Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Is tipping expected in Saudi Arabia?
Tipping in Saudi Arabia is not mandatory. It is a personal choice, and travellers who do tip usually give a small amount to someone who has helped them, such as a porter who carries bags or a waiter who has looked after them. There is no fixed percentage, and nobody can require it.
Before you tip in a restaurant or hotel, check the bill: if a service charge is already included, there is no need to add more. This guide sets out the custom by service, and how it works with our drivers.
Tipping at a glance
| Service | Is a tip expected? | If you would like to tip |
|---|---|---|
| Our driver, any trip | No. The fixed fare covers the driver | Entirely up to you; a kind word or a good rating also helps |
| Our airport meet-and-greet | No. It is part of the fare | Entirely up to you |
| Hotel porter or bellboy | Not required | A small amount in cash is a common gesture |
| Housekeeping | Not required | A small amount left in the room, if you wish |
| Restaurant or café | Not required; check the bill for a service charge | Round up or leave a small amount if no charge is included |
| Tour or site guide | Not required | A small amount at the end, if you were happy |
| Police, checkpoint and airport officials | No | Do not offer money; a thank you is enough |
Do you tip taxi drivers in Saudi Arabia?
With us, no. Every fare is fixed per car and all-inclusive: fuel, tolls, the driver and meet-and-greet are in the price you agree before the ride, from SAR 60 for a city ride or SAR 180 from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. Nothing is added on the day, and a tip is never expected, on short rides or long ones.
If you want to thank a driver, you may, in any amount you choose, or not at all. Passengers rate each ride, so a good rating or a message to us on WhatsApp also lets the driver know you were happy. With other taxis and ride-hailing apps, tipping is optional too.
Hotels and porters in Makkah and Madinah
Hotels near the Haram in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah are busy, and porters often help carry luggage between the drop point and your room. Giving a small amount is a common gesture, not a requirement.
At the hotel drop point, our driver loads and unloads your luggage as part of the fare, so there is nothing to pay for that help. Our guide to hotel check-in times explains how to plan arrivals and luggage storage.
Restaurants, cafés and deliveries
In restaurants, look at the bill first. If a service charge is included, it covers service. If not, some diners round up or leave a small amount for good service, and others leave nothing; both are acceptable. The same applies to cafés and food deliveries.
Carrying small notes
Cards are widely used in Saudi Arabia, but small tips are easiest in cash. Carry a few smaller Saudi riyal notes, because change for large notes is not always to hand.
For our fares you can pay the driver in cash (SAR) or by card in the car, or pay before the ride by bank transfer or the STC Bank app (formerly STC Pay). Our post on paying for taxis in Saudi Arabia covers each method.
When not to tip
- Do not offer money to police, checkpoint officers, immigration staff or other officials.
- In arrivals halls, do not accept lifts or paid help from strangers; your pre-booked driver meets you with a name board.
- Do not feel pressed to tip for a service you did not ask for.
- Charity (sadaqah) is separate from tipping; give it through channels you trust.
Tipping as a family or group
For a family or group, one person can give on everyone's behalf, for example to a hotel porter when you check out. With us there is nothing to split: fares are per vehicle, not per person, so a family van for up to 11 people has one fixed price, and no tip is expected on top.