Is tipping customary in Nairobi?

It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Kenya - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.



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However, if you do not have Kenyan shillings, tipping in Kenya in US dollars is acceptable (a large note such as a $50 bill might not be a good idea, however, as it could prove challenging to exchange.) Your tour guide should be able to assist you with where to exchange currency after you land in Kenya.

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Tip $1-5 per bag when you are escorted to your room (especially if your luggage is heavy or they prepare your room or show you around). Tip the same if you request bell staff service checking out. Tip $1-2 for getting a taxi. If they unload your luggage, tip in proportion to the amount and weight.

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According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), guests should tip housekeeping anywhere between $1 to $5 per night for a mid-range or business hotel. For luxury hotels where the staff offers daily cleaning services and nightly turndown services, guests should leave a little more.

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Room service
If that's the case, you don't need to pay extra (although you certainly can, especially if the applied gratuity is on the lower end). Double check your bill to see whether you were charged or not. You also don't need to tip again when someone comes to collect your tray.

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On an organized safari in Kenya, it is customary to tip at the end. The same goes for any pre-arranged tour, in fact. Budget on tipping about US$20 or 2,000 Kenyan shillings per room (or tent) per day. If you're traveling alone when you visit Kenya, you could tip less – 1,000 Kenyan shillings is acceptable.

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Pro tip: Tip everyone: While most travelers know to tip a bellman or valet, few leave anything for the front-desk agent—despite their enormous power to influence the quality of your stay. “The front desk isn't a tipped position, so when you do tip, it makes them beholden to you,” Tomsky said.

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Yes, $2-3 would be fine when picking your luggage back up. In my experience often the desk clerk will refuse the tip, but it never hurts to offer a dollar or two per bag. I always tip at least $1 per bag to both the person who puts them in storage for me and the person who returns them to me.

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Other Considerations When Tipping at 5 Star Hotels
For housekeeping, it is recommended to leave a daily tip of $5-10 per day, depending on the quality of service provided. If you are staying at a resort, it is also common to leave a tip for the person who delivers your luggage to your room.

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Some experts recommend that you bring a total of $150 to $200 USD for tips for a 1-week stay. This equates to around $20 to $25 USD per day for all staff members who might help you throughout the day.

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