Yes, 20 Moroccan dirhams (about $2) is generally considered a good small tip in Morocco, especially for services like taxi drivers, hotel porters, café waiters, and tour helpers. However, tipping expectations vary depending on the service and the city.
Quick Answer – Is 20 Dirhams a Good Tip?
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick guide to tipping 20 MAD (Moroccan Dirhams) in Morocco:
- Yes, 20 MAD is a good tip for small services.
- Common for cafés, taxi drivers, and hotel staff.
- In restaurants, 5–10% of the bill is more typical.
- For guides or drivers, larger tips are expected.
It is helpful to know that Morocco has a strong tipping culture, but the amounts remain very affordable for most travelers.
When 20 Dirhams Is Considered a Good Tip
There are many everyday situations during your trip where a 20 dirham note is the perfect amount to show your appreciation.
Cafés and Small Restaurants
When you sit down for a mint tea or a quick snack, leaving 5–20 MAD is normal. If the bill is small, leaving 20 MAD is actually quite generous and will be very appreciated by the waiter.
Taxi Drivers
When taking a local “petit taxi,” it is standard practice to round up the fare. For a longer ride or if the driver was especially helpful, leaving a 10–20 MAD tip is a nice gesture.
Hotel Porters
When you arrive at your riad or hotel, porters will usually help you carry your bags to your room. For carrying luggage, it is typical to tip 10–20 MAD per bag.
Street Helpers
Sometimes, you might get lost in the old medinas. If locals help you with directions or do a small favor, a tip of 10 to 20 MAD is a polite way to say thank you.
When 20 Dirhams Is Too Small
While 20 dirhams is great for quick interactions, there are times when a larger tip is expected for the level of service provided.
Tour Guides
If you hire a guide to show you the city for the day, 20 dirhams is not enough. The typical tip for a tour guide is:
- 100–200 MAD per day ### Private Drivers If you book a driver to take you between cities or on a day trip, you should plan to tip more. A standard tip is:
- 50–100 MAD per day
Luxury Restaurants
In nicer restaurants or tourist spots, leaving just 20 dirhams on a large bill is too small. Instead, calculating 10% of the bill is much more appropriate.
Ultimately, 20 MAD may feel too low for full-day services or expensive meals.
Typical Tipping Amounts in Morocco
Here is a simple guide to help you know exactly how much to tip for different services:
| Service | Typical Tip |
|---|---|
| Café waiter | 5–20 MAD |
| Restaurant waiter | 5–10% of the bill |
| Taxi driver | Round up / 10–20 MAD |
| Hotel porter | 10–20 MAD |
| Tour guide | 100–200 MAD |
| Driver (full day) | 50–100 MAD |
Why Tipping Is Common in Morocco
Tipping is a big part of everyday life in Morocco. Many service workers rely heavily on tips to support their families, as standard salaries in the tourism and hospitality sectors can be quite modest.
According to the official Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), the country is famous for its warm hospitality. Tipping is simply a sign of appreciation and respect for that good service. It is expected, but it is not mandatory.
Should Tourists Always Tip in Morocco?
- Not legally required: You do not have to tip by law.
- Strongly appreciated: It makes a big difference to the workers.
- Small tips are perfectly acceptable: You don’t need to give huge amounts.
- Locals vs. Tourists: While Moroccan locals also tip, tourists are generally expected to be a bit more generous because of the difference in income.
Is 20 Dirhams a Good Tip Compared to Other Countries?
To put it in perspective, 20 Moroccan dirhams is equal to about $2 USD or €1.80 (you can check current rates via the Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco’s central bank).
In many Western countries, $2 might seem like a very small tip. However, in Morocco, the cost of living is different. This amount is considered perfectly reasonable and respectful for quick services. Morocco generally has lower tipping expectations than Europe or the US.
Common Tipping Mistakes Tourists Make
To ensure you handle money politely during your trip, try to avoid these common mistakes:
- Tipping too little for guides: Remember that full-day guides deserve more than a quick café tip.
- Forgetting hotel staff: Housekeeping staff and breakfast waiters also appreciate a small tip at the end of your stay.
- Over-tipping for small services: Giving 100 MAD to someone who just pointed you down the street can create unrealistic expectations.
- Not carrying small cash: When reading tourist information for Marrakech or other cities, you will see that having small change is essential.
Tip: Always suggest carrying coins and small notes (10–20 MAD) so you are ready to tip when needed.
Final Verdict – Is 20 Dirhams a Good Tip in Morocco?
Yes, 20 dirhams is a good tip for small services like cafés, taxis, or hotel staff. However, for longer services such as tour guides or private drivers, a higher tip is usually expected. Keep a few 20 dirham notes in your pocket, and you will be perfectly prepared for your daily adventures in Morocco!
