tipping in Dubai

Restaurants and hotel bars include a service charge usually of between 10%-15% on their bills. However, oftentimes this cash goes straight into the company’s pocket rather than those serving you. Consequently, if you are particularly impressed with the service you have received, you will need to tip in ‘cash’ on top of this.

You can tip porters 5-10 Dirham’s or so, as you might do so for valet parkers. For maids or cleaners of rooms, it is best to leave at least 20 or 30 Dirham’s altogether in your bedroom at the end of your stay (if not daily). The concierge or hotel portiere too will never expect a tip, but you can of course reward them for good service.

In addition to the 10% service charge added to your bills, restaurants in Dubai also add an extra 6% tourism fee. Many venues claim these charges are divided between staff, you can sometimes assume your waitress or waiter won’t see any of it. Consequently, if you have received particularly attentive service, make sure to reward the worker.

Of course, these charges may put a bit of a sting on your bill. And, we don’t want to lay a guilt trip on you. Therefore, in the end the decision is completely under your discretion whether you want to by all means dig deep or not. So, if you can afford it and were incredibly pleased with the service, leave behind a 10% tip of the total bill. It might just help someone out!

Conversely, if there is no service charge included in the bill and the meal was good, you should tip more generously and leave behind a good tip.

Tipping in pubs and bars in Dubai is usually not expected and workers may not accept tips. However, oftentimes a good tip can get you speedier, prompt service with a huge smile for the next round. Again, it isn’t necessary to tip, but might be worthwhile to do so if you actually have table service.

In other circumstances, if you receive good service and the barman fills several big orders, you can offer them a drink. The barman or barmaid may pour themselves a drink on the spot and have a little chat with you or will probably put the money aside to have a drink later.

Taxi drivers too don’t ask passengers for a tip and neither do they assume they can keep your change (something common in the US). However, it is common for people to tip taxi drivers by rounding up to the nearest 5 Dirham’s. For other services, such as carrying bags to your room, or having your petrol pumped it is usual to tip between AED 10 to AED20.

Nevertheless, if your driver was driving recklessly or speeding, you can always choose to just pay your basic fare. The rule of thumb here is: if the driver gets you there without scaring you to death with his road maneuvers or has been friendly, it’s alright to leave behind a tip (but that too under your discretion).

Tour guides are perhaps the only industry in Scotland where individuals actually expect a tip. But the amount you are supposed to tip usually depends on the type of tour you are taking. For instance, if you are taking a small walking tour, it would be nice to leave a tip of around £5. Conversely, if you are taking a tour around the entire city of Scotland or ask your tour guide to show you or visit extra places, you may want to tip them 10% of the bill.