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You are here: Home / Culture / The Truth About Tipping in Thailand – Where, Why & How Much

The Truth About Tipping in Thailand – Where, Why & How Much

Those who've been to the US know tipping is commonplace, an almost expected practice, whereas in the UK it's common but not part of the fabric of society.

When it comes to tipping in Thailand, it's not so straight-forward.

No doubt you'd like to tip something when you eat and drink out, but when and how much? And do tips apply to street food restaurants or just indoor joints? And what about lady bars vs standard bars, what's the deal there.

So let's get into this tipping thing. Starting with how the Thais do it.

tipping-in-thailand

How & When do Thais Tip?

Tipping in Thailand tends to follow some unwritten rules, in that the further up the scale you go (the better the establishment) the more common tipping tends to be.

This makes sense, because those eating at more expensive places are obviously more likely to be able to afford to tip.

But as with all Thai social interactions, there's some unique ‘Thainess' thrown into the mix. So let's explore the approach:

1. Street Stall Restaurants

Thais generally don't tip at street food stools. It's simply not the nature of such places.

The bill isn't left on the table in a MasterCard branded wallet, as it would be at a mall restaurant. Oftentimes the deal is done verbally, and any change due is summoned from the cook's apron.

Sometimes they have a person working the tables who writes up a receipt, if the order was a few dishes or more, and you might choose to tip this person.

Of course, occasionally someone might tell the owner to keep the couple of leftover Baht, but with a mixture of clientele, ranging from the Burmese construction working right up to the Lambo-driving entrepreneur, it tends to be a sit-eat-go free-for-all that doesn't lend itself to the etiquette of tipping.

2. High-Street Eats

For high street restaurants, I mean chains like Black Canyon and MK, where average middle-earners might eat, a 20-40 Baht tip would be the norm, on say a 300-600 Baht meal.

But not everyone will tip, and most wouldn't necessarily have the intent to do so: it's more a case of receiving the change from the waitress and deciding to just leave it, not least because it looks pretty stingy not too – and in Thailand we love to save a bit of face 🙂

3. Posh Restaurants

Posh restaurants are a different kettle of fish. There's a point to prove here: “I'm rich enough to eat here, and of course rich enough to leave a tip”.

At these eats, most hi-so Thais would tip, though not necessarily an excessive one. We're talking 100 Baht on a 4,000 Baht meal; though the big players with a big face to upkeep might go in bigger.

You should tip at these restaurants, for sure.

4. Bars

Bars are a little different.

If you're having just one or two drinks then tipping really isn't necessary. But if you're in there a solid few hours and neck a skinful with a mate, then you might choose to tip the bartender, or lady waiting the tables, for putting up with your bad jokes :).

In go-go bars and general “lady bars” the women make a lot of their money through tips, and tips are often shared out. Again, though, if you've only popped in for one beer costing 100 Baht, there isn't much scope to tip and one would question if it's really necessary.

But again, if you're in there having a jolly-up for an hour or more then you should tip those who've given you their time – it's kind of how it works.

But Most Thais I Know Don't Tip!

I know, I know. It's not uncommon to see Thais scooping up every last Baht, as if giving that little offering might enable that waitress from Lampang to start a new business, conquer the Thai economy and rise to the top of the Forbes rich list – Buddha forbid!

But let's keep this balanced, because some foreigners don't tip either. I must admit, I do feel a tad embarrassed when I see a fellow “farang” snatch that 5 Baht from the tray. I guess it depends on whether you've come from a tipping culture.

It's worth noting that the modern tipping culture is something Thailand has inherited from the West, and I would argue it's more a culture of leaving a tip to keep face if you need to.

Besides, a lot of people are on the breadline, and giving away money isn't very wise when you can barely afford to pay your rent and feed your kids.

What there has been historically, however, is a culture of “giving extra” in Thailand.

For example, in a market-style setting, a vendor might choose to give extra fruit to a regular or particularly friendly customer. Conversely, a customer might choose to offer to “keep the change” because they enjoyed the friendly exchange.

This is still very common. In fact, my fruit lady is forever trying to sneak more fruit in my bag, and I'm forever trying to get her to keep the change.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

So what should a foreigner do?

Well, let's start by taking a look at the three general lines of thinking that fall among different foreigners when they're in Thailand, and probably in many other countries too. And then I'll cover exactly what I do.

  1. Why should I pay extra for someone to do their job?
  2. I only pay a tip if I think the service was exceptional.
  3. I always tip in restaurants and bars because the staff are paid low wages on the basis that this will be compensated for by tips.

All of these approaches make a fair point, but personally I adopt the third.

Tipping in Restaurants

I have a good knowledge of what people are paid for different jobs in Thailand, and I know what a massive difference tips can make to restaurant workers.

I tip even when the service is bad.

Why? Because in life I try to always consider what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. I doubt I'd be smiling if I was on my feet 10 hours a day serving meals and drinks in Black Canyon for 160 quid a month.

In fact, most people wouldn't get out of bed for $100 a day, so why would I begrudge giving someone a bit extra to help them pay their rent, take the kids out, send a bit of money to their aging parents, and buy some new shoes to replace the pair they've had for three years.

You get the picture.

I'm not rich by a long shot, but I can afford to tip a little in Thailand, so I do. I enjoy giving people a tip. I also enjoy helping others where I can. It's spiritually rewarding.

Tipping the Maid

I always leave a tip for the maid when I checkout of a hotel, too. This to me is essential. They get paid very low wages and, if they are Burmese most likely less than the Thai maids. We're talking 6-8,000 Baht per month in some areas.

