Luxury Dream Resorts

Tipping customs vary wildly across the globe—and getting it wrong can lead to awkward moments or unintended offense.

In some countries, tipping is expected and essential to workers’ income.

In others, it’s discouraged or even considered rude.

Understanding local tipping etiquette unlocks smoother travel experiences and shows respect for cultural norms.

This guide reveals tipping expectations across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond—so you can travel confidently and tip appropriately.

Tipping Rates Around the World

Country/Region	Restaurants	Hotels	Taxis
Thailand	10% if no service charge, small change in casual spots	Bellhops 20-50 THB, Housekeepers 20-50 THB	Round up to nearest 10 or 20 THB
Indonesia	5-10% if no service charge	Bellhops 20,000-50,000 IDR, Housekeepers 20,000-30,000 IDR	Round up to nearest thousand IDR
Cambodia	5-10% if no service charge	Bellboys $1-$2, Housekeepers $1-$3	Round up or tip $1 or more
Japan	Tipping not customary, service included in price	Tipping not customary, small gift is preferred	Tipping not customary
Taiwan	Tipping not expected, no service charge included	Bellhops and Housekeepers 20-50 NT$	Round up to nearest dollar
Malaysia	5-10% if no service charge	Bellhops 5-10 MYR, Housekeepers 5-10 MYR	Round up or leave 1-2 MYR
Laos	5-10% if no service charge	Bellhops 5,000-10,000 LAK, Housekeepers 5,000-10,000 LAK	Round up or leave small tip
Vietnam	5-10% if no service charge	Bellhops 20,000-50,000 VND, Housekeepers 20,000-50,000 VND	Round up or leave small tip
Madagascar	5-10% if no service charge	Bellhops 2,000-5,000 MGA, Housekeepers 2,000-5,000 MGA	Round up or leave small tip
Belize	10-15%	Bellhops $1-$3, Housekeepers $1-$3	Tip 10% or round up to nearest dollar
Panama	5-10% if no service charge	Bellhops $1-$2, Housekeepers $1-$2	Round up or leave small tip
Mexico (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun)	10-20%	Bellhops $1-$3, Housekeepers $1-$3	Tip 10% or round up
Saint Martin/Sint Maarten	10-15%	Bellhops $1-$2	Tip 10%
Barbados	10-15%	Bellhops $1-$3	Tip 10%
Grand Cayman	15-20%	Bellhops $2-$5	Tip 10-15%
St. Lucia	10-15%	Bellhops $1-$3	Tip 10%
Jamaica	10-15%	Bellhops $1-$2	Tip 10-15%
Honduras	10-15%	Bellhops $1-$2	Tip 10%
Dominica	10-15%	Bellhops $1-$2	Round up or leave small tip

Tipping Customs in Thailand

Thailand is known for its warmth and hospitality, and tipping is generally appreciated, though not always mandatory.

In larger cities like Bangkok and tourist hotspots such as Phuket, tipping becomes more common.

However, outside of these areas, tipping is still a relatively rare custom.

• Restaurants: In Thailand, a 10% service charge is often automatically added to your restaurant bill, especially in tourist areas.
  
  If no service charge is included, a 10% tip is a standard practice.
  
  In casual eateries, street food stalls, and smaller restaurants, tipping is not required, but leaving small change is a kind gesture.
  
  If you feel that the service was exceptional, feel free to leave a larger tip.

• Hotels: At hotels and resorts, tipping is appreciated, particularly in high-end establishments.
  
  For bellhops, it’s customary to tip 20-50 THB per bag, and housekeepers are generally tipped 20-50 THB per day.
  
  If you’re staying in a luxurious hotel, consider giving more depending on the level of service.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers in Thailand is not required, but rounding up to the nearest 10 or 20 THB is a good way to show appreciation.
  
  For longer or more complicated rides, such as navigating through traffic, adding 20-50 THB is a generous gesture.

Tipping Customs in Indonesia

In Indonesia, tipping is gaining popularity, especially in more touristy destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta.

While it’s not compulsory, tipping is appreciated, especially for workers in the hospitality sector.

• Restaurants: Many restaurants, particularly in touristy areas, will automatically include a 10% service charge in your bill.
  
