We Accept Tips!

One of those things that can strike fear into the heart of a seasoned traveller is the tip conundrum. We love money in South Africa, so feel free to tip - as long as you feel its worth it. Its unlikely that you'll feel pressured into tipping by the person offering the service - unless its an airport porter (they are regulated and very officially visible) or a car-park attendant (but they wont throw themselves under your fast speeding away car to get your attention).

How much to tip? 10% is the unwritten rule. Most restaurants will automatically add a tip to the bill for largeish groups - but this differs from place to place. Whether you add an amount to your credit card slip or leave cash, is up to you. The car-park mafia do perform a service by supposedly looking after your vehicle in a relatively secure car park. There are no stories of car park attendant anti robber heroism, but regardless, they perform some form of service. They are normally happy with 1-2 Rand but by all means, pay more if they've been guarding your rent-a-car all day while you eye up bronzed muscles on the beach.

Should you be doing self-catering, you'll need to visit a supermarket. There, you'll likely find your groceries are packed for you. Its probably more abnormal to tip the packer (if she packed and he scanned, shouldn't you tip both?) so if in doubt, don't. Hairdressers are pretty good here and tips to the hair washer and hair dresser are fine but not expected.

Tour guides and drivers will be happy with a thank-you - but a tip will really make them smile. Taxi drivers - heck, if you arrive alive and in one piece, show your gratitude with 10%!

Menial staff are generally on a low wage, so tips in bars and restaurants and so on can make a difference.

Special events (raves, parties) and night-time parking will generally demand a higher tip - if not a set parking fee (which can be extornionate), so if you felt like driving around to find a cheaper spot, do so - but for the sake of saving a few Rand, its a lot of effort. Dont forget that events in town mean proper secure parking places (the indoor ticketed kind).