Tipping in Thailand has traditionally not been necessary, but it is becoming more and more common. More tourist areas are enforcing a service charge for hotel bookings, and some restaurants. This basically amounts to a forced tip that you have to pay.
If you see a service charge on the receipt for your bill then you definitely do not have to and should not give a tip.
Restaurants and hotels have been forced to do this because many foreigners have the idea that tipping in Thailand is never necessary and they never do it.
The culture in Thailand is changing and tipping is becoming a normal way to compensate those who provide services or tangibles for tourists on their vacation.
This briefing will cover some of the information you should know about tipping in Thailand and when/when not to do it. This should help you act appropriately when you visit this amazing country!
General Tipping Philosophy in Thailand
- For decades, tourists to Thailand didn’t need to worry about or think about tipping in restaurants, or really anywhere. It just wasn’t expected. Thais were happy enough just to take tourist dollars and it was enough. Today, things have changed a bit.
- Though still not a traditional Thai custom like it is in many Western countries, tipping is gaining acceptance. The concept of “nam jai” (generosity of heart) prevailed for years, but now even some Thais are tipping in restaurants and in other situations.
- In tourist heavy areas, tipping has been replaced by service charges. MANY places charge them on the bill. They’re mandatory. Nothing like tipping, but just a flat fee. Usually the fee is less than one would tip, so in a way it’s good for tourists. In a way, it’s bad for service people who would have received more money as a voluntary tip. Of course not every one tips voluntarily, so the service charge is probably the best idea.
- In many restaurants, tipping is appreciated but generally not expected. Generosity is valued in Thai culture, but it should come from a genuine place.
Specific Tipping Scenarios
- Restaurants:
- It’s typical, if you want to tip in Thailand at a restaurant that rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common. A more significant tip (5-10%) is appreciated for exceptional service, especially in upscale restaurants where you are paying 500 THB+ per meal.
- If you have a large group of 5+ people or you are in a fine dining restaurant, then you should probably tip and go with 10-15% as a guideline.
- Local Thai restaurants where Thais mostly eat and where the price of food is only under 100 THB for a main dish – tipping is pretty unheard of. We don’t even do it at our regular restaurants like this. It just isn’t done.
- Street Food Vendors:
- Tipping is not done at typical street food vendors unless you got something extra or really exceptional service. If you happen to know the person because you go there often, you can tip them as a thanks and to help them make ends meet.
- Rounding up a few baht or leaving small change is a kind gesture, but not necessary. Your money will often be returned as they just can’t grasp that you want to pay more for it.
- Taxis/Ride-Sharing:
- Tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but if you think the person really needs it or they gave exceptional service somehow, you should give them 10-20 Thai baht.
- Just rounding up to the nearest 10 THB or offering a small extra amount for a long or complicated journey, especially if the driver has been helpful.
- With ride-sharing apps like Grab, you can add 10-20 THB where it might be helpful. The apps really don’t pay well!
- Tour Guides:
- Tipping tour guides is customary and appreciated, especially for good service.
- A reasonable range for tips might be 100 THB per person per tour, and more for private tours. If the tour is already overpriced, then don’t feel bad about not giving a tip.
- Factors that might influence the tip amount are length of tour, guide’s knowledge and helpfulness.
- Hotel Staff:
- Porters: Tipping porters for carrying luggage is customary (e.g., 20-50 THB per bag).
- Housekeeping: Tipping housekeeping staff is a nice gesture (20-100 THB per day, left in the room on the bed with a note).
- Concierge: Tipping the concierge for special services (e.g., booking tours, making reservations) is appreciated (100 THB).
- Room Service: A small tip for room service is customary, usually a percentage of the bill like 10%.
- Spas and Massage Therapists:
- Explain that tipping for spa treatments and massages is common and very much appreciated.
- A reasonable tip amount is 100-200 THB.
- Bars and Nightlife:
- In bars and at night clubs tipping bartenders is not expected but always appreciated, especially for special cocktails or attentive service.
- Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is customary. Most bars have service charges now, so look at that first. You may decide not to tip extra beyond that, which is fine.
- Other Service Providers:
- Hair Salons/Barbers: Usually no tip is customary.
- Spa Technicians (nails, etc.): Small tips are appreciated.
- Tattoos: Tips for great work are a good idea.
- Monks:
- Giving money directly to monks is not appropriate. Instead, donations can be made to the temple in an envelope. Buddhists believe giving money to the monks and temple helps them make merit (tham bun).
- Personal Experiences:
- We tip at nice restaurants and at a restaurant owned by a foreigner who doesn’t charge enough for his elaborate meals. We usually give 100-200 THB extra.
- We don’t tip for haircuts. We don’t get tattoos. We don’t use guides, but would tip them 200-500 THB per day depending on what the service and charge was.
- We tip bellboys and for room service.
- We study the bill first before tipping because service charges are routinely added in Thailand’s tourist areas now.
Think About Giving If You Can
The average Thai with a college degree from a decent school makes around 15,000 to 25,000 Thai baht to start. That’s under $500 to less than $800 USD per month. Obviously waitresses and other service people can make significantly less than that in a month.
Tip when feel grateful for what someone has done for you. Give extra to someone you interact with who may be struggling with money issues. Most Thais on the lower end of the scale earnings-wise, are struggling for sure. Kids cost a lot of money even in Thailand. How Thais get by on what they make is astounding because costs are very high for diapers, baby food, milk, wipes, etc. We have 2 kids and we know what it costs!
School clothes for books and uniforms and that annual trip with the school – all cost money.
Give when you can, especially if you’ve been blessed with a great income or managed it through savings or gift. It will make you feel good to give, but even better – they will feel so good to receive!