  If not, a 5-10% tip is customary for good service. In local restaurants or smaller eateries, tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.

• Hotels: Tipping hotel staff is appreciated. For bellhops, a tip of 20,000 to 50,000 IDR per bag is standard, while housekeepers typically receive 20,000-30,000 IDR per day.
  
  If you use concierge services or take private tours, tipping them between 50,000 and 100,000 IDR for exceptional service is a thoughtful gesture.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers in Indonesia is not mandatory, but it’s common to round up the fare to the nearest thousand IDR.
  
  If a driver assists you with luggage or offers great service, consider tipping around 5,000-10,000 IDR.

Tipping Customs in Cambodia

Tipping is still relatively new in Cambodia, but it’s becoming more common, especially in the country’s bustling tourist hubs like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville.

While tipping is not obligatory, it’s always appreciated as a sign of gratitude for good service.

• Restaurants: Many restaurants in tourist areas include a service charge of around 5-10%.
  
  If no service charge is included, it’s customary to leave a tip of 5-10% of the total bill.
  
  If you’ve enjoyed the service, feel free to leave a larger tip, particularly in mid-range or upscale restaurants.

• Hotels: At hotels, bellboys typically receive $1-$2 per bag, while housekeepers are tipped $1-$3 per day.
  
  For concierge staff, tour guides, or those offering extra services, consider giving $5 to $10 depending on the assistance provided.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip of $1 or more is appreciated, especially for helpful service.
  
  If a driver goes out of their way to provide exceptional service, consider adding a larger tip.

Tipping Customs in Japan

Japan is known for its impeccable service and high standards in hospitality.

However, tipping is not part of the culture. In fact, it can be seen as offensive because service workers are expected to provide excellent service as part of their job, regardless of extra payment.

• Restaurants: Tipping is not practiced in Japan. In fact, many restaurants will not allow you to leave a tip.
  
  A service charge is not typically added to your bill either. Instead, show your gratitude by offering a polite “arigato gozaimasu” (thank you) or a bow.

• Hotels: Tipping is also not practiced in Japanese hotels.
  
  If you wish to show your appreciation for outstanding service, consider giving a small gift or token of appreciation rather than money.
  
  If you must give money, place it in an envelope to maintain formality.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not done in Japan, and any attempt to offer extra money will likely be politely refused.

Tipping Customs in Taiwan

Taiwan is similar to Japan when it comes to tipping.

While tipping is not a common practice, it’s becoming more appreciated in tourist-heavy areas.

Service workers in Taiwan are generally well-compensated, so they do not rely on tips for their livelihood.

• Restaurants: Tipping is not expected in Taiwan, and many restaurants will not add a service charge.
  
  If you receive exceptional service, you can leave a small tip, but this is not mandatory.
  
  Some high-end restaurants may add a service charge, but you are still not expected to tip beyond that.

• Hotels: Tipping is rare in Taiwan, but if you would like to show appreciation for good service, bellhops and housekeepers may appreciate a small tip of 20-50 NT$.

• Taxis: Tipping is not expected in Taiwan. However, rounding up to the nearest dollar is common, and drivers may appreciate the gesture if you give them a small tip for longer rides.

Tipping Customs in Malaysia

Malaysia follows a tipping culture similar to other Southeast Asian countries.

While tipping is appreciated in tourist-heavy areas like Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, it’s not mandatory.

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills. If no service charge is added, it’s common to leave a tip of 5-10%.
  
  In casual eateries and food courts, tipping is not necessary, though rounding up the bill is a nice touch.

• Hotels: Bellboys typically receive 5-10 MYR per bag, while housekeepers should be tipped 5-10 MYR per day.
  
  If you’ve used concierge services or taken a tour through the hotel, consider tipping around 10-20 MYR for great service.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare or leaving a tip of 1-2 MYR is appreciated.

Tipping Customs in Laos

Tipping in Laos is still developing, but it’s becoming more common, especially in tourist destinations like Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

In higher-end hotels, restaurants, and tourist activities, tipping is appreciated.

• Restaurants: A 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants if no service charge is added.
  
  In more casual or local eateries, tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.

