Tipping Guides

I think there is an old thread on tipping but I can't locate it. I will keep looking.

I'm not commenting specifically on Marrakech or Fez but I don't think you should get around tipping. It is how many people earn their livelihood. If you cannot afford the tip I personally feel you should not take their service. That is unfair to them.

Good service = good tip.

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We are off to Fes and Marrakesh tomorrow so will try and let you know about our experiences on tipping! Reply to this

We are in Marrakesh now and so far on this trip we are not tipping anyone!! We are on an organised coach trip going from Tangiers, to fes, marrakesh, casablanca and rabat and so far no-one on the coach has tipped anyone! Hope this is of some help!! Reply to this

Advice for guides, or how to get around them, in Marrakech.

When I was in Marrakech my friends seemed to be approached more often than I, something I attribute to being firm in my 'no thank you's (or 'la shukran's) and a somewhat steely gaze. I also believe telling the guides that you have been to the area before will help your cause.

Hope this helps a bit. Reply to this

I read this in tripadvisor hope it helps

The real question for many visitors is "what do I tip someone who has guided me to a place in the medina?" This happens all the time as the medinas can be confusing and the minute you stop to consult a map or look vaguely lost, someone will appear at your elbow to help you fnd the way. Many times, the de facto guide will be a child. If this is the case, 5-10 dirhams is perfectly acceptable if the child leads you to your destination. For an adult, 10-20 is appropriate depending on the distance covered. If the "guide" stays with you (at your request) for more than just a few minutes or takes you to multiple sites, then any where from 30- 50 dirhams would be a good tip. Keep in mind that an official guide for the medinas charge about 120-150 dirhams for a half-day tour (but of course, they will make a commission off anything you buy, so they have another source of income).

Occasionally, an unofficial "guide" will latch onto you even if you know where you're headed and then try to demand payment for his services. Obviously, you are under no obligation to pay anything. Several times I've had guides follow me through the medina trying to take me to the tanneries or wherever else, and despite my assurances in Arabic that I live here and know where I'm going, they will tag along behind me and then demand 20 dirhams for "helping" me arrive at my destination.
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