A complete guide on how to tip your trip to Thailand. Manners and points that tourists should know

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and warm people.

However, what you may face while traveling is the “chip” issue.

If you're in a country where tipping culture isn't very pervasive, you may be worried about how to tip.

This article explains in detail how to tip in Thailand.

Tipping customs and general rules in Thailand

Tipping is not required in Thailand, but it is common to give it as an expression of appreciation when receiving good service.

Tipping is often expected at tourist spots, high-end restaurants, and hotels in particular.

The following are general market prices, so please refer to them.

RESTAURANT

Thai eateries range from street food stalls, local eateries, and high-end restaurants.

We will give you 5% -10% of the food and drink bill as a tip.

If a 10% service charge is included in the food and beverage bill, you probably don't need to tip.

If you use a credit card, it's a good idea to tip it with a separate bill.

Give tips at Thai restaurants as a form of appreciation for delicious food and service.

Hotels

When using a Thai hotel, it is common to hand it over to the hotel staff when you check in, receive services such as room service, bed making, etc.

If you ask for something simple, such as just asking them to show you the way, you don't have to force them to hand it over.

If someone does something that takes time and effort, give it to them as a thank you.

As a guide, hotels with low accommodation costs 20 THB, middle class hotels are 40 to 50 THB, and 100 THB for the highest ranked hotels.

It's a good idea to keep 20-50 THB per day at the bedside for room cleaning staff.

taxi

The tip will be given in the form of rounding up the meter fee to an amount that is easy to cut.

For example, if it's 95 THB, you pay 100 THB. Let's hand over the change as a tip.

If you get help loading and unloading luggage, etc., it is common to give them about 20 THB separately from the change.

Spas and massages

The average price of a tip for a massage is around 50-100THB.

You can choose an hourly course for a Thai massage, so 100 THB for a 90-minute course or longer.

If the time is shorter than that, you should give them 50 THB.

If satisfaction with the massage is high, it is a good idea to give more than that, even for a short time.

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Guide

Thailand is an international tourist country, so there are many guided tours.

Basically, the fee is included in the guide fee, so there is no need to tip.

However, if you receive special treatment, etc., you can give them a tip.

golf

Golf is also popular in Thailand.

The average price for handing a tip to a golf course caddie is around 300-500 THB.

It's safe to hand over at least 400THB.

Also, it is common for tips to be given to staff at open practice areas.

The market price is around 20-50THB.

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Tips on how to hand out tips in Thailand

In Thailand, it is common to hand out tips directly. Please refer to the following points.

Prepare cash

It is common for tips to be given in cash. It's easier if you prepare small bills in advance.

Express your gratitude

When handing over a tip, smile and say “copunker (thank you).”

This alone is enough to establish good relationships with local people.

Think about the amount according to the service

The tip amount will be adjusted according to the quality of service and effort.

If the amount is too small, on the contrary, it may feel disrespectful, so be careful.

Things to keep in mind when tipping in Thailand

You should also pay attention to the following points when handing out tips in Thailand.

When service charges are included

Some restaurants and hotels may already include a service charge in the price.

Additional tips aren't required in this case, but they'll be happy to tip a small amount, especially if you feel like you've received good service.

Excessive tipping in public places

At markets and street vendors, tipping too much may have an impact on other tourists and locals, so keep the amount reasonable.

summary

The tip is just an expression of gratitude for receiving good service, so let's pay comfortably except when the quality of service is poor.

Deepening your understanding of how to tip in Thailand is an important point in order to enjoy a comfortable trip.

By appropriately expressing your appreciation for the service, you can build good relationships with local people and enjoy an even more fulfilling trip.

On your next trip to Thailand, try tipping smartly by referring to this article.

Have a nice trip in Thailand!

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