Travelers from around the globe visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj, Umrah, or general tourism. One question they often have is how much to tip a taxi driver. Whether you’re flying into Jeddah for your pilgrimage, visiting Madinah for religious peace, exploring Riyadh’s modern skyline, or landing in Makkah for spiritual fulfillment, you will likely use local taxis at some point. Understanding how tipping works in your own country and how it is expected in Saudi Arabia can help you avoid confusion, embarrassment, or cultural misunderstandings. This guide outlines tipping customs around the world, especially for those countries from which people frequently travel to Saudi Arabia.
What is Tipping and What Does It Imply?
Tipping a taxi driver shows gratitude for service and effort, especially when your driver helps with bags, provides directions, or patiently waits at stops. Tipping also supports workers who often rely on such gestures to supplement their income. In this post, we will walk you through how much you are supposed to tip a taxi driver in various countries, using both percentage estimates and approximate currency values wherever relevant. For Saudi Arabia, we will also include example values in SAR (Saudi Riyal) to give you a practical reference.
Tipping Culture in Saudi Arabia
When it comes to how much to tip a taxi driver in Saudi Arab, tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated. Most passengers simply round up the fare. For short trips in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, or Madinah, a tip of 5 to 10 SAR is enough. For longer rides or during Hajj and Umrah season, 10% of the fare or 10 to 20 SAR is common.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Makkah: 5 to 10 SAR for city rides or 10% of fare (e.g., 3 SAR on a 30 SAR ride).
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Madinah: 5 to 10 SAR or around 10% (e.g., 7 SAR for a 70 SAR trip).
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Riyadh: 5 to 15 SAR depending on distance or about 10% (e.g., 12 SAR on a 120 SAR fare).
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Jeddah: Typically 5 to 10 SAR, up to 20 for airport runs (e.g., 10 SAR on a 100 SAR trip).
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How Much to Tip a Taxi Driver in the United States
Tipping taxi drivers in the United States is part of the service culture. Drivers often rely on tips as a major part of their income, especially in big cities where service expectations are high. A good tip not only supports the driver financially but also reflects customer satisfaction.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in New York: 15% to 20% of the total fare (e.g., $3 on a $20 fare).
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Chicago: 15% to 20% (e.g., $4.50 on a $30 ride).
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Las Vegas: 15% is fine; add more for extra service.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Florida and San Francisco: 15% to 20%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in the United States: Generally, 15% to 20% everywhere.
Canada and Surrounding Areas
In Canada, tipping is customary in service-based industries including taxis. Canadian cities like Vancouver have a strong tipping culture similar to the US. Drivers appreciate any amount left as a tip, especially when providing help with luggage or offering great customer service.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Canada: 10% to 15%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Vancouver: 10% to 15% or simply round up.
Latin America
Tipping habits in Latin America vary depending on the city and the formality of service. While not always expected, tipping taxi drivers is a kind gesture, especially in areas that receive many tourists. When you feel the driver was honest, helpful, or patient in traffic, leaving a small tip is appreciated.
How much to tip a taxi driver in Argentina: 10% is appreciated.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Brazil: Tipping is not required but 5% to 10% is nice.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Chile: 10% is common in Santiago.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Colombia: 5% to 10% or round up.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Peru: Round up the fare or leave 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Costa Rica: 10% is standard.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Cancun: 10% or 20 pesos.
Europe
Europe has a mix of tipping customs. In many Western European countries, rounding up is acceptable. In others, a small percentage tip is considered generous. While taxi tipping is not obligatory, it is often given in appreciation of prompt and friendly service.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in England: Round up or 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in France: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Barcelona: 5% to 10%, round up for short rides.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Germany: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Austria: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Belgium: Round up or 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Switzerland: 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Sweden: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Finland: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Denmark: Rounding up is enough.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Portugal: Round up or 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Ireland: Round up or 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Greece: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Croatia: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in the Czech republic: Round up or 5%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Hungary: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Romania: 5%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Poland: Round up or 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Krakow: 10%.
Asia
- How much to tip a taxi driver in India: Round up or 10 to 20 INR.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Indonesia: Round up or give 5,000 to 10,000 IDR.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Bali: Same as Indonesia in general.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Thailand: 10% or round up.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in the Philippines: Round up or 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Vietnam: Round up or 5,000 to 10,000 VND.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Malaysia: Round up or tip RM 2 to 5.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in China: Tipping is not common, but rounding up is okay.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Hong Kong: 5 to 10 HKD.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Japan: No tipping. It’s not culturally accepted.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in South Korea: Not expected, but rounding up is polite.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in singapore: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Israel: 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Istanbul: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Turkey: 5% to 10% everywhere.
Middle East (Besides Saudi Arabia)
- How much to tip a taxi driver in UAE: 5 to 10 AED.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Dubai: Same as UAE.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Qatar: 5% to 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Egypt: 5 to 10 EGP.
Africa
- How much to tip a taxi driver in South Africa: 10% to 15%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Morocco: 5 to 10 MAD.
Oceania
- How much to tip a taxi driver in Australia: 10%.
- How much to tip a taxi driver in New Zealand: Round up or 10
Bottom Line
Tipping culture varies, but if you’re unsure, rounding up is almost always a safe and polite choice. When in Saudi Arabia, especially during Hajj or Umrah, tipping your driver 5 to 10 SAR is a kind gesture. For a fare of 50 SAR, 10% would be 5 SAR. If your fare is 100 SAR, a tip of 10 to 15 SAR is generous and appreciated.
Whether you’re traveling from Canada, Egypt, or Thailand, knowing how much to tip a taxi driver in each location ensures you travel with respect and ease.