Tips in the Middle East and Africa

In Eastern culture, tips, or as they are called here, baksheesh, are universally accepted. It’s a form of gratitude for services rendered.

Israel

In Israeli restaurants, tips are included in the bill, and if not, the receipt will state that the service charge is not included. In this case, it’s worth leaving 10–12% of the order value. If you take a taxi from the airport, be prepared to pay about a dollar per piece for luggage. In all other situations, the taxi fare is rounded up to the nearest whole number.

UAE

The service charge in hotels and restaurants in the UAE is 10%. In principle, leaving anything extra is not required, but an additional dollar will be appreciated. In taxis, as elsewhere, the amount is rounded to five or zero.

Concierges receive the most generous tips; depending on the service provided, tips can range from $20–30.

Jordan

Tips in Jordan are already included in the bill, or rather, it’s a service charge. But if you liked the service, leave an additional 5–10%. It’s also customary to give small amounts to porters and maids.

As in the UAE, concierges expect the largest tips, but here it’s better to thank them in advance, before the service is rendered.

Egypt

Salaries in Egypt are low, and tips are highly encouraged. In restaurants, tips are often included in the bill, but an additional 5–10% is welcome. Dollars and euros are much more appreciated than local currency.

In hotels, it’s customary to give $1 to the porter and maid per day for cleaning. This doesn’t guarantee, but it increases your chances of having the room cleaned thoroughly. Concierges are tipped $10–15 for their services, and taxi drivers expect an additional 10–15%.

If you want a better room, put a small baksheesh in your passport when checking into the hotel. Some hotels offer room upgrades to a higher level, but baksheesh will be cheaper. However, don’t expect to get a luxurious room for $10; the amount depends on the hotel’s star rating.

Morocco

In many restaurants, the service charge is also included in the bill; if not, leave an additional 5–10% as a tip. In Morocco, it’s customary to give tips directly to the person who served you. Leaving money on the table is considered bad manners.

The same applies to maids; if you leave money on the table or bed, they are more likely not to take it. You will have to wait for the maid and hand the tip to her personally. In many hotels, this rule is stated in the regulations to avoid misunderstandings and problems with guests.

South Africa

In South Africa, tips are welcome and average 10–15% of the bill. Porters are thanked with $1 per bag. The same amount is given to maids for each day. Yes, here, as in Morocco, maids are tipped personally.

Lebanon

Tips in Lebanon are common, and if you received a service, you should leave a tip. In restaurants, it’s 10% of the bill. If you want a good table, give a small baksheesh to the maître d’ in advance (its size will depend on the restaurant’s status). In hotels, tips for maids and porters are $1–2.

If you buy something at a grocery store, the boys who pack your groceries into a bag should also be given a small tip. In short, wherever you received help or a service, you should leave a small amount.

In restaurants, tips are 10% of the bill. In a good restaurant, especially if you come with a group, you can discreetly give the maître d’ $25 in advance — then you will get the best table and special attention from the staff.

Tips in Qatar

Service fees (service charge) are often included in the bill and range from 10–18%, but they are not always distributed as bonuses to the service staff. It’s better to leave an additional 10–15% of the bill, even if the service charge is included. Porters and cleaners are given $2 as a tip.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the fact of tipping itself is important; the amount is not as crucial. Generally, the standard rule applies: an additional 10% in restaurants and $1–2 in hotels for maids and porters. If you order delivery of anything — food, laundry, etc. — the courier should also be given a couple of riyals as a tip.

In many restaurants, tips are already included in the bill, so nothing extra is required. However, if you were very pleased with the service, you can still show gratitude with a standard tip amount.