Culture - Tipping Etiquette in Saudi Arabia by Carol Fleming (Al Ajroush)

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Tipping Etiquette in Saudi Arabia

by Carol Fleming (Al Ajroush) - 01/21/2010

"Tipping can be confusing the world over - when to tip, where to tip and how much to tip. This article gives basic guidelines on when it is appropriate to tip in Saudi Arabia in addition to what is a reasonable tip."

All the world over there are different protocols and expectations for when and how to tip. I will share my own personal experiences and system that seem to work well for tipping in Saudi Arabia.
Because of the law which prohibits women to drive, a convenient benefit is that many restaurants and fast food places will deliver food to the door. As a western expat I choose to tip the driver/delivery person from 3 – 5 SAR for his service. However I have observed that many Saudis will choose to tip 1 SAR.

Dry cleaning/laundry services will also pick up and deliver. Many times if requested they also provide same day service. It is also expected to tip the driver/delivery person for his services. The standard tip for laundry services seems to be 1 – 2 SAR depending on how many articles of clothing are being delivered.

When eating out in restaurants one must first check carefully to see if a tip has already been included within the total cost of the bill. This is a typical practice and particularly so at the finer restaurants. If the tip has already been factored in, in my experience most diners choose not to give an additional tip. However if one feels the service was exceptional and exemplary it is not out of line to give an additional tip showing appreciation for the food and the service.

If you have the experience of being an overnight guest in a home which has a housemaid or a cook, it is also appropriate to show the housemaid or cook a small token of appreciation for their service. I will usually give them 30 – 50 SAR discreetly on departure.

Because taxi fees are usually negotiated in advance, taxi drivers generally do not expect an additional tip on top of the agreed upon rate.

At a beauty salon is it typical to tip the stylist, the one who washes the hair, the one who performs a manicure/pedicure and if waxing is done, that individual should receive a tip too. I generally give the stylist 10 per cent of the cost for doing my hair. For the rest I average between 2 – 3 SAR.

And lastly, at most grocery stores, the groceries are bagged and then the same individual carries the groceries out in the cart and loads them in the car. These men should always receive a small tip. Depending upon the number of bags and carts their tip should range from 3 – 5 SAR.

Carol Fleming (Al Ajroush)

(5 Votes)

2 comment(s)

Dave's Mom

Wednesday 10 February 2010, 8:07 am

Very useful! Thanks! What about workplace tipping? My husband has told me to give the 'tea boy' SR 100 per month, as he serves refreshments and also cleans my office. The minute I started doing this, another guy joined him, so now I give each of them the SR 50. When I worked at schools, I gave the cleaners and the doorman SR 50 at the ends of terms and at holidays. An actual question: How much for hospital staff, if one is an in-patient? How about drivers provided by employers? We live deep inside an old compound. When an Arab taxi driver brings me home, my husband has me serve him a glass of Pepsi rather giving him a tip. They do seem very pleased to be treated like neighbors, rather than as sort of servants. Non-Arab drivers get an extra SR5, above the agreed fare.

Carol Fleming

Wednesday 17 February 2010, 4:09 pm

Dave's Mom, You bring up very good points. The "tea boy" may not even earn 300 SAR per month so I've no doubt he appreciates the support and recognition you give to him. The traditional times to give extra are of course at Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha, although Eid al Adha it is expected to give food more so than funds. In regards to hospital staff if one is an in-patient, generally there are strict regulations pertaining to hospitals as to whether staff can be given tips. I realize you are likely referring to those who clean the rooms or bring the trays of food. I like your tradition of giving a driver a drink. I've tipped taxi drivers depending on service and distance driven. Additionally your message reminds me that it is also a good practice when having guests in your home who have a driver waiting for them, to send out a plate of food and a drink for the waiting driver too.

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