This may be taken as an insult: how and where to tip when traveling in Asia

Traveling in Asia has its own cultural peculiarities that should be taken into account. Tipping, for example, is a standard custom in America or Europe, but in some Asian countries, such a show of gratitude would be considered an insult and rudeness.

Discovering new cultures is always interesting and informative, the main thing is to prepare in advance and study all the nuances. Experienced travelers told us how and where to tip when traveling in Asia.

Restaurants and bars

There is no tipping culture in China, Myanmar, Singapore, and Taiwan, so you shouldn't leave money for waiters. However, as a result of the influx of foreign tourists to major cities, some new restaurants in China, targeting European and American travelers, are starting to accept tips.

Hotel and restaurant workers in most countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are becoming more and more accustomed to receiving tips, although this practice is not common in non-touristy regions.

In India, however, it is customary to tip 10-15% in bars, cafes, and restaurants, regardless of whether the bill includes service charges.

Tipping culture used to be non-existent in the Maldives and Bhutan, but now tourists' gratitude is very much appreciated. For both countries, travelers are advised to focus on 10-15% of the bill.

In most Central Asian countries, tipping is not included, unless you are staying or dining in top restaurants, you can add a 5-10% service charge.

Other Asian countries, including Japan and Nepal, believe that tipping is only for exceptional service – hospitality is the norm and "should not be rewarded." In Japan, some restaurants may even politely refuse to accept a tip even if you leave one.

Hotels

In general, China has a culture of not tipping in hotels, but if you're living a high life in a premium establishment, you can tip the receptionist around 5 yuan. You may also find that in luxury hotels, a 10% service charge will be added to the total bill.

Japanese hotels do not expect tips from their staff – even if you leave them in an envelope, you may be politely refused.

Indian hotel staff are notoriously poorly paid, so tipping 100-300 rupees (500 rupees in five-star hotels) is a particularly welcome gesture.

In most countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia, service charges will almost always be included in the total bill. However, it is not uncommon to tip luggage carriers in the equivalent of 1-2 dollars.

Taxi drivers

Taxi drivers in China or South Korea do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is standard practice. Indian taxi and rickshaw drivers are not used to receiving tips, but telling them to keep the change is a friendly gesture. In Central Asia, visitors are encouraged to tip drivers $10-15.

In Singapore, the equivalent of $1 in local currency is a good tip for taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, while in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, a 10% tip for fixed fares is standard. In Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but it is appreciated when passengers simply round up the fare or offer the driver to keep the change.

Mosques and temples

There is no strict rule, although there is usually a donation box at the entrance. Women's bathrobes and scarves are usually free, and the person handing them out does not need a tip.

What is bakshish?

When traveling in the Middle East and South Asia, you will often be asked for bakshish. The term usually refers to a simple tip or service charge but can refer to all kinds of financial tokens of appreciation.

If someone asks you for bakshish without providing a service, it is considered begging, so it is up to you whether or not to give money. Those who have provided a service can politely ask for bakshish, but it is not obligatory.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest developments.