Tipping is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the people who help make your travel experience smooth, informative, and memorable. While it’s not required, it is customary to tip your Tour Director, bus driver(s), and local guides during your tour. Here’s everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared.
When and how to tip
- Tour Director: Tip at the end of your tour
- Bus driver(s): Tip the last time you see them (or more frequently if you have multiple drivers)
- Local guides: Tip at the end of each sightseeing tour they lead
Your Tour Director will let you know when you’ll be saying goodbye to each bus driver and guide.
Suggested tipping amounts
Here are our general recommendations:
- Tour Director: The equivalent of $10–$12 USD per person, per day, in local currency
- Bus driver(s): The equivalent of $4 USD per person, per day, in local currency
- Local guides: The equivalent of $2 USD per person, per tour (if applicable), in local currency
These amounts are guidelines - feel free to adjust based on your experience and comfort level.
What currency should I use?
Tips should be given in cash and in the local currency of the country you’re in, unless your Tour Director advises otherwise. If your tour spans multiple countries, ask your Tour Director which currency they prefer for their tip.
Keep in mind:
- Currency preferences can vary by country
- Exchange rates may affect how much you tip
- Your Tour Director is a great resource for any tipping questions
Helpful tips and best practices
- Porterage: If your hotel includes porterage (help with your luggage), it’s already covered in your tour price - no extra tip needed.
- Tipping envelopes: You do not need to use Go Ahead tip envelopes. If you forget them or run out, no worries - just hand your tip directly to the person.
- Tipping culture: Curious about tipping in restaurants or taxis? Your Tour Director can offer guidance, and you can also look up local customs online before your trip.
Special situations
Multiple drivers
If your tour includes more than one driver (common on multi-country tours), be prepared to tip each one separately. Your Tour Director will let you know how long each driver will be with your group.
Multiple Tour Directors
Some itineraries include more than one Tour Director: one for the main tour and another for an extension. In this case, tip each based on the number of days they were with you. Your Tour Director will let you know when it’s time to say goodbye.
Safari tours
On safari tours, tipping works a bit differently. You’ll likely have the same Driver Guide and vehicle for the entire trip. In these cases, it’s customary to tip your Driver Guide more than your Tour Director. For specific recommendations, check the “Getting ready” section of your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or mobile app (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers).
Next steps:
- Budget for tips in local currency.
- Ask your Tour Director about tipping preferences and timing.
- Be prepared to tip multiple drivers or Tour Directors if needed.