In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette that is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. The question `when?` or `how much?` can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies.

This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

When it comes to tipping in Kenya practices are similar to those in Europe and North America, a tip of 10-15% is standard when leaving in tip in restaurants, hotels, etc. Tipping is based on the quality of service you receive, and it's best to tip in Kenyan shillings. Tips in Kenya are discretionary and are supposed to be supplementary income, not the main source of income. There is a relatively established tipping culture in the safari industry in Kenya, which is one of the biggest attractions when visiting the country. The service in Kenya is typically excellent, locals and staff are accommodating and friendly, and prices are extremely cheap in comparison to Western countries.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyah Shilling (KES), the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the Shilling, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in major cities, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

Tipping in restaurants and bars in Kenya is not standard, but is always appreciated, especially if you receive good service. Tipping in restaurants isn’t customary everywhere in the country, but in popular cities like Nairobi and Diani Beach on the coast, tipping is becoming well-established. 10-15% of your total bill is appropriate.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Tipping at hotels in Kenya is expected, it's customary to leave hotel porters, maids, and concierge a tip for their services. Hotel porters expect a tip equivalent to around US$1-2 per item of luggage (around 110 Kenyan shillings), and maids should be tipped between 10-15% per night for cleaning your room, tipping is always based on the level of service received. You can also tip at the end of your stay for hotel cleaning staff when you check out, most hotels have a gratuities box at the reception desk, where you can leave a single tip for all the staff. Roughly Ksh1,000 to Ksh2,000 ($10-$20) per room, per day is satisfactory.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Tipping your taxi driver in Nigeria is a nice gesture, simply rounding up the change or tipping a few francs is acceptable, and also determined by the lever of service you received. If your driver went above and beyond, helped with luggage, or gave you a guide of the city then tipping between 7-15% is standard. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

Kenya is popular for safari tours and many other organized tours, it is customary to tip the guide/driver/cook at the end of these tours. Tipping around 2,000 Kenyan shillings (US$20) per room (tent) is standard practice, if you are a solo traveler around 1,000 Kenyan shilling per day is acceptable.

Safari workers rely on tips to meet basic needs for their families, so your tip will go a long way. If staying in a safari lodge half of the tip should go to your driver/guide and half to the back of the house staff at the camp or lodge where you staying. There may be a tip box located at the reception or sometimes an envelope that you give to the manager. However, drivers and guides are not included in this shared tip box, so they should be tipped separately, generally at the end of your safari tour. Final Thoughts:

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Romania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.