Rabat - Many tourists are under the assumption that it's not necessary to tip in Morocco. Unfortunately, it is quite common for Westerners to leave no gratuity for the service men and women who have assisted them.
While tipping in Morocco is not exactly mandatory, leaving gratuity for a cab driver or service worker demonstrates respect and generosity for the service that was offered. Think of it as a tangible, "Thank you." To not say thank you would be rude, particularly if a service worker worked hard to assist you.
Unskilled workers make approximately 5 dirhams per hour without the benefits of social security. Gratuity helps men and women who work in service-related fields supplement their income. At the end of the day, a few extra dirhams earned from tips can truly make a difference for someone who is working to support a family.
As a general guideline, if you're enjoying a drink at a cafe, it's polite to leave 1 or 2 dirhams per customer, particularly in touristic restaurants. While the practice is not compulsory, leaving gratuity does show respect.
If you are accepting a service, it's respectful to demonstrate gratitude. In Morocco, sometimes this gratitude takes the form of a simple thank you; other times, this takes the form of gratuity. While there are no hard and fast rules about tipping, a few dirhams will generally suffice.
So, if you are a tourist, the next time you enjoy coffee at a cafe, be sure to say thank you.
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