In many countries, especially our own, tipping is customary and expected for a wide range of services, from the wait staff at restaurants to baristas, valets, cab drivers, and more. Tipping in Algeria is less expected compared to many Western countries, but it is still appreciated as a sign of good service. As a traveler, it can sometimes be challenging to know when and how much to tip. This guide will aim to provide an overview of tipping etiquette in Algeria, covering common scenarios you might encounter in restaurants, cafes, hotels, taxis, and more.

The official currency in Algeria is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). While some establishments, particularly larger hotels, may accept U.S. dollars or Euros, it is highly recommended to use the local currency to avoid any confusion or inconvenience. Currency exchange facilities are readily available at the airport, hotels, and numerous locations throughout Algiers and in other major towns and cities.

Tipping in restaurants, cafes, and bars is not compulsory in Algeria, but it is appreciated for good service. It's common to leave a small tip of around 10% of the bill if you're happy with the service. For small local eateries, tipping is not expected.

Tipping hotel staff is common for good service. For bellboys, a tip of around 100-200 DZD per bag is appreciated. Housekeeping staff also appreciate a small tip of around 100 DZD per day, left at the end of your stay. If the concierge provides special services like securing a restaurant reservation or organizing tours, a tip around 500 DZD would be suitable.

Tipping taxi drivers is not common practice in Algeria, but if the driver assists with your luggage or provides exceptional service, a tip of about 10% of the fare or rounding up the fare is appreciated.

Tipping tour guides is not mandatory, but it's a nice gesture if you're satisfied with the service. An appropriate tip would be around 500-1000 DZD per day for the guide and half of that for the driver.

Spa services in Algeria may add a service charge to the bill. If not, and if the service is excellent, a tip of around 10-15% of the bill is considered generous.

While tipping is appreciated in Algeria, it's not a requirement. If you're not satisfied with the service, it's acceptable not to tip. Should you encounter any issues with the service at your hotel, it's recommended to discuss it with the management.

When paying cash for services, be sure to request a receipt. This will help resolve any potential disputes with the establishment's management and confirm that you've paid for the service. If you're tipping on a credit card, be aware that the intended recipient might not always receive it.