Skip to content

Tipping in Ethiopia

ETBLast reviewed · Apr 2026

Tipping is appreciated in Ethiopia, especially in cities and tourist areas. Around 10% is common in restaurants, while taxis and casual cafes usually just round up or leave a small cash tip.

Rounding common

Most common situations

Restaurant
Standard:10%
Exceptional:10-15%
Show details
+Check the bill for any service charge first
+Cash tips are common and appreciated
−Casual places may only leave a small amount or round up
Bar
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:Small extra
Show details
+Cafes and bars often just leave a small cash tip
−A full percentage is not always expected
Taxi
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:50-100 ETB
Show details
+Longer rides or luggage help may justify more
−Short rides usually only need rounding up

How to tip in Ethiopia

•Use ETB cash for small direct tips
•Leave around 10% in restaurants for good service
•Round up in taxis and casual situations

Quick tips

Restaurant tipping is more common than taxi tipping
Hotel staff and guides often prefer direct cash tips
Small cash tips are easier than card add-ons

Other situations (8)

DeliveryRound up
Hairdresser / BarberRound up
Spa & MassageRound up
Hotel Staff100-200 ETB per bag
Tour guides200-500 ETB per person
Valet ParkingRound up
Airport Services100-200 ETB per bag
Car Services / UberRound up

Travelers also check

Algeria flagAlgeriaBotswana flagBotswanaGhana flagGhanaAlbania flagAlbaniaArmenia flagArmeniaAruba flagAruba

Next step for your trip

Notice something off?Help us keep this accurate

Tipping questions in Ethiopia

Tipping Terms Glossary

Service charge
A mandatory fee added to the bill by the establishment, separate from optional tips.
Round up
To increase the total bill amount to the nearest convenient whole number or denomination.
Exceptional service
Service that exceeds standard expectations, often warranting a higher tip percentage or amount.
Cash preferred
A preference for cash tips over card tips, often because card tips may not reach staff directly.