TIPPING GUIDELINES FOR TANZANIA AND KENYA

As tipping guidelines for Tanzania and Kenya. smaller tips are used for people working in the accommodations where you spend the night. You might want to tip the people carrying your luggage upon arrival, or that really cool waiter in the restaurant.

While in Kenya.

Giving these people a small tip is very common, and amounts of 100-1000 Kenyan shillings are greatly appreciated.

It is also possible to leave a tip for the entire staff since most accommodations have a tipping box at the reception. For this, an amount of 1000–1300 Kenyan shillings per night is very reasonable for that.

Unlike many others, we do not recommend carrying USD bills to give as tips. Why is this? Well, it is not just because the exchange rate is bad. It is also because it can be hard for people to run to the forex bureaus to change Currency.

We find it better to give the tips in Kenyan shillings in Kenya.

While in Tanzania.

Giving these people a small tip is very common, and amounts of 1–5 USD per person or 2500-12500 Tanzanian shillings are greatly appreciated.

It is also possible to leave a tip for the entire staff since most accommodations have a tipping box at the reception. For this, an amount of 5–10 USD or 12500–25.000 Tanzanian shillings per night is very reasonable for that.

Restaurant tips are typically 10% if a service charge isn’t already on the bill, and a 10% service charge is common for hotels and safari camps, often distributed to staff.

Tips for the staff doing Housekeeping can range from: 2500 to 7500 Tanzanian Shillings Per Night.(or $1-3 per night).

Contrary to many others, we do not recommend you carry USD bills to give as tips. Why is this? Well, it is not just because the exchange rate is bad. It is also because it can be hard for people to run to the forex bureaus to change Currency.

We find it better to give the tips in Tanzanian shillings while in Tanzania.

How do I get Tanzanian or Kenyan shillings

Here is few more tips about tipping and which currency to carry, and where to get them.

You should always carry some cash in Either EURO, or USD to exchange or pay with Where necessary. Notice since may 2025 Tanzanian Shillings is mandatory to use in Tanzania as payment for service and goods.

To get Kenyan or Tanzanian shillings you can use the local ATM’s on arrival to withdraw or go to a forex bureau to exchange any EURO or USD that you carry with you. Notice USD bills, should be from after 2009, and new bills with no damage.

We recommend to pay small tips in Local currencies. while paying drivers, guides, porters etc. on treks and safaris in Euro or USD.

  • Check for Service Charges: Before tipping, always check if a service charge has already been added to your bill. 
  • Give Directly or Use Tip Boxes: You can give tips directly to individuals or leave them in designated staff tip boxes at hotels and camps. 
  • Consider Service Quality: Tip amounts can vary based on the quality of service received.