Tipping and Donations in Madagascar
What tipping is appropriate in Madagascar?
What tip would be appropriate and what can you give in Madagascar?
This is a legitimate question that arises very regularly for anyone coming to Madagascar for the first time. Between the exchange rate, cultural approach, and difference in living standards, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate.
In my profession, I was very surprised in the first months of my work that the French had a reputation for being a bit stingy when it comes to tipping. Tipping is a common practice in French culture.
Culture may not be very rooted, which could explain some of the awkwardness.
What matters is not the amount but the gesture when it comes to appropriate service. People may not ask for anything but they expect recognition for the service provided. If they don’t receive it, they are convinced they have done something wrong.
Therefore, in an effort to have adapted behavior, it is normal to ask the question and be able to read a brief guide from my point of view.
So what should we tip in Madagascar and for what?
Although it is not mandatory, tipping is important. Common in Madagascar. It is important to understand that individuals expect a “small gift” for every small service provided. These small gifts can come in the form of donations: clothing, credit, cigarettes, invitation for a drink or a meal… But also, and above all, in money.
Even if you purchase a pre-defined service such as a guiding fee in a tourist site, a meal in a restaurant, a driver for a rental car, etc… The person serving you will always expect something for the service provided.
Although the amount may vary depending on the importance of the service provided and your satisfaction, here is a brief list that can serve as a basis:
Guidance per day: Approximately 20,000 ar/day
Driver per day: 10,000 ar/day
Waiter in the restaurant: About 5% to 10% of the bill (avoid tips below 1,000 ar)
Hotel porter: 1,000 ar
While some of the amounts may seem very low on a Western scale, we must consider the country as a whole.
A widespread belief is that large tips encourage begging and even harassment of tourists. Finding the right balance is not easy.
Find…
The ideal is to decide on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the professionalism of the person and our own satisfaction with the service provided.
Should we give tips in local currency or foreign currency?
In general, tips should be given in the local currency. The currency forces them to find a way to make the exchange. However, some individuals may have easy access to foreign currency and may accept tips in foreign currency, such as hotel employees, travel agents, but in general, they may have difficulty converting it into local currency.
It is also important not to give money to begging children, as they are used by adults.
and will never go to school.
It is worth mentioning that this type of donation, like large tips, can have a long-term negative effect by creating habits and a form of dependency that encourages begging. These donations are by no means to be banned for all of this, but can be distributed and used more sustainably through certain associations that shape all of this through their actions.
I have brought material donations, to whom and how should I give them?
Many people traveling to Madagascar come with donations such as sweets, school supplies, clothing, or toys to distribute along the way, and it
Helping in your own way is a very generous gesture.
It is also good to make use of the generous baggage allowance of 2 X 23 kg per person, but of course guests do not want to take it with them on their trip.
We collect the donated items brought by guests and distribute them to various projects as needed, projects that we know well and can vouch for.
Quick tip: Remember to have small Ariary bills with you during your trip. In the provinces (and sometimes even in cities) it is important. It can be challenging to have appropriate bills for tipping.