The way I see it, if every guest leaves 100 Baht for the maid (that's less than ÂŁ2.50, come on people!), and she collects that tip from 5 guests checking out each day, she could make a solid 15k Baht on top of her salary each month.

This would put her salary at say 22K Baht a month; which would mean she'd at least be able to save money each month and treat the kids now and again.

I Can't Afford to Tip!

I understand that some people are short on money. And I understand that some people only tip in exceptional circumstances .

Some people are living on a shoe-string budget themselves, struggling to make ends meet. So tipping isn't always an option, even if they wanted to.

That being said, the large majority of tourists and expats can afford a small tip of 20 Baht on a 300 Baht meal.

Those who take approach 1 do make a good point though; because if we always tip the waiter regardless of the service, it creates a precedent and becomes an expectation. This will serve (pardon the pun) to keep wages low, as employers will stipulate in job descriptions that employees can expect “generous tips”.

In truth, it isn't up to Joe Public to tip. It is up to employers to properly compensate their workers for the job they are doing, and up to the government to set wages at a sustainable living standard.

I'm not passing any judgment here; everyone's circumstances are different. Whether you leave a tip comes down to whether you can afford to so, and your personal stance on the culture of tipping.

+ Your Next Read: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Thai Culture

So How Much Should I Tip in Thailand?

I've read a few threads on the web over the years where some foreigners curse others for tipping too much. They say it reinforces this whole “farangs are rich” mentality and encourages Thais to think we have bottomless pockets.

And there is some truth in this “farang ATM” theory.

Some uneducated Thais, who haven't been outside of Asia, may have this idea that pall eople from Europe and America are wealthy.

This perhaps comes from watching American films and soap operas, and of course is compounded by those retired expats with big pensions who buy the proverbial “farang castle” in Nakhon nowhere for their Thai wife.

I mean, it makes sense, right? If foreigners are tipping 20% on top of every bill at a street stall and bar, and the average Thai tips nothing, the general perception will be that foreigners have money to burn.

This perception then turns into staff being judgmental of those foreigners who don't tip; “farang keenieow” (stingy foreigner) is the term.

But this is of course unfair, as the shoe -string budget backpacker is less likely to be able to afford to tip on each meal than the 60+ retiree who has a pension and a nice family inheritance to live off.

That said, most people can afford to at least leave a 10-20 Baht tip.

So, if you're stuck for knowing what to tip, follow the Thai culture for tipping as set out above. Don't tip at street stalls unless you really want to show your appreciation, but do leave a tip at high-street eats: I suggest 10 Baht in every 100 Baht, so 40 Baht on a 400 Baht meal.

And, if you like a posh nosh, well, you've got the dosh to flash. So you might as well show some love to the staff, who, by the way, probably earn less in a night than a glass of that fine wine you sipping like water!

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Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. John says

    February 2, 2023 at 3:08 am

    The resort has complimentary transfer from Phuket to Khao Lak Beach, how much should I tip driver?
    Reply

    Feb 02, 2023 at 3:08 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      February 2, 2023 at 6:12 pm

      A free ride? That's almost a 2 hour journey. I'd be inclined to tip a couple of hundred Baht if it's free. If there are multiple passengers then maybe 100, because if 5-10 people on board give him a tip he can make a nice top-up on his daily wage.
      Reply

      Feb 02, 2023 at 6:12 pm

      • Fhore says

        July 28, 2023 at 9:25 am

        Does that not depend on how much the resort costs? Technically it’s not “free” it’s included or covered by the rate you pay for your room…not everyone is American you know. Tipping is seen as tacky where I’m from and it’s even offensive in places outside Japan. I leave my change in Thailand because it feels like the right thing to do but I still think the way your pushing tipping is very biased and giving off the vibe of virtue signalling.
        Reply

        Jul 28, 2023 at 9:25 am

        • TheThailandLife says

          July 28, 2023 at 4:37 pm

          Hi, I'm not American. I don't come from a tipping culture. I'm not pushing tipping, either. You can choose to tip or not. However, in the example you're referring to, the price of the resort doesn't come into it for me. That's a 1.5 hour journey. I guarantee you that the driver earns barely enough to feed his family, let alone save a pension or have a holiday abroad. So, for me, on holiday, tipping 2-4 pounds to cover his dinner for that day is the right thing to do. If I can afford the holiday, surely I can afford a couple of quid for the driver!? It's the price of a coffee or a beer. The reason America has the tipping culture it does is because people know how tough it is in the service industry, in terms of hours and pay. People rely on tips to top up their salary. They do in Thailand, too. Doesn't matter if I stay 2 star or 5 star, I still tip service staff. I am not wealthy by a long shot, but I value people and the hard work they put in. If someone is providing a great service and contributing to me having a great time in their country, I'm happy to give them a little gift.
          Reply

          Jul 28, 2023 at 4:37 pm

  2. Louise says

    July 25, 2022 at 12:49 pm

    Hi,
    I would appreciate your advice on tipping our house manager. What is appropriate amount? We also have had a maid during our stay that we have tipped weekly.
    Reply

    Jul 25, 2022 at 12:49 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:52 pm

      Hi Louise,I usually tip the maid in the hotel at the end of my stay, usually 500 Baht or so for a week stay. It varies. If I'm only there a couple of days I'll tip 100 Baht. I guess the house manager would be the same. Maid salaries are so low in Thailand that I have always thought: if every guest tips just 100 Baht at the end of a stay, that would bring the salary up to a liveable wage.
      Reply

      Jul 25, 2022 at 3:52 pm

      • Nigel says

        November 12, 2022 at 4:33 pm