Tipping in Asia

For most of us, knowing when and how to tip while travelling can feel like finding your way through a jungle.

So, when exactly should you tip?

In this blog post, we’ll help you get a grip on the tipping culture across our Asian destinations.

Where & when do you tip?

In general, it’s incredibly difficult to set any hard and fast rules when it comes to tipping.

Whether and how much you tip really depends on where in Asia you’re travelling to and the standard of service you receive.

As a rule, there’s no established tipping culture outside of the main tourist areas in Asia, so you’re not usually expected to tip. In some countries, tipping is customary; in others, it’s not widespread at all.

Below, you’ll find our guide to tipping in selected destinations across Asia. For practical advice on specific amounts, take a look at the ‘practical information’ page for each of our destinations.

Sri Lanka

Tipping is both appreciated and widely practised in Sri Lanka.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s customary to leave around 10% of the total bill as a tip, unless it’s already included. If the service or food has been particularly impressive, you might consider leaving a tip up to 15-20%.

It’s also common to tip drivers, guides, and hotel staff. For drivers and guides, 5 USD per day is considered appropriate, while for hotel staff, 1 USD per day is a suitable amount.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, tipping is welcome and often expected. In major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, tipping is a regular part of everyday culture. Many restaurants will include a tip in the price, which will appear as a ‘10% service charge’.

It’s entirely expected to tip local drivers and guides during our excursions as well. In these cases, a minimum of 5 USD per day is appropriate—though you may wish to adjust this, depending on how you found the service.

Thailand

Tipping is appreciated in Thailand, especially in the areas most popular with visitors.

At restaurants, and with massage therapists or similar service providers, it is customary to leave around 5–10% of the total bill as a tip, provided it hasn’t already been included as a service charge. Tipping is not expected at street food stalls however. It’s also common practise to tip hotel staff such as housekeeping and porters, as well as your drivers (2–5 USD) and guides (5–10 USD) at the end of an excursion.

Indonesia

Tipping is becoming increasingly common in Indonesia as a gesture of appreciation for good service, and in many places—especially on the most visited islands like Bali—it is actually expected.

It’s welcomed if you tip your guides and drivers during excursions, and hotel housekeeping staff and porters as well.

Leaving 5–10% of the total restaurant bill is considered an appropriate way to show your gratitude for good service.

Japan

Tipping is neither expected nor appreciated in Japan.

In Japan, service culture is truly unique. The Japanese take immense pride in offering excellent service, so they don’t expect any additional payment for it.

Even if you attempt to tip to show your appreciation, you’ll likely find your money politely returned.

If you would like to express your gratitude, you can instead offer a small, symbolic gift in beautiful wrapping.

However, there are a few exceptions. It is becoming increasingly common to tip private guides, in ryokans and the like. If you wish to show your appreciation, it is customary to present some notes in an envelope. This gesture is known as “kokorozuke”, which loosely translates to “from the heart”.

Cambodia

Tipping is becoming more and more expected in Cambodia as a gesture of appreciation. The amount depends on the quality of service you receive.

It is standard practice to leave around 5–10% of the total bill at restaurants, and to offer small amounts to hotel staff. A tip of 1–2 USD is suitable for housekeeping or porters. In addition, it is a kind gesture to tip guides and drivers after an excursion.

Maldives

In the Maldives, tipping is often included in the price at restaurants, hotels, and similar venues.

Many resorts have already added a 10% service charge, meaning you automatically tip and there’s generally no need to add extra. However, if you wish, a small tip for porters and housekeeping staff is appreciated. You might consider giving the equivalent of 1 USD per suitcase to porters, and 2 USD per day for housekeeping staff.

If you would like to leave a tip for other resort staff, you can do so when you check out. The amount will go into a shared tipping box, which is then distributed amongst the staff.

China

Tipping has traditionally not been a part of Chinese culture.

However, as tourism has brought more visitors to the country, tipping to show appreciation is becoming increasingly common.

It is usual to give a little extra to taxi drivers, guides, and hotel staff. In many places in China, you can also add a tip when paying via apps. For example, when you pay for your taxi via Didi – China’s answer to Uber – you can add a tip at the end of your journey.

It is often the case that a 10% service charge is included at restaurants, but it is well-received if you leave a small amount for the staff when you have experienced particularly good service.

Laos

Tipping is still not widespread in Laos, but, as in many other parts of Asia, it is certainly appreciated.

As a guideline, you might tip around 10% of the total bill to tour guides and drivers, while a smaller amount is appropriate for, for example, hotel staff. Higher-end restaurants often include a service charge in the bill – in these cases, it’s not necessary to tip extra.

Malaysia

Tipping is not generally expected in Malaysia, as many restaurants, hotels, and bars already include a service charge in their prices.

If you experience particularly good service, it’s considered a nice gesture to leave a little extra. The same goes if you wish to show your appreciation to a guide or hotel staff – even small amounts are often gratefully received.

Singapore

Tipping is not customary in Singapore, as the majority of restaurants, bars, and hotels already include a service charge in the bill.

Although tipping is not the norm in Singapore, a small token of appreciation can be well received in certain situations. For example, you might wish to tip a private tour guide or hotel staff such as porters and housekeeping.

Quick guide to tipping in Asia

Top tips for tipping

If you want to tip to show your appreciation, here are a few useful points to keep in mind.

• Use the local currency.
• Remember to carry small notes with you so you don’t have to worry about getting change.
• Offer tips discreetly and with respect, particularly in cultures where humility is highly valued.
• Avoid being overly generous, as giving large amounts can lead to unrealistic expectations and distort local customs.
• If you’re uncertain, feel free to ask your local guide or one of our travel specialists.

Still have questions about tipping in Asia?

Tipping may seem overwhelming at first, but if you pay attention to local customs and approach each situation with curiosity and a willingness to adapt, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

In many places across Asia, tipping is appreciated, but it’s not necessarily an established part of the culture as it is in the USA. However, as more visitors discover these destinations, tipping is becoming increasingly common and can help to supplement the wages of many working in the service industry.

As long as you act with respect and take note of local practices, tipping rarely becomes an issue—you’ll often find that your gesture is met with a warm smile and genuine gratitude.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our travel specialists.

Setting off on an adventure should feel safe and secure – we’re with you all the way!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller