Tipping in Rwanda is allowed, and it boosts the morale of service providers. When someone offers good service, it’s nice to show appreciation for their hard work.
Tipping is optional, and how much to tip depends on the will and satisfaction of the tourist. Tourists are advised to consider the impact of their tip on others before giving.
Tipping not only increases morale but also improves the earnings of the service providers.
However, in some tourist centers like national parks, different individuals have different roles according to their qualifications.
For example, when a porter is given a higher tip, it can demotivate others, such as park rangers.
Therefore, it’s advisable to tip a fair amount to each individual after their work is completed.
People to Tip in Rwanda
- Safari Guides: Safari guides are essential, working tirelessly to ensure a successful tour. Tourists can tip them separately during the trip.
- Porters: Porters carry the luggage of tourists, for example, during a gorilla trekking experience. Tourists can tip them as a gesture of appreciation for their services.
- Hotel and Lodge Service Providers: All accommodation facilities in Rwanda have excellent waiters, waitresses, and housekeeping staff who provide quality service. Depending on the client’s will and satisfaction, they can tip these service providers at the time of checkout.
- Park Rangers: These individuals lead tourists in the jungle for activities like gorilla trekking. They can be tipped after the trip is complete.
Best Time to Tip
The best time to tip is typically after the service has been delivered. For park rangers, the ideal time is after gorilla trekking or any other tourism activity.
For porters, tipping should be done after the activity is finished. For hotel service providers, checkout time is the best opportunity to tip.
If the hotel has a tipping box, tourists can leave their tip there.
Methods of Tipping
Tipping is usually done in cash, and tourists are advised to exchange their money into Rwandan francs if they intend to tip any service providers.
How Much to Tip
Tourists can tip between USD 5 and USD 10 or 1,000 to 3,000 Rwandan francs.
Conclusion
Tipping in Rwanda is not compulsory but is entirely based on a person’s choice and level of satisfaction.
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