Tipping in Jeddah: What to Know?

Should you tip?

That is the issue. Well, one of them.

You might be contemplating if--and how much--you should be tipping hotel staff, from a waiter, valet to housekeeping. When in doubt, the safer side is always to tip than not, though how much you tip depends on the type of hotel in Jeddah you are staying in. 

Like other Saudi cities, tipping is common in Jeddah. It is not obligatory or required, but rather a form of courtesy. Average tipping is between $1 and 42 for the porter and $2 per day for the housekeeper. Or it can be 10%-15% in most hotels in Jeddah.

The tip can be left on the bedside table or the bed. Generally, visitors in Jeddah or other parts tips for services and service providers such as hotel staff, waiters, restaurant delivery, taxi drivers, doorman, maid, and more.

While tipping is common in hotels in Jeddah, it is important to keep some etiquette in mind.

Here's how...

How Much To Tip?

While staying in any hotel or aparthotel in Jeddah, keep in mind that tips can vary based on the staff.

 

• Waiters: 10%-15% based on the total amount, before taxes.
• Bell boys in hotels: $ 2 for the first bag, $ 1 for each additional bag.
• Delivery: 10% -15%. 

WHEN AND HOW DO YOU LEAVE A TIP?

If you are in a restaurant, expect the bill to arrive. Once delivered, there is a tendency to round up from the waiters. In short, instead of getting the change, you can tell the waiter to keep it as a tip.

If, on the other hand, they have not yet come to collect the tray with the receipt, just leave the money on your table.

Know the Basic Tipping Etiquette at Hotels in Jeddah

 

• Never make it seem like you don't like tipping, no matter how much you despise it. 
• Tip in cash whenever possible. In many establishments, credit card tips do not actually go to the staff who served you but to the owners of the establishment. If you run out of cash for tips, the front desk can help you with the change.
• Always have local currency tip money ready in your purse or pocket. Tipping in foreign currency may require your server to convert your money, which is why many banks charge fees.
• For one thing, it's okay to tip small when you're unhappy with the service. On the other hand, no matter how satisfied you are, never tip beyond the highest standard amount for a given sector in a specific country. It can be seen as rude, ignorant, or just plain silly.
• Be discreet and elegant when tipping. 
• You can still pay the tip even after you leave a hotel and/or forget the name of the people you forgot to tip. Just call the hotel and ask for the concierge. They most likely know who was on duty during your stay.

The Bottom Line:

If there's one big conclusion on how to tip while staying at any hotel in Jeddah, it is more of an art than a science. So much is determined by your personal budget, the destination, and the type of hotel. However, if someone handles your dining, luggage, pillow, and a room service tray, they deserve a little something in exchange. It is the gesture that is sure to be appreciated.

Tips are now considered basic courtesy or decency in many countries. Also, by tipping you are supplementing people's income and helping them earn enough to maintain a decent lifestyle.