• Hotels: Bellhops and housekeepers typically receive 5,000-10,000 LAK per bag or per day.
  
  For tour guides or special services, a tip of 10,000-20,000 LAK is common.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip of around 5,000 LAK is a nice gesture.

Tipping Customs in Vietnam

Tipping has become increasingly common in Vietnam, especially in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the popular tourist destination of Ha Long Bay.

While tipping is not compulsory, it is greatly appreciated.

• Restaurants: If no service charge is included, it is customary to leave a 5-10% tip.
  
  In upscale restaurants or those catering to tourists, a 10% tip is common.
  
  For street food or local eateries, tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill is appreciated.

• Hotels: Bellboys typically receive 20,000-50,000 VND per service, and housekeepers should be tipped 20,000-50,000 VND per day.
  
  Tour guides and concierges can expect tips of 100,000 VND or more for their assistance.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip (1,000-2,000 VND) is considered polite.

Tipping Customs in Madagascar

Tipping in Madagascar is not yet widespread, but in popular tourist destinations such as Nosy Be and Antananarivo, tipping is becoming more common.

• Restaurants: Tipping 5-10% is appreciated in tourist-heavy restaurants, particularly if no service charge is included.
  
  In local eateries, tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill is welcomed.

• Hotels: Bellboys and housekeepers generally receive 2,000-5,000 MGA.
  
  For concierge staff, tour guides, and others who offer additional services, consider tipping more.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip of 500-1,000 MGA is appreciated.

Tipping Customs in Belize

Belize is a popular Caribbean destination, and tipping is standard practice, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Service workers, especially in beach resorts and excursions, rely heavily on tips as part of their income.

• Restaurants: A 10-15% tip is customary in most restaurants, particularly in tourist areas like Ambergris Caye.
  
  For excellent service, you may want to leave a larger tip.

• Hotels: Bellhops, housekeepers, and concierges typically receive $1-$3 per service.
  
  For tour guides, consider tipping $5 or more depending on the level of service.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers around 10% of the fare is customary, though rounding up to the nearest dollar is also appreciated.

Tipping Customs in Panama

Tipping in Panama is similar to other Latin American countries.

In most tourist areas like Panama City, tipping is appreciated, especially in service industries.

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is typically added to restaurant bills in Panama, particularly in high-end establishments.
  
  If no service charge is included, a tip of 5-10% is customary.

• Hotels: Bellboys and housekeepers typically receive $1-$2 per service, and concierges or tour guides can expect higher tips for exceptional service.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not required, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is common.

Tipping Customs in Mexico (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun)

In Mexico, especially in popular tourist regions such as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Cancun, tipping is an expected practice, and service workers often depend on tips as part of their income.

• Restaurants: A 10-20% tip is standard. In upscale restaurants, a 15% tip is often left, while in casual eateries, a 10% tip is appreciated.
  
  Some places may add a service charge to the bill.

• Hotels: Bellboys and housekeepers typically receive $1-$3 per service, and concierges or tour guides may receive $5 or more for helping with special requests.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers around 10% of the fare is customary, especially for long rides or when the driver helps with luggage.

Tipping Customs in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is a destination that blends Caribbean and European influences.

Tipping is similar to other Caribbean islands, and it’s appreciated across most service sectors.

• Restaurants: A 10-15% tip is standard, especially in more upscale restaurants.
  
  In more casual dining settings, 10% is generally fine. Service charges may be included in some places, so check before tipping.

• Hotels: Bellboys and housekeepers typically receive $1-$2 per service.

• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers around 10% is appreciated.

---

Key Takeaways

Tipping customs around the world vary widely, and understanding these differences ensures that you respect the local culture while navigating your travel experiences.

From the bustling streets of Southeast Asia to the luxury resorts of the Caribbean, showing appreciation for excellent service through a tip is a universal gesture that transcends borders.

As a traveler, knowing when and how much to tip helps you make the most of your journey while contributing to the local economy and fostering goodwill.

By understanding local tipping etiquette, you’ll not only avoid awkward situations but also enhance your travel experience.

FAQ – Avoid Tipping Mistakes: Smart Answers for Global Etiquette

---

Plan Your Getaway

---

Explore More