How much should you tip in the Seychelles?
Good to know about tipping in the Seychelles
A tip (service charge) of five to ten per cent is usually already included in the bill, so tipping is not strictly necessary in the Seychelles. This applies above all to bills in restaurants and hotels, and to taxis. For truly good service, however, a tip is always gladly accepted.
Bear in mind, too, that although wages are high by African standards, the Seychelles is very expensive to live in, including for local people. A tip is therefore always welcome, because it helps local families.
If you would like to put a little extra smile on a Seychellois face, a tip of 25-100 rupees is always a nice gesture.
Guide values by situation
There is no official tariff. The amounts in the table are based on experience and travel information, and mostly fall within the 25-100 rupees mentioned above, for guides sometimes higher. For conversion: in autumn 2026, 100 rupees were worth roughly 6 euros, though the rate fluctuates.
| Situation | Guide value (as of November 2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, café, bar | Service charge usually included; for good service round up or add a further 5-10% | Check the bill for a stated service charge |
| Porter | approx. 20 rupees per item of luggage | On arrival at the hotel or airport |
| Taxi, transfer driver | Round up or 20-50 rupees, depending on the distance | The fare usually already includes a service element |
| Room cleaning | approx. 25-50 rupees per night | Best given daily, or in cash at the end of your stay |
| Guide, tour leader | approx. 100-200 rupees per person per day | Depending on the length and quality of the tour |
| Boat or yacht crew | At your discretion | For charters, ask the operator beforehand what the usual arrangement is |
Restaurants, cafés and bars
Many places include the service charge already. In that case it is enough to round up the amount or leave a few coins. If no service charge appears on the bill, 5 to 10 per cent is usual for satisfactory service. If you eat at simple snack bars and takeaways, you generally give nothing or just round up. You will find recommendations for places to eat under Restaurant recommendations for the Seychelles.
Accommodation
In hotels and resorts, a service element is often part of the price or shown as a separate item. If you would like to give something extra, you can leave it at reception when you depart. This amount is then often shared among all staff. If you want a particular person to receive the money, such as the cleaning staff or the gardener, it is better to hand it over directly in cash.
Transfers, tours and excursions
For drivers who pick you up and help with your luggage, the amount in the table is a good guide. You can read more about transfers under Airport transfer. On hikes, snorkelling and diving excursions and boat tours, guides and crew are glad of a tip at the end of the day, especially if the group was small and the day involved a lot of effort. For the options available, see also Diving & snorkelling.
Cash, rupees and card payments
The local currency is the Seychelles rupee. Notes come in denominations of 25, 50, 100 and 500 rupees. In tourist areas, tips are also accepted in euros. Rupees are more practical, though, as staff first have to exchange the euros. So change a small amount into small notes as soon as you arrive. You will find information on banks, exchange offices and cards under Money & Banks.
If you pay by card, it is better to leave the tip in cash. With card payments there is no guarantee that the staff will actually receive the amount. Keep your receipt too, in case there are any discrepancies later.
More tips on how to behave can be found under Do’s and Don’ts.
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping compulsory in the Seychelles?
No. The service charge of 5 to 10 per cent is usually already included in the bill. Still, a small extra amount is always welcome for good service.
Which currency is best for tipping?
Seychelles rupees in small notes. Euros are accepted in tourist areas, but they are more awkward for the staff.
Can I leave a tip by card?
Often it is possible, but cash is safer, because the money then reaches the staff directly.
How much should I tip guides and boat crews?
As a guideline, allow around 100 to 200 rupees per person per day (as of November 2026), depending on the length of the trip. For a private charter, ask the operator beforehand what is usual.
