How Do I Tip In South Africa?

When it comes to paying the bill in a foreign country, it can get a bit confusing. Especially when you are not familiar with the local customs. But there is no need to worry, as we've got you covered with the advice you'll need when travelling through South Africa.

Restaurants

Tipping is customary in South Africa, especially since the minimum wage is very low, but how much depends on the service you're paying for. For your meals in restaurants, the standard 10-15% of the bill will suffice as a tip. However, more can be given should you have been particularly impressed with the service. In certain places, gratuity will already have been added to the bill, usually if there are more than ten guests at the table, so make sure that you give the bill a quick scan before paying to ensure you don't over-tip.

Taxis

The 10% tipping rule also applies when taking a taxi. As most cabs work with cash only, it's better to ask how much you'll be expected to pay for your journey before getting in. This will ensure that you always have enough to give the driver as a tip.

Car Guards And Petrol Attendants

You will be encouraged to tip car guards wearing the official orange or yellow vests, however they don't expect much. Most locals tip about R2 per visit but if you're feeling particularly generous, you can tip up to R10 or R20.

Petrol attendants earn very little in South Africa, so it is considered good practice to tip them in a similar fashion to the way you tip car guards (between R2 and R5) especially if they wash your windows or check your tyres or oil and water.

Hotels

Lastly, when checking into your hotel, it is customary to tip your porter as well. The generally accepted rule is to give them R5 (roughly £0.46) per bag they handle.

Dealing With Beggars

As is the reality with many developing countries, beggars are rife is South Africa. There are also many children and mothers with babies begging on the streets. People are discouraged by social services from giving children and mother-with-baby beggars money, as there are a number of children's homes available and giving them money keeps them on the street and often feeds a drug or drinking habit. However, if you encounter a particular friendly beggar, there's nothing stopping you from giving them a few rands or a burger or bag of apples. Just be aware that muggers and con-artists are also rife in South Africa, so be wary at all times.