Tipping in Tunisia: The Complete Guide
Quick Answer
Tip around 10% at Tunisian restaurants. Cash in Tunisian dinar is expected; tipping guides and drivers is especially important.
Tunisia has a tipping culture particularly important in tourism and hospitality sectors. While wages in service industries are modest, Tunisians are warm hosts and tips are received with genuine appreciation. Guides, drivers, and restaurant staff all expect to be tipped.
The Tunisian dinar (TND) is a relatively stable currency. Keep small dinar notes (1 TND and 5 TND) handy for tips across restaurants, medina tours, and transportation.
Restaurants: 10%
Leave 10% at sit-down restaurants and tourist-oriented dining. At local restaurants (gargotes) where locals eat, rounding up by TND 1–2 is sufficient.
Rooftop restaurants with views of the Tunis medina or Sidi Bou Saïd cliffside spots typically expect 10–15%.
Hotels
Tip hotel porters TND 2–3 per bag. Leave TND 2–5 per night for housekeeping.
At resort hotels on Djerba or in Hammamet, all-inclusive packages may include gratuities — check with the front desk.
Medina Guides & Tour Drivers
A medina guide for a half-day tour deserves TND 15–30 per person. Full-day private guides merit TND 30–50.
Drivers for day trips to Sidi Bou Saïd, Carthage, or desert excursions to Douz: TND 10–20 on top of the agreed fare.
Taxis
Tunis taxis use meters. Round up TND 1–2 for city rides. For longer journeys, negotiate first and tip 10%.
Airport-to-city taxis are often fixed price — negotiate before departure.
2026 World Cup Tips
Tunisia has been a consistent African World Cup qualifier. Fans heading to North America in 2026 will encounter significantly higher tipping expectations — 18–20% at US and Canadian restaurants.
In North America, tips are added via card terminal before the transaction completes. Don't skip this step.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Always tip guides and drivers — they depend on it significantly
- Carry TND 1 and 5 notes for easy tipping
- Tip in Tunisian dinar — local currency is always preferred
Don't
- Don't tip in euros unless the worker requests it
- Don't shortchange medina guides — negotiated tour prices are often set low expecting tips
- Don't skip tipping at all-inclusive resorts — individual staff tips are still valued
Practical Tips
- TND 1 ≈ $0.32 USD. Dinar is not freely convertible — exchange money at official bureaux.
- It is illegal to take dinar out of Tunisia. Spend remaining dinars before departure.
- Carry coins for hammam tips and small market purchases.
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