Around 10% is a useful restaurant guideline when service is not included; cafés and bars can call for a round-up. Safari and trekking gratuities need their own operator guidance.
About 10%Dining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
Tanzania tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsAbout 10%
Around 10% is a useful restaurant guideline when service is not included; cafés and bars can call for a round-up. Safari and trekking gratuities need their own operator guidance.
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.
Bars & cafésAdvice & exceptionsRound up
Small change or rounding the bill is common for bar service.
Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptionsUS$1–2 / day equivalent
Original Travel’s small hotel-staff guideline, distinct from safari-guide tips.
When & how: Use the staff box if the property pools gratuities.
HousekeepingAdvice & exceptionsUS$1–2 / day equivalent
A small daily hotel-staff thank-you. Avoid paying both a shared pool and a duplicate individual tip.
When & how: Use the property’s staff collection where provided.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsUS$10 / person / day
Suggested safari ranger/tracker gratuity. This is not a Kilimanjaro trekking-crew budget.
When & how: Offer at the end of the safari.
Cash or card: Tanzanian shillings or US dollars.
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.
The operator accepts either currency for these gratuities. Keep the safari guide’s tip distinct from hotel staff tips.
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.