Traveling in foreign countries is exciting and full of new experiences of culture and landscape. The Middle East is no exception, with an array of spectacular sights and rich foods. One of the most difficult parts of traveling in any country overseas is deciding when and how much to tip. But keep a little spare change in your pocket, because tipping, particularly for tourists, is a common practice in most Middle Eastern countries.
Leave a tip of at least eight percent when dining at restaurants in the Middle East. Gratuity, known as baksheesh, is often a needed supplement to the low wages earned by restaurant workers and is expected, particularly in fine restaurants. Even street vendors expect a small tip when serving food and drinks to tourists.
Tip a person for giving you a helping hand, an expected practice for travelers in most Middle Eastern countries. Tipping is common for a word of advice, directions or even for someone who opens your door for you. You don't need to give much, just some spare change, however the gesture is expected. Public bathrooms are often manned by young men or women selling toilet paper, and they too expect a few cents of gratuity.
Give an extra dollar to your taxi driver, as he too expects tipping. Many taxis in the Middle East function without meters, so ask your driver how much the trip will cost before heading to your destination. While en route, try to have exact change for your trip, as drivers will often consider the extra few dollars your gratuity and will be disappointed when you ask for change. Instead of losing the change, give the exact amount and add a dollar or so as the tip.
Save $5 or $10 as gratuity for your hotel attendant when you are checking out. For just a few nights, you might only tip $5 or so, but if you stay a week or more the expected tip could be $10 or $20. Remember, this final tip is in addition to the small change you give to those who help you with your bags, offer you directions or advice, or even the young man who turns on your hotel room lamp for you.
