The comprehensive guide to tipping in Asia

Tipping can be a confusing practice worldwide, and Asia is no different. Many tourists mistakenly assume they should tip, but in several Asian countries, it's not customary and can even be seen as disrespectful.

Don’t worry – it’s simpler than it appears. Just follow this guide to tipping throughout Asia.

Dining establishments and nightlife

China, Myanmar, Singapore and Taiwan generally lack a strong tipping tradition, making it uncommon to leave extra cash after meals or at bars. However, due to an increase in international tourists, some upscale restaurants in China are beginning to accept small tips if offered. 

Service staff in much of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia, are gradually getting used to receiving tips. Tipping isn’t the norm in non-tourist areas, except perhaps for rounding up the bill. In tourist hotspots, the practice is largely influenced by international visitors. Locals are aware that visitors from Australia and China may not tip, while Americans and Europeans do, making it quite unpredictable. 

In India, tipping is a common practice. Aim for a 10-15% tip at bars, cafes, and restaurants, regardless of whether a service charge is included (since it doesn't always benefit the servers), particularly in smaller venues.

In the Maldives and Bhutan, while tipping isn't the norm, it is appreciated. Aim for a 10-15% tip, but keep in mind that a 10% service charge is already added when dining out, making an additional tip unnecessary.

In much of Central Asia, tipping isn't typically anticipated unless you're dining or staying in more upscale venues, where it's common to add an additional 5% to the existing 10% service charge. 

Countries like Japan and Nepal consider tipping appropriate only for exceptional service—hospitality is typically extended without the expectation of reward. In Japan, servers may even refuse a tip if offered.

Staff at hotels

China's tipping norms also apply to hotels, where it’s generally not expected. However, if you're enjoying a lavish stay, you might tip porters about 5 yuan per bag. Additionally, many upscale hotels will add a 10% service charge to your total bill. In Japan, tipping hotel staff is uncommon, especially at traditional ryokan (inns). If you feel compelled, you could leave around 5000 yen in an envelope for a short stay, though it may be declined if presented directly. 

Hotel employees in India often earn low wages, so tipping the porter at least ₹100 per bag and giving housekeeping staff ₹250-300 per night (or ₹500 in five-star hotels) are greatly appreciated gestures.

In much of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia, a service charge is typically included in your total bill at checkout, making tips unnecessary. However, it is common to tip porters the local equivalent of US$1-2 per bag, and tipping housekeeping staff in larger hotels is more prevalent than in smaller ones.

Tour guides

As you may have inferred, tipping is not a common practice for tour guides and drivers in China. However, South Korean and Taiwanese tour guides expect a bit of extra on organized trips—around 10% of the tour cost is a fair split between the guide and driver. In Japan, it’s customary to tip tour guides about 2500 to 5000 yen for a full day, preferably in an envelope. If you’re using a private driver, offering to buy them lunch is a thoughtful gesture.

As a general guideline in India, consider tipping ₹500 per day for guides and ₹500-₹600 per day for drivers (and up to ₹800-₹1000 if there are more than two passengers).

In Singapore and the Philippines, it’s fair to tip tour guides and drivers a total of about 10% of the overall tour cost, which they should share. In other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, tipping around US$10 to $20 per day for a tour guide (with higher amounts for couples or families) is appreciated, while drivers typically receive half that amount. It’s customary to give the total to the guide, who will then distribute some to the driver. If trekking, tipping porters $10 to $20 per day is standard.

Taxi drivers

In China and South Korea, taxi drivers generally do not expect tips, while in Japan, rounding up the fare is customary. Indian taxi and rickshaw drivers are typically not used to tips, despite their insistence; however, telling them to keep the change is a friendly gesture. In Central Asia, it's advisable to tip drivers around US$10-15.

In Singapore, tipping taxi and tuk-tuk drivers with the local equivalent of US$1 is considered a good practice. In Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, a standard 10% tip for fixed-fare rides is common. In Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, tipping taxi drivers isn’t necessary, but rounding up the fare or suggesting the driver keep the change is appreciated.

Mosques and temples

While there isn’t a strict guideline, donation boxes are usually present. Women typically receive robes and scarves at no cost, and no tip is expected for those distributing them.

Thai massages

If you opt for a quick massage on Khao San Road, tipping more than 30 baht isn’t necessary. For a higher-end massage, consider a tip between 150 and 300 baht. Resorts and retreats typically communicate their tipping policies upfront for multiple treatments.

In some sectors (such as spas) in Southeast Asia, employees often receive only a portion of the treatment fee, making tips highly valued. In Vietnam, regular clients might tip 50-75% of the treatment cost, especially when requesting a specific therapist. In touristy areas, signs may indicate that tips are included; otherwise, a customary tip of 10-20% is expected, particularly in upscale hotel spas.

Baksheesh

While traveling in the Middle East and South Asia, you might encounter requests for 'baksheesh.' This term usually refers to a small gratuity or service fee but can encompass various financial tokens of gratitude. If someone requests baksheesh without having provided a service, it is considered begging, and giving is at your discretion—though it’s often better to refrain. Those who have rendered a service may ask for baksheesh politely, but you can always refuse, as tipping customs, like most others, are not mandatory, despite any pressure you might feel.