, you will have to negotiate a fare before leaving instead of using a meter, and tipping is not required then.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
If your tour is led by a tour guide from a reputable company or organization, they are usually very well-paid in Morocco, and a tip is not necessary. In some areas, such as medinas in major cities, you might be able to enlist the help of a local who can steer you in the direction of certain stores and products. You can tip those people between five and ten dirhams.
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone else I should tip?
Other Services: Spa workers will be happy with a tip of approximately 20 to 25 dirhams. Keep in mind that many people may give you treatments over the course of a spa visit, and you will need to tip all of them individually -- 20 to 25 dirhams is an insufficient amount to split between four or five people. Store your tip money in a robe and make sure to wear that specific robe for all of your treatments, or you can tip the cashier on the way out and have them divide the money between the people who served you that day. Hairdressers will expect a tip of approximately 10%.
Final Thoughts:
Morocco`s economy places a high priority on tourism and hospitality. As a result, many of the people who come from countries where tipping is commonplace have allowed many hospitality workers to come to expect tips. Depending on the hotel worker`s position, they may use tips to supplement their income. In many other situations, rounding up to the nearest five or ten dirhams is a nice gift to the person who provided you a service, from taxi rides to street guides.
