Tanzania Tipping guide
Tipping is a common practice especially in the tourism and service industries.
While it is not mandatory to tip , it is a very important gesture to show appreciation for the excellent service provided by the staff thus improving the travel experience .
When you tip it helps to enhance the livelihoods of the people who work in the tourism and service sectors .
While in Tanzania understanding the tipping etiquette is essential just like packing the right gear .
First of all Tanzania’s official currency is the Tanzanian shillings therefore it is advisable to tip in the official currency to reduce the burden of money exchange to the local . However US dollars is also acceptable in Tanzania therefore if a tourist wants to tip in dollars it’s also acceptable although smaller bills work better like $1, $5 , $10.
In many establishments like restaurants and bars a tip is usually expected . A tourist can tip around 10% of the bill whereas in smaller eateries they can tip around 3% or 5% of the bill depending on the level of service offered . Peoppe normally tipped are the waiters and waitresses to appreciate their extraordinary service .
The tipping custom extends more into the accommodations like hotels and lodges . Many lodges usually have a communal tip box at the reception which encourages visitors to show gratitude to the staff . This money is later distributed to all staff to assist in improving their lives . People tipped include ; the housekeeping staff , porters amimg others to appreciate their personalized assistance . They are usually tipped around 2000 -5000 Tanzanian shillings for housekeeping staff and 1000-2000 Tanzanian shillings for porters .
Tipping even extends more to safari guides and drives because of their extensive knowledge and ability to navigate remote areas . It is usually good to tip these people more compared to hotel and restaurant staff because of their hreat work . They are usually tipped around 10% of the safari cost.
It it’s important to note that tipping is an optional bonus offered at the discretion of the guest unlike in other countries where it may be treated as a fixed component.
Also , for multi day safaris it is advisable to tip at the end of the safari rather than daily .
By and large , tipping is a way to appreciate good service and support local workers who depend on gratuities .
