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tipping in South Africa

South Africa is a country where you can visit any type of terrain you wish, from beautiful sandy beaches to mountainous regions. There’s more to the country than the famous Cape Town. Hiking is quite common in the peaks and valleys of Drakensburg, Kruger National Park is a perfect place to take a safari and whale watching can be engaged in on the Southern Coast.

It is important to tip a small amount in South Africa. It shows your appreciation, though it does not have to be a significant amount.

tipping etiquette for restaurants in South Africa

in South Africa Tip 10-15% in Resteraunts

It is customary to tip good service in South Africa. An acceptable amount is 10-15%. If you have six or more in your party, restaurants will generally add a gratuity to your bill. You do not have to tip if you see a service charge added to your check; however most wait staff depend on tips to make up for the lower wages they receive.

tipping in hotels in South Africa

in Hotels Tip 10-15 Rand at Hotels

If you want to be sure that your housekeeper gets your tip money, leave your 10-15 Rand per night in the room or give it to them directly. If your gratuity is requested with your bill, know that the appropriate person may never see that money. Porters should be paid 10 Rand per bag, or the equivalent of $1 each.

should you tip your tour guide?

in South Africa Tip 10% or 100 Rand to tour guides

In South Africa it is good etiquette to tip 100 Rand per person per day or 10% to private drivers

Many private tour guides in South Africa are also the vehicle driver. In this case you can get by with tipping them 100 Rand per person per day. If you have a separate driver, make sure to tip them 10% of the total tour

tips at spas in South Africa

in South Africa Dont Tip at Spas

Tipping is not usually done in South African spas, but if you are staying in a luxury hotel and using their spa, check with the front desk staff to find out if tipping is allowed.

should you tip your taxi driver?

in South Africa Tip 10% to Taxi Drivers

When hiring a taxi in South Africa a gratuity is not usually included in your bill. As such it is good etiquette to add to tip 10% of the fare to the driver.

should you tip your hairdresser

in Souht Africa Tip 10-15% at a Salon

If you choose to treat yourself to a trip to a salon in South Africa, make sure to tip between 10-15% of your bill for your stylist. If a separate person washed your hair, it is expected you will add a small tip for them as well. 5 or 10 Rand is more than enough.