Bakshish -- what to tip, for what, by how much
Tipping in Morocco is not optional in the way it is in Japan. It is the dominant income for hammam masseurs, riad cleaners, parking attendants, and fuel pumpers. The total bakshish on a 7-day trip is typically 1,500-3,000 MAD -- a non-trivial share of the budget.
The tool
What this solves
Tipping is a meaningful share of Morocco trip cost and also a meaningful share of income for many of the people you encounter. The bakshish totals on a 7-day mid-range trip run 1,500-2,500 MAD -- a number most guidebooks don't print. This tool lets you tick the services you actually use and totals the realistic bakshish, not the bottom-of-the-page sum.
How to read the result
Each service shows a band -- the lower end for a single tip, the upper for a premium experience.
Per-night riad cleaning is the most forgotten line. 10-20 MAD per night over 7 nights is 70-140 MAD.
Multipliers: budget tier (hostels, street food) reduces 30%, premium tier (luxury riads, fine dining) adds 50%.
Limitations
Tipping norms vary by region (Marrakech medina tends to expect higher tips than Fes; Chefchaouen is lower). The totals assume mid-range service use. The tool does not include tipping for one-off experiences (e.g. balloon flight, cooking class) which should be 50-100 MAD each if the experience was good.
FAQ
Should I tip in MAD or in foreign currency?
MAD. Foreign currency tips often can't be exchanged by the receiver at a fair rate. Keep small denominations -- 5, 10, 20 MAD notes are the working currency of bakshish.
Is it rude not to tip the riad cleaner?
No, but they are paid very little and depend on tips. 10-20 MAD per night is the norm.
Do you tip the restaurant if service is included?
Service compris in French-Morocco means the tip is already in. No additional. Don't double-tip.
Sources
- Marrakech medina riad tipping survey 2024-2025
- Lonely Planet Morocco (12th ed.) tipping chapter
- Fes medina hammam tipping norm 2024