Our guide on the rules for tipping in Asia which countries is expected and what countries aren’t expecting.
Tipping customs vary widely across Asia. While some countries have a strong tipping culture, others may find it unusual or even offensive. Here’s a detailed guide on tipping in Asia, covering countries where tipping is customary, optional, or not practiced, and tips on how to handle it respectfully.
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General Tips for Tipping in Asia
Check the Bill: Many restaurants include a service charge, making tipping unnecessary.
Carry Small Bills: Keep local currency in small denominations to tip conveniently.
Respect Local Customs: If tipping is not customary, avoid forcing it or making locals uncomfortable.
Tip Discreetly: In cultures where tipping is rare (e.g., Japan, South Korea), use an envelope or thank the recipient politely.
Use Context Clues: In high-end hotels or tourist-centric areas, tipping may be more common even if it’s not widespread in the country.
Countries Where Tipping Is Accepted and Expected
In these countries, tipping is generally welcomed and sometimes expected:
1. Thailand
Where to Tip:
Restaurants: 10% of the bill if service is good, especially in upscale venues.
Hotels: Bellhops (20–50 THB), housekeeping (20–50 THB per day).
Spas/Massage: 10–20% of the service cost.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest 10 THB.
Tips:
In casual street-food settings, tipping is not expected.
2. Indonesia
Where to Tip:
Restaurants: 5–10% (check if service charge is already included).
Hotels: 10,000–20,000 IDR for bellhops or housekeeping.
Spas/Massage: 10–20%.
Taxis: Round up the fare.
Tips:
Tipping is more common in urban and tourist-heavy areas like Bali.
3. India
Where to Tip:
Restaurants: 5–10% for casual dining, 10–15% for fine dining.
Hotels: 50–100 INR for bellhops and housekeeping.
Guides and Drivers: 200–500 INR per day for good service.
Taxis/Auto Rickshaws: Not mandatory, but rounding up is appreciated.
Tips:
Carry small denominations for tipping.
4. Vietnam
Where to Tip:
Restaurants: 5–10% at tourist-friendly places (not common in local eateries).
Hotels: 20,000–50,000 VND for bellhops and housekeeping.
Guides and Drivers: 50,000–100,000 VND per day.
Spas/Massage: 10–20% of the service cost.
Tips:
Tipping is becoming more common in urban and tourist areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
5. Philippines
Where to Tip:
Restaurants: 5–10% (check if service charge is included).
Hotels: 20–50 PHP for bellhops and housekeeping.
Guides and Drivers: 100–200 PHP per day.
Taxis: Round up the fare or leave small change.
Tips:
Tipping is a cultural norm in tourist areas like Boracay or Palawan.
6. Malaysia
Where to Tip:
Restaurants: 10% (optional if a service charge is already added).
Hotels: 5–10 MYR for bellhops or housekeeping.
Spas/Massage: 10–20%.
Taxis: Not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
Tips:
Tipping is more common in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
Countries Where Tipping Is Optional
In these countries, tipping is not always expected but is appreciated in tourist areas:
1. Japan
Where to Tip:
Rarely expected, but tipping is accepted in special circumstances like private tours or exceptional service.
In luxury restaurants or hotels, tips may be discreetly given in an envelope.
Tips:
Tipping is not part of the culture and may be refused if not done respectfully.
2. South Korea
Where to Tip:
High-end restaurants or hotels might accept tips, but it’s uncommon.
Private guides or drivers may accept a tip of 5,000–10,000 KRW for exceptional service.
Tips:
Tipping is not widely practiced outside of international or luxury establishments.
3. China
Where to Tip:
Hotels: Bellhops and housekeeping may accept small tips (10–20 RMB).
Private tour guides and drivers: 50–100 RMB per day.
Restaurants: Not customary, though tipping is more common in Western-style restaurants.
Tips:
Tipping is rare in local establishments and often unnecessary.
4. Taiwan
Where to Tip:
Hotels: 100 TWD for bellhops.
Private guides: 300–500 TWD per day.
Restaurants: Service charge is often included; tipping is not common.
Tips:
Tipping is limited to tourist-centric services.
Countries Where Tipping Is Not Practiced
In these countries, tipping is either not part of the culture or is actively discouraged:
1. Singapore
Why Not:
A 10% service charge is already added in most restaurants and hotels.
Tipping is generally not expected.
Exception:
Some tourists may tip exceptional service, but it is not required.
2. Bhutan
Why Not:
Tipping is rare and unnecessary, except for guides and drivers who may expect a small token of appreciation.
Exception:
10% of the total service cost for guides or private drivers.
3. Myanmar (Burma)
Why Not:
Tipping is not a cultural norm, though it is appreciated in tourist areas.
Exception:
Small tips for guides or drivers (2,000–5,000 MMK) may be accepted.
4. Cambodia
Why Not:
Locals do not generally tip, but tourists are often expected to leave small amounts in tourist-heavy areas.
Exception:
10% at restaurants in tourist areas, 1–2 USD for guides or drivers.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.