Tipping in Morocco — locals call it 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. Here is what we tell our guests in Essaouira, with real amounts.
Private guides
A licensed Essaouira guide knows the ramparts, port and souks intimately. For a half-day medina walk, US$10–20 per group is the local norm, handed at the end in a folded note; for a full day, US$15–25. 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 or Marrakech 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 along the coast, plan US$10–15 per day from the group as a whole, handed at drop-off.
Riad & hotel staff
- Medina porters (gate to riad): 20–30 dirhams depending on the load.
- Housekeeping: US$2–3 per night, left in the room.
- Host / front of house: US$5–10 at the end of the stay if they arranged taxis, dinners and recommendations.
- Breakfast staff: round up or leave 10 dirhams.
The port grills, restaurants & cafés
At the port fish stalls, rounding up is normal. In sit-down restaurants a service charge is sometimes added — if so, leaving the small change is fine. Where it is not included, around 10% is generous. In casual cafés, rounding up to the nearest few dirhams is standard.
Surf instructors & hammam staff
After a surf or windsurf lesson, 20–50 dirhams to the instructor is appreciated. At a hammam, 20–30 dirhams to the attendant who scrubs you down. For a horse or camel ride along the beach, 20–40 dirhams to the handler.
Artisans & cooking class hosts
For a half-day cooking class with a host, US$10 per guest. For artisan workshop hosts (thuya carving, argan cooperatives), US$5–10 per guest on top of the booking fee where you have taken up their time.
Cash, currency & etiquette
- Always tip in cash. Card tips do not reach the staff.
- Moroccan dirhams (MAD) are best. Small euro notes are sometimes accepted; coins from outside the country cannot be exchanged.
- Hand notes folded or discreetly. Don't count loudly in front of people.
- If service was poor, it's acceptable to leave nothing — staff understand this.
- Don't tip in every interaction. Tipping unsolicited helpers around the port and souks encourages persistent following.
A quick at-a-glance table
| Service | Suggested tip |
|---|---|
| Half-day medina guide | US$10–20 / group |
| Multi-day private driver-guide | US$10–20 / guest / day |
| Airport / Marrakech transfer driver | US$3–5 |
| Riad housekeeping | US$2–3 / night |
| Riad host (end of stay) | US$5–10 |
| Restaurants | 10% (if not already added) |
| Surf / windsurf instructor | 20–50 dirhams |
| Hammam attendant | 20–30 dirhams |
| Medina porter (gate to riad) | 20–30 dirhams |
Frequently asked
How much do you tip a private guide in Essaouira?
For a half-day medina and ramparts guide, US$10–20 per group is the local norm; for a full day, US$15–25. 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 or Marrakech 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 riads and hotels in Essaouira?
Yes — small amounts go a long way. US$1–2 per bag for the porter who carts your luggage from the medina gate, US$2–3 per night for housekeeping, and a US$5–10 thank-you at the end of the stay for the host who arranged things.
How much do you tip at the port grills and restaurants?
At the port fish stalls, rounding up is normal. In sit-down restaurants a service charge is sometimes added; if so, leaving the small change is fine. Where it is not included, around 10% is generous. In cafés, rounding up to the nearest few dirhams is standard.
Should you tip in cash or by card?
Always cash, and ideally in Moroccan dirhams (MAD). Small euro notes are sometimes accepted but harder for staff to change. Avoid coins from outside the country — they cannot be exchanged.
Do you tip surf instructors, hammam staff and the port porters?
Yes. For a surf or windsurf lesson, 20–50 dirhams to the instructor is appreciated. At a hammam, 20–30 dirhams to the attendant. The medina porters who wheel luggage from the gate to your riad expect 20–30 dirhams depending on the load.
Planning a trip?
We'll handle the tipping etiquette for you.
Every Essaouira 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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