One of the benefits of living in South Africa is the exceptional level of service we enjoy. From petrol stations to parking lots, you can always find someone who is happy to help you.

In return, most of these helpful souls expect to be tipped. In fact, many South Africans depend on tips for the majority of their income. Two or three rands may not seem like much, but it is appreciated.

Make a habit of carrying R10-R20 in coins in your pocket, purse or car (hidden, of course) for small tips. Remember, when you use a credit card, you must add the tip to the total before the server puts the charge through, or tip in cash.

As in most countries, you ultimately decide how much you want to tip. Give more or less depending on the quality of the service.

Restaurant servers/ bartenders: 10%-15%
Service is seldom included in the bill, unless you have a large party. However, in some finer restaurants, a minimum 10% service charge will be enforced. Note that in some restaurants, servers depend solely on their tips so be gratuitous in your gratuity.

Parking lot and street parking attendants: Day - R2 - 3; Night - R5-6

Grocery store bag clerk: R2-R3

Taxi drivers: 10% of the fare

Petrol attendants: R2-R3

Barber/hairdresser: 10%

Tour guides, game rangers, and trackers: R30 to R50 per person per day

Porters in hotels and airports: R5 per bag

Hotel chambermaids: R5-R10 per day