Plenty of visitors to Saudi Arabia hesitate over a small but awkward question: should I tip, and how much? The general answer is that tipping in the Kingdom is not compulsory and isn't expected in every exchange, but it is a familiar and appreciated way of saying thank you, especially to people working in hotels, transport and restaurants. Rather than rigid rules, this guide walks through the situations you will actually meet on your trip and what is usual in each.
The basic principle: appreciation, not obligation
If the service was ordinary, there is no awkwardness in not tipping. If it was excellent, a tip is a kind thank-you. There is no official figure; any amounts mentioned here are rough custom, and in the end it comes down to your satisfaction and your budget. How you give matters as much as how much: politely, with the right hand, and with a word of thanks.
Drivers
A private car at a fixed fare
With Mishwar Al Haramain the fare is fixed per car and agreed in advance, and no tip is asked of you. If the driver handled a lot of luggage, waited patiently, or stopped whenever your family needed a break on a long journey, rounding up or adding a little is a nice gesture. On long intercity trips, such as the roughly 450 km Makkah–Madinah drive, many satisfied passengers give a bit more in recognition of the hours on the road.
Ride-hailing apps
Some apps let you add a tip in-app; many people prefer to hand it over in cash so it reaches the driver directly.
At the hotel
- Porters: a few riyals per bag is usual, or a lump sum if there are a lot of bags.
- Housekeeping: a small amount left in the room. Leave it daily rather than at the end of your stay, because the person cleaning your room may change from day to day.
- Reception or concierge: nothing is expected for routine information; if they sort out something genuinely difficult for you, a tip is appropriate.
In the hotels close to the two Holy Mosques, staff work under heavy pressure in peak season, and a small tip is received with real gratitude.
At restaurants
Check the bill first: some restaurants add a service charge. If none is added and the service was good, leaving a little or rounding up is appreciated. In fast-food outlets and simple cafés no tip is expected; if there is a tip jar, loose change is fine.
Delivery riders
In summer heat, or when an order arrives at a busy time, a small tip means a lot to the rider. Apps usually let you add one, and cash works too.
Ziyarat guides
If you hire a guide to explain the history of sites in Madinah or Makkah, tipping is more expected here than elsewhere, and is usually scaled to the length of the tour and the quality of the explanations.
Around the Holy Mosques
Near Al-Masjid al-Haram and the Prophet's Mosque you will meet workers who push wheelchairs for elderly pilgrims, and porters who carry bags from cars to hotels in areas vehicles cannot reach. These services usually have a fee agreed beforehand, so ask before you start. If the worker was patient and kind with your parents in the crowds, a little extra on top is a lovely thank-you.
Small courtesies that make a difference
- Carry small notes: 5, 10 and 20 riyal notes make it easy, and spare the worker the hassle of breaking a large note.
- Use riyals: small amounts of foreign currency are awkward and costly for workers to exchange.
- Be discreet: hand it over without fuss, with a "shukran" or "jazak Allahu khayran".
- In Ramadan: many people are working while fasting, and generosity during the month carries extra meaning.
Why fixed fares make this simpler
Part of what makes tipping awkward is not knowing what the "real" price was in the first place. When you have haggled over a fare at the kerb, it is hard to judge whether anything extra is fair. A fare agreed in advance removes that guesswork: you know exactly what the journey costs, and any tip is clearly a separate, voluntary thank-you. You can see the fixed fares for the main routes in our fare guide.
When not to tip
- Government staff: never offer money to immigration, customs, police or traffic officers. It can be taken as a bribe and land you in trouble.
- Volunteers at the Holy Mosques: many of the people guiding visitors and managing crowds are volunteers or official staff; a sincere thank-you and a du'a is the right response.
- Large shops: cashiers and shop staff in malls don't expect tips.
A simple rule: tips are for people giving you direct, personal service in hospitality and transport, not for anyone doing an official job.
Frequently asked questions
Does the fixed fare include a tip?
The fixed fare is what you pay for the trip. Tipping is entirely optional and is not requested.
Is it rude not to tip?
No. It isn't compulsory and you generally won't be asked. It is something you give when you feel the service deserves it.
Should I tip a driver if I paid through an app?
If you wish; cash reaches them directly.
How do I know if a restaurant has added a service charge?
Look at the line items on the bill, or simply ask the waiter.
To book a car at a fixed fare with no surprises: WhatsApp +966582918075, or see our Makkah taxi page.