Tipping customs in Thailand can vary depending on the situation and establishment. This tipping in Thailand guide is intended for tourists in Thailand, as it is not common for local Thais to tip. Even though tipping in Thailand is becoming more and more common. Tipping in Thailand is not mandatory but always appreciated. Europeans will read this and tell us we are crazy for tipping this much and Americans will feel guilty for tipping this little, however, this is what is generally accepted for tipping in Thailand. As a tourist in Thailand, please realize how little daily wages most locals are paid. The average Thai wage is less than 9,000 baht a month ($ 300 USD). That extra twenty baht tip may be nothing to you but can really add up to the local server.
Here are some general guidelines to follow when it comes to tipping in Thailand:
1. Restaurants
There’s no need to tip in small roadside restaurants. Neither waiters nor the owner will expect even a small tip. But if you have enjoyed your meal and just want to say ‘Thanks’, leave a 20 Baht note on the table when you leave. There won’t be any service charge. All prices are net. If you are in a fancier restaurant, the first thing to check is the small print on the menu to see if tax and service charge is included or not. If it is included then don’t leave a tip, as the restaurant is already adding on a 15% service charge. Whether or not the staff receives all of that tip money or not, is a matter for the owner to decide.
2. Street Food and Small Eateries
Feel free to tip when you eat street foods in small vendors. If you are crazy for the unique flavours or if the sellers are really friendly, tip them some. It is fine to do so even if you see no one doing the same. Simply because they are worth it. Most street food vendors have their price clearly stated so that you can estimate the amount for things you have eaten and the tipping money. In franchises such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, KFC, Svenson’s, Tom Tom’s,..you do not need to tip if the waiter or waitress does not come to your table.
3. Taxis and Tuk-tuks
Always negotiate the price before hiring a tuk-tuk. In Bangkok and other tourist cities, some level of bartering is expected over the fare. Tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok especially are known for their scams of overcharging or bringing you to shops that they will get a commission from. We try and avoid using tuk-tuks if possible. For tuk-tuk drivers in Thailand only pay the price agreed upon for the ride tipping is not expected.
4. Hotels
This one can be tricky. Tipping maids in Thailand is common in higher-end hotels. You will notice this when you see a tip envelope in your room. Place your tip in the envelope for the maid. If you are staying at a 3-star hotel or less, tips are not common. If there is no envelope the maid might not know the money left in the room is a tip and not take it. This may sound strange, but if you left a 50 baht bill on the bed they might move it to the desk assuming you left it behind. This has happened to us. The best for tipping housekeeping in Thailand is to literally hand it to them or make it super obvious that it’s a tip. A thank you note with the money on top, etc.
5. Spa and Massage Services
Taking a traditional Thai massage is a popular way to kill an hour or two. Especially if you have spent the day on your feet touring temples or out in the burning sun on the beach. It is customary to tip the masseuse who has been pummeling you. A service charge won’t automatically be added onto your bill. At small massage shops or beach massage huts, the ladies are paid depending on the number of clients they have. The owner will split the money with them. So on a quiet day they may only receive 200 – 300 Baht. Therefore any tip goes a long way. If you’re fortunate enough to have found a masseuse who has managed to put your back into shape, soothe your tired limbs or just make your stress ooze away, then surely that’s worth a 100 Baht tip.
6. Tour Guides and Drivers
If you have a private tour guide or driver, it is customary to tip them as a gesture of appreciation for their services. The amount can vary depending on the length and quality of service provided, but a guideline is around 200-500 baht per day for a guide and 100-300 baht per day for a driver.
