Tipping is discretionary. Rounding up a restaurant bill is appropriate; a larger tip is your choice. Gorilla-tracking and other guided trips need operator-specific guidance, not a restaurant percentage.
Round upDining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
Rwanda tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsRound up
Tipping is discretionary. Rounding up a restaurant bill is appropriate; a larger tip is your choice. Gorilla-tracking and other guided trips need operator-specific guidance, not a restaurant percentage.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptions£1 equivalent per bag
Optional operator benchmark for luggage help.
When & how: Offer after delivery, in a currency the recipient accepts.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptions£6–10 equivalent / person / day
Operator suggestion, twice its driver budget. Gorilla trekking has separate staff arrangements.
Tour driversAdvice & exceptions£3–5 equivalent / person / day
Original Travel’s optional tour-driver budget.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
