Tipping in Thailand — How Much, Whom, and When

Restaurants

Tipping isn't mandatory everywhere, but it's customary to leave small change or a few dozen baht at restaurants with good service, mainly at places aimed at tourists.

Tour Guides and Drivers

A more generous tip is customary for guides on organized tours and private drivers, usually a few hundred baht a day depending on length and service quality.

Check the Bill Before You Add

In many restaurants and hotels a service charge is already included in the bill, so before adding a tip check whether it's already there. If it's included, there's no obligation to add more, but there's also no harm in leaving a little extra for excellent service. In small restaurants and street stalls a tip isn't expected, but rounding up and leaving a small remainder is always received with a smile.

Spa, Massage and Personal Services

For massage and spa it's customary to leave the therapist a tip of a few dozen baht, as a sign of appreciation, depending on the quality of service and the price of the treatment. In hotels, you can leave a small bill for the porter who takes bags up to the room or for the housekeeper. It's worth keeping small bills, because large bills are hard to break and there isn't always change.

Drivers, Guides and Organized Tours

For guides and private drivers a more generous tip is customary, as we noted, depending on the length and quality of the trip. On boat trips and diving trips you can leave a tip for the whole crew. In metered taxis, a small round-up is enough. Ride-app drivers don't expect a tip, but you can round up. Anyone who wants to understand the total costs can read the daily budget.

How to Plan Small Change

ATM withdrawals usually give large bills, so it's worth breaking them at convenience stores or restaurants, and keeping a small amount for tips. Details about fees and payment methods in ATM fees and credit card vs cash. And more information about manners in Thai etiquette. A tip is a nice gesture, but not an expectation, and shouldn't disrupt your budget.

A Practical Summary: What's Customary in Each Situation

In short: in restaurants where service is included there's no obligation to add more. In restaurants without a service charge you can leave change or a few dozen baht. At a spa or massage, a few dozen baht for the therapist. In hotels, a small bill for the porter. For private drivers and guides, a more generous amount at the end of the day. In a metered taxi, rounding up. At street stalls, no need.

Leave tips in local currency, because it's hard for locals to exchange foreign currency. If you're traveling in a group, you can collect a shared tip for the guide, to avoid confusing him. And in any case, a smile and a sincere thank-you are worth no less than the money. In budget terms, the total of tips over a short trip is relatively small, so there's no reason to stress.

Keep reading

Thai massage for first-timers: how to choose a place, what is normal and how to ask for a gentler touch.