Tipping in Morocco — baksheesh — is part of the social fabric, not a tax on tourists. Rabat is more relaxed about it than the heavy-tourism cities; the capital runs on civility rather than hustle. Done well a tip is discreet, sincere and small. Here is what we tell our guests, with real amounts.
Licensed guides
A licensed Moroccan guide goes through years of training and exams. For a full-day private guide around the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and Chellah, the local norm is US$12–20 per guest per day, handed at the end of the day in an envelope or folded note. A half-day medina walk warrants US$6–10 per group.
Taxis & drivers
Rabat's petit taxis are metered and inexpensive — simply round up to the nearest 5 dirhams. For a transfer from Rabat-Salé Airport or the train station, US$2–4 is enough. For a full day with a private driver, US$10–15 per group, handed at drop-off.
Riad & hotel staff
- Porters: US$1–2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: US$2–3 per night, left on the pillow.
- Riad manager / 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 MAD.
Restaurants & cafés
Service is usually included on the bill. Round up or leave 5–10% for good service. In the riverside cafés and the terraces along Avenue Mohammed V, leaving the coins is normal. In a fine-dining restaurant, 10% is generous.
Hammam & cooking-class hosts
For a hammam scrub, 30–60 MAD per therapist. For a half-day cooking class with a chef in a private home, US$10 per guest. For artisan workshop hosts on the Rue des Consuls (carpets, leather, brass), 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) are best. Small US dollar or euro notes are accepted; coins from outside the Eurozone 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 feel pressured to tip unsolicited helpers — Rabat is low-hassle, and a polite decline is perfectly normal.
A quick at-a-glance table
| Service | Suggested tip |
|---|---|
| Full-day licensed guide | US$12–20 / guest / day |
| Half-day medina walk | US$6–10 / group |
| Airport / station transfer | US$2–4 |
| Petit taxi | Round up to nearest 5 MAD |
| Riad housekeeping | US$2–3 / night |
| Riad manager (end of stay) | US$5–10 |
| Restaurants | 5–10% on top |
| Hammam therapist | 30–60 MAD |
Frequently asked
How much do you tip a guide in Rabat?
For a full-day licensed guide around the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and Chellah, US$12–20 per guest per day is the local norm, handed at the end of the day. For a half-day medina walk, US$6–10 per group is fair.
How much do you tip a driver or taxi in Rabat?
Petit taxi rides in Rabat are metered and cheap — round up to the nearest 5 dirhams rather than tipping a percentage. For a one-off transfer from Rabat-Salé Airport or the train station, US$2–4 is plenty. For a full day with a private driver, US$10–15 per group.
Do you tip in riads and hotels in Rabat?
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 riad manager who arranged taxis and dinners.
How much do you tip in Rabat restaurants and cafés?
Service is usually included on the bill. Round up or leave 5–10% on top for good service. In the cafés along the Bouregreg and Avenue Mohammed V, leaving the coins is normal.
Should you tip in cash or by card?
Always cash, and ideally in Moroccan dirhams (MAD). Small US dollar or euro notes are accepted but harder for staff to change. Avoid coins from outside the Eurozone — they cannot be exchanged.
Do you tip hammam and museum guides?
For a hammam scrub in Rabat, 30–60 MAD per therapist is appropriate. Official museum guides at the Mohammed VI Museum or the Mausoleum work on fixed entry, but a US$3–5 thank-you for a private explanation is welcome.
Planning a trip?
We'll handle the tipping etiquette for you.
Every Rabat Tours itinerary comes with a one-page tipping cheatsheet, and your trip lead is on call throughout to take the awkwardness out of it.
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