Do You Tip in Tunisia?
- Aya Omrani
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Tipping in Tunisia follows the rhythm of respect, not obligation.
People don’t frame it as “mandatory,” but as a quiet gesture of acknowledgment.
From cafés and taxis to hotels and workshops, a small tip expresses respect more than obligation. When Tunisians say “Barak Allah fik” (“may God bless you”), it carries the idea that work has dignity, and that fairness includes appreciation.
Quick Guide:
How Tipping Works in Tunisia
Tipping in Tunisia is part of everyday respect. You’ll rarely see fixed amounts or printed expectations. Instead, it follows balance: guest and host, effort and acknowledgment. Small gestures are valued over large displays. A few dinars can mean you’ve noticed someone’s work, and that you care to recognize it.
Tipping in Cafés and Restaurants
In cafés, locals usually leave a few coins, around 1–2 dinars.
In mid-range restaurants, rounding up the bill or adding about 10 percent is considered generous.
In higher-end or tourist venues, where service isn’t included, 10–15 percent is appropriate.
Tipping keeps the rhythm steady. Gratitude flowing both ways.
Taxi Drivers and Private Guides
Taxis in Tunisia use meters. Locals often round up to the next dinar (for example, 3.7 → 4). For longer rides, a few extra dinars are appreciated, especially if the driver helps with luggage or waits. It’s not expected, but remembered.
Private drivers or guides for day trips usually receive 10–20 dinars, depending on time and service. It’s a gesture of gratitude, not obligation.
Hotels and Guesthouses
Tipping in hotels is done quietly:
Porters: 2–5 dinars per bag
Housekeeping: 3–5 dinars per day
Concierge or special help: 10–20 dinars
In small guesthouses or riads, leaving an envelope at the end of your stay is thoughtful. It goes directly to the staff and reinforces fairness; service met with dignity.
Artisans, Shops, and Local Services
In workshops or craft shops, tipping isn’t expected. Fair payment is already the first form of respect.
If an artisan customizes something or spends time showing their process, rounding up or adding a few dinars shows appreciation for their care.
In Tunisia, fairness begins with paying the right price, not bargaining down and compensating later.
When Not to Tip
Avoid tipping in government offices, hospitals, or official institutions, including the police.
Tunisia separates public service from gratuities. While exceptions exist, a polite attitude is always enough.
The Spirit Behind It
Tipping in Tunisia reflects adab (manners tied to dignity), a concept described by UNESCO as part of the moral and social balance within Arab-Muslim civilization.
Source: UNESCO Digital Library, 2010.
A few coins on a tray or a folded note by the bedside carries weight. The gesture holds meaning far beyond its amount. It keeps the rhythm of respect alive.
Continue the Rhythm
Continue exploring how Tunisia’s social rhythm works in The Rhythm of Life or learn about balance and fairness in A Fair System.
FAQ
Do Tunisians expect tips?
No. Tipping is appreciated but never demanded. It’s part of everyday courtesy, not a rule.
Should I tip in euros or dinars?
Always in Tunisian dinars. Foreign coins can’t be exchanged easily.
Is service included in restaurants?
Not usually. In most cafés and restaurants, service isn’t included in the bill. Adding around 10 percent is a kind and respectful norm.
Do taxi drivers expect tips?
Not necessarily. Rounding up the fare is enough and always appreciated.
How much do you tip tour guides?
For full-day tours, 10–20 dinars per person is fair depending on service quality.
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