Tipping in Tangier — baksheesh — 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. The city sees constant ferry traffic from Spain, so staff are used to a mix of currencies and customs. Here is what we tell our guests, with real amounts.
Private guides
A licensed Tangier guide knows the kasbah, the medina and the city's tangled literary history. For a half-day walking tour, the local norm is US$10–15 per guest, handed at the end in a folded note. For a full day out to Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules, US$15–25 per guest is generous and well received.
Drivers
For a one-off transfer from Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport or the Tangier Med ferry port, US$3–5 is enough. For a full day with a private driver, US$10–15 per group. On a day trip to Asilah or Chefchaouen, plan US$10–15 from the group as a whole, handed at drop-off.
Hotel & riad staff
- Porters: US$1–2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: US$2–3 per night, left on the pillow.
- Front-of-house manager: 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.
Cafés & restaurants
Service is usually included on the bill. Round up or leave 5–10% for good service. In the old cafés of the Petit Socco, or nursing a tea at Café Hafa above the Strait, leaving the coins is normal. In a fine-dining restaurant, 10% is generous.
Ferry porters & the ports
At the city port and at Tangier Med, the men who help with luggage expect a small tip — US$1–2 per bag. Agree that you want the help before a suitcase is taken, and the whole exchange stays friendly rather than turning into a scramble on the gangway.
Hammam, cooking class & workshop hosts
For a private hammam ritual, 50–100 MAD per therapist. For a half-day cooking class focused on Tangier seafood, US$10 per guest. For artisan workshop hosts in the medina, 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 euro notes are widely accepted in Tangier; 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 tip in every interaction. Tipping unsolicited helpers in the medina encourages aggressive following.
A quick at-a-glance table
| Service | Suggested tip |
|---|---|
| Half-day kasbah & medina guide | US$10–15 / guest |
| Full-day private guide (Cap Spartel) | US$15–25 / guest |
| Airport / ferry transfer driver | US$3–5 |
| Hotel housekeeping | US$2–3 / night |
| Front-of-house manager (end of stay) | US$5–10 |
| Cafés & restaurants | 5–10% on top |
| Ferry / port porter | US$1–2 / bag |
| Hammam therapist | 50–100 MAD |
Frequently asked
How much do you tip a private guide in Tangier?
For a half-day walking tour of the kasbah and medina, US$10–15 per guest is the local norm. For a full day that includes Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules, US$15–25 per guest is generous and well received.
How much do you tip a driver in Tangier?
For a one-off transfer from Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport or the Tangier Med ferry port, US$3–5 is enough. For a full day with a private driver to Asilah or Chefchaouen, US$10–15 per group is standard.
Do you tip in Tangier hotels and riads?
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 front-of-house manager who arranged taxis and dinners.
How much do you tip in Tangier cafés and restaurants?
Service is usually included on the bill. Round up or leave 5–10% on top for good service. In the old cafés around the Petit Socco, or at Café Hafa above the sea, leaving the coins is normal.
Should you tip in cash or by card?
Always cash, and ideally in Moroccan dirhams (MAD). Small euro notes are widely accepted in Tangier given the Spanish ferry traffic, but coins from outside the Eurozone cannot be exchanged.
Do you tip the porters at the ferry port?
At Tangier Med and the city port, the men who help with bags expect a small tip — US$1–2 per bag is fair. Agree on help before they take a suitcase, and you avoid the awkward scramble afterwards.
Planning a trip?
We'll handle the tipping etiquette for you.
Every Tangier 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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