Gratuity, while prevalent or even a must in some countries, is not expected in some cultures. In some cases, such a gesture of appreciation might even be taken as an offence. Even in countries where tips are the norm, how much is enough? Are you obligated to tip even when the service isn’t that great? It is a dilemma faced by many travellers.
In general, Asia is not big on tipping. But in some countries, gratuity is seen as a token of appreciation and the servers would happily accept it. Yet, there are also cases in which tipping is seen as awkward or even insulting. It can get confusing, and even frustrating, as the norm in every country and city is different. So here are some guidelines to tipping etiquette around the region that will hopefully lessen the aggravation.
THAILAND
As a rule of thumb, the fancier the place in Bangkok, the more likely you are expected to leave a tip.
At fine-dining establishments and most shopping mall outlets, a 10 per cent service charge is tacked on the bill. However, if this is not included, you can add on an amount from 5 per cent, depending on the quality of attendance.
If you are staying at an upscale, four- or five-star hotel, be expected to tip the bellboy THB20 (US$0.63) to THB50 (US$1.59) per bag.
When travelling by cab, it is the local norm to round up the fare to the nearest five baht. Also, customers usually let the drivers keep the change if it’s between THB1 (US$0.03) and THB10 (US$0.31).
HONG KONG
Gratuity is not expected but people in the service industry do see it as an acknowledgment of their service.
Most eateries add a 10 per cent service charge to the total bill, which goes to the owner, and not the waiter who attends to you. If you would like to tip the staff, then add an extra 10 per cent to the bill. Leave it in cash as tips signed to a credit card are also more likely to end up in the owner’s pocket.
At more casual eateries, you are given the invoice when you order, and you pay at the cashier on your way out. In this case, you don’t have to tip at all.
In most hotels, HK$10 (US$1.28) would be sufficient to show gratitude to the doorman or bellboy, but at international hotels it is best to proffer HK$20 (US$2.57), or even more.
Taxi drivers generally round the fare up to the dollar, but they don’t expect extra tips. They are generally helpful, though, with things like putting your luggage in the trunk. And who’s to stop you from adding on a HK$5 (US$.64) or HK$10 if you were extremely pleased with the service?
INDONESIA
Although tipping is not part of the local culture, the more Westernised or high-end establishments are accustomed to accepting a few extra rupiah for their service.
You can expect an added 10 per cent service charge at most high-end restaurants. For phenomenal service, add IDR6,000 (US$0.67) to your bill.
Similarly, when at high-end hotels, leave the porter IDR1,000 (US$0.11) to IDR2,000 (US$0.22) for each bag as a thank you.
Cab drivers automatically round up the metre to the nearest IDR500 (US$0.05). It’s always wise to have some small change on hand as sometimes they claim not to be able to break your large bill. Don’t be taken in if they ask for more than IDR1,000 (US$0.10).
JAPAN
Tipping culture does not exist in Japan. Instead, a service charge is added onto bills for dining, accommodation and taxi services. Porters and cab drivers do not expect any remuneration.
“Definitely, Japan is a no tipping culture and attempting to tip can cause an awkward moment,” Wolfgang Krueger, general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo says.
MALAYSIA
Similar to Indonesia, tipping in Malaysia is usually confined to high-end establishments.
Restaurants usually tack on a 10 per cent service charge, but like in Hong Kong, it tends to go to the owner and not the staff. In any case, you may want to leave 10 per cent of the bill or at least the change. At many places there is a tip box for the servers, and customers voluntarily put in gratuity. Money collected is shared by the staff at the end of the month. In some cases there is even a tip box for each server, with the name written on it, so you can tip your favourite server.
Tipping is not necessary at local hawker stalls.
At fancier hotels, MYR1 (US$0.32) to MYR3 (US$0.96) would suffice for each bag. Lower-end accommodations usually do not expect anything.
If you’re travelling in a taxi between midnight and 6am, a surcharge of 5 per cent will be added to fare. The tip could range from MYR5 (US$1.60) to MYR10 (US$3.20). For a day rental, the driver deserves between MYR25 (US$8) and MYR50 (US$16).
MANILA
It is quite common to tip in Manila. The average tip should be 10 per cent of the bill or higher.
At restaurants, for bills of PHP1,000 (US$22.46) to PHP1,500 (US$33.69), a tip from PHP20 (US$0.44) to PHP40 (US$.89) is suitable. If the total is more, but less than PHP3,000 (US$67.38), tip between PHP50 (US$1.12) and PHP$100 (US$2.24). For a bill higher than that without a service charge, tip between PHP150 (US$3.36) and PHP200 (US$4.49). If there is no service charge, tip 3 per cent of the bill with a minimum of PHP30 (US$0.67).
When checking in or out, tip the porter at least PHP20 for each bag.
However, there is usually no need to tip the cabbie. If you are feeling generous, you can round up the meter to the next five pesos.
INDIA (MUMBAI)
Tips are appreciated in India, although they are not always expected. There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Mumbai although a safe amount would be 10 to 15 per cent of the bill.
At fancy restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is the norm, but waiters are usually tipped an extra 10 to 15 per cent of the bill. At local eateries, leave a few rupees or some spare change.
When at hotels, give the bellboy between INR10 (US$0.20) to INR50 (US$1.05) and it should be fine.
Like in many places, it is not necessary to tip the cabbie.
SOUTH KOREA
There is not a tipping culture in South Korea. In local restaurants like a Korean BBQ joint, tipping is considered unnecessary and even strange. But at more modern or high-end cafés, restaurants and bars, service charge is included in the VAT. At these places, if you like the service, an extra 10 per cent will be greatly appreciated.
It is also uncommon to tip porters at local hotels, but those working at international hotels may expect tips of KRW500 (US$0.42) to KWR1,000 (US$0.85) per bag.
Cabbies, including in Seoul and Busan, do not expect tips.
SINGAPORE
Tipping is hardly prevalent in Singapore. In fact, the Singaporean government has prohibited it at the airport and tourists are discouraged from leaving extra cash at hotels and restaurants where a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill. But leaving spare change after a meal isn’t uncommon.
Bellboys are an exception to the tipping rule. It is polite to hand over between S$1 (US$0.74) and S$2 (US$1.48) for each bag.
Taxi drivers are not usually given tips but if you were to round up the metre, they won’t argue. There is a surcharge of 50 per cent the metered fare when travelling on taxi between midnight and 6am.
TAIPEI
Tipping is uncommon for the most part in Taipei. Service staff do not expect gratuity but leaving a little token is always nice.
If you are having a simple meal for two at a restaurant, no tip is necessary. But for a larger group, 5 to 10 per cent of the bill should be left behind.
At hotels, TWD60 (US$1.87) TWD160 (US$5) should be given to the bellboy for heavy luggage and from TWD30 (US$0.93) to 60 (US$1.88) for normal pieces. Be sure to leave TWD30 (US$0.94) to TWD60 (US$1.88) each day for the room attendants.
When riding in a cab, do tip TWD10 (US$0.31) and TWD20 (US$0.62) for each bag in the car boot. The change is usually left with the driver if it’s under TWD10 (US$0.30).
