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.

Tipping in Rwanda is not mandatory or customary, but may be anticipated in some higher-end restaurants. The culture of tipping doesn't exist in Rwanda. However, tipping for activities such as gorilla trekking is not compulsory but will be greatly appreciated by your guides as salaries in Rwanda are very low. Any tips left are given at your discretion and usually depend upon the quality of service provided. Exemplary service deserves to be appreciated, at the same time travelers should be aware of the potential impacts that tipping can have on the local community.

Tips that are received can make a substantial difference to the salary of the staff involved, including trackers, guides, and porters, along with wait staff, and general help in larger hotels. There is a thin line between tipping too much and tipping the right amount, although it may not seem to have a noticeable impact it can affect the balance of the local economy.

The jobs of the rangers and guides in the parks are very important roles that require extensive training and a lot of knowledge of the animals and the area. These positions require a high level of education, and these team members are very competent, compensation for these positions is reasonable, but still not at the higher end of the scale.

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

Tipping in restaurants, cafes, and bars is appreciated and can be left in US dollars or Rwanda Francs. US$5 or RWF1000-3000 is a very decent tip, a good value. A tip between 5-10% is acceptable and will be very much appreciated by the staff.

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

Tipping in restaurants, cafes, and bars is appreciated and can be left in US dollars or Rwanda Francs. US$5 or RWF1000-3000 is a very decent tip, a good value. A tip between 5-10% is acceptable and will be very much appreciated by the staff.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Hotel staff appreciate tips, staff including housekeeping, porters, and concierge. Many establishments have a tip box and sometimes the tips are split. US$3-5 is a good amount to tip porters, or $5-$10 a day for housekeeping.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Tipping a taxi driver in Rwanda is recommended, rounding up, leaving a few dollars or some extra change is satisfactory.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

In Rwanda tipping your guides, and drivers is highly recommended anywhere around US10-$20 per person per day. Trekking guides, drivers, and rangers are usually tipped separately. A suggestion of $15-20 per person, per day is recommended when going trekking. These workers highly rely on tips to make a living.

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.