Tipping in Tunisia – What is customary?

Tunisia, known for its fascinating history, picturesque beaches, and vibrant culture, attracts many vacationers each year. However, as in many other countries, the question of tipping arises during a holiday. Should one tip in Tunisia, and if so, how much? What are the specifics regarding tipping, especially in restaurants, hotels, and during tours?

In Tunisia, tipping is a very common and appreciated practice. It plays an important role, especially for the service staff in the tourism sector. Although it is not mandated by law, it is often seen as a sign of recognition and appreciation for good service. Here, we explain what to consider during your holiday in Tunisia regarding tipping and how much you should leave in various situations.

Tipping in Tunisia – A voluntary but appreciated contribution

In Tunisia, tipping is not always expected, but it is a common practice, especially in tourist areas. It is mainly viewed as a voluntary gesture for good service. Many service staff working in the tourism sector rely on tips as an additional source of income, which is why tipping is particularly valued there.

Generally, it is customary to tip in Tunisia, especially in larger cities such as Tunis, Sousse, and Hammamet, which are popular destinations for tourists. In smaller towns and more rural areas, it is less common, but it's still a nice gesture if you were satisfied with the service.

When tipping is expected in Tunisia

Tipping is mainly expected in restaurants, hotels, tours, and taxis. In most tourist facilities, a service charge is often included in the bill, but it is still common to give additional tips, especially if you were particularly satisfied with the service. In general, tipping is a question of politeness and recognition for good performance.

In tourist hotspots, especially in hotels and organized tours, tips often serve as an additional income for the staff. Therefore, it is greatly appreciated when you leave a small token of recognition for especially good service.

Tipping in restaurants and cafés in Tunisia

Tipping is widespread in restaurants and cafés in Tunisia. When dining in a restaurant and the service is good, it is expected that you give a tip. The usual amount for a tip is around 10 percent of the bill. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, but even in that case, it is customary to leave a small tip as an additional thank you, especially if the service met your expectations.

In smaller restaurants or traditional eateries, rounding up the bill or leaving a tip of around 2 to 5 dinars may suffice, depending on how satisfied you were with the service. In upscale restaurants or with especially good service, a tip of 5 to 10 dinars is often seen as appropriate.

One important point: If you visit an all-inclusive hotel or resort where drinks and meals are included in the price, tips are often not expected, but it can still be appreciated if you leave a small tip for the staff.

Tipping for tours and excursions

If you participate in a guided tour or an excursion during your holiday in Tunisia, tipping is also expected here. It is common practice to give the tour guide or driver a small tip to appreciate their efforts and good service. Generally, the tip for a tour guide is about 5 to 10 dinars per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.

For longer or privately organized tours, you can also consider a higher tip. In this case, the tip can amount to up to 20 dinars if you were especially satisfied with the tour and found the guide to be very informative and helpful.

If you are participating in a group tour, it is quite common for the tip to be shared among the participants. This way, everyone can contribute and express appreciation for the good service.

Tipping in hotels – How much should you give?

Tipping in hotels is also expected, especially if you are staying longer or the service was particularly good. Housekeeping staff usually appreciate a tip of about 2 to 5 dinars per night, especially if you spend several nights in the hotel. If you leave the hotel room in particularly tidy condition or if you request additional services like laundry or room service, you can give a higher tip of 10 to 20 dinars.

The reception staff or concierge team do not expect tips either, but if they assisted you with special requests like reservations or excursions, a small tip of about 5 to 10 dinars is greatly appreciated.

For the bellhop or staff who helped you with your luggage, a tip of about 2 to 5 dinars is also appropriate, especially if they provided particularly good service.

Tipping for taxis and ride services in Tunisia

For taxis and ride services in Tunisia, tipping is also customary. When taking a taxi, you can round up the fare or give a tip of about 2 to 5 dinars, depending on the length of the ride and the quality of service. For longer rides or if the driver helped you especially well, you can give more as a tip.

For private ride services or drivers who take you over longer distances, a tip of 5 to 10 dinars is a good sign of appreciation. Again, if the service was particularly friendly and helpful, feel free to give a larger tip.

Tipping in Tunisia – Is it always necessary?

In Tunisia, tipping is usually a voluntary gesture, but it is considered very appreciated, especially in tourist areas. There are no strict regulations dictating how much you must tip, but if you were satisfied with the service, it is always a nice gesture to leave something. Especially in hotels, restaurants, tours, and taxis, tipping is often seen as a valuable additional source of income for the staff.

If you are unhappy with the service, it is perfectly acceptable not to tip. In most cases, however, it is expected that you at least give a small tip, particularly if the service was good.

Conclusion – Tipping during your holiday in Tunisia

During your holiday in Tunisia, you will find that tipping is a widespread and appreciated practice, especially in tourist areas. In restaurants, hotels, during tours, and in taxis, it is customary to tip, particularly if you were satisfied with the service. The amount of the tip varies depending on the quality of service and type of service, but generally, it ranges from 5 to 10 percent of the bill or small amounts like 2 to 5 dinars for hotel or taxi service.

Tipping is not mandatory in Tunisia, but it is a nice way to show your gratitude and thank the service staff for their good work. So, if you have a pleasant holiday in Tunisia and are satisfied with the service, your tip will always be warmly received.