Tipping etiquette in Africa
When do you tip and how much, when travelling in Africa? Here is a concise guide to tipping etiquette.
Tipping etiquette in Africa
Posted by Cherene Pienaar on 30 Dec 2011, 12:12
Categories: Travel News
We all know that budgeting for a trip can be a tricky business. Many travellers make the mistake of thinking that their financial issues are sorted once air tickets, accommodation and tours are paid for.
I can almost hear that deep sigh as you reach for your wallet yet again for that sneakily hidden payment you haven't planned for.
Tipping is one of those unexpected things that the traveller forgets about when going on a trip. The truth is, it is hard to tell when to tip and when not to tip in the African continent. Although tips are by no means required when in Africa, it is etiquette to tip when you receive superior service.
While doing some research on the amount to be tipped for each service, I stumbled upon a few tipping etiquette rules in Africa you need to know:
1. Tipping the guides of the game lodge, camp or safari
Between US$5 - $10 per person per day is recommended when you have a guide when going on a safari or staying at a camp. It is also acceptable to tip half the recommended amount for a half day safari or tour.
2. Safari camp and lodge staff as a whole
If you think the overall service is great, an amount of US$3 - $5 per person per day is the general amount for safari camps and lodges to be paid. To avoid confusion, this should be placed in the communal staff tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff, such as the porters, waiters, room cleaners and other service personnel working behind the scenes.
3. Tipping etiquette when using a taxi
Public transport such as a shuttle service is common when staying over at a lodge or hotel. Although this isn’t compulsory, each person can tip the driver US$1.
4. Tipping etiquette for hotel Staff
About US$1 - $2 per person per day should be paid for hotel staff such as the housekeeping personnel.
5. Porterage at hotels or airports
Your porter is the person who will assist you in carrying your bags when going on a guided tour or hike. We recommend about US$1 - $2 per porter movement.
6. Restaurants
It is important to note that the service fee isn’t included on meal bills in Africa. 10% is customary on bills if you are satisfied with the service. It isn’t strange for a waiter to be paid up to 20%, but the customer should use his or her own discretion.
Above: Tipping waiters an amount of 10% of the total bill is compulsory. Photo by: ghstil
7. Tipping etiquette for hiking guides
Guide: $15 - $20 per day per person.
Cook: $7 - $9 per day per person.
Take one of the awesome tours in Africa and don't forget that change comes in handy when visiting Africa.
Sources:
http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/africa/guide/tipping.asp
http://networkedblogs.com/rpUeJ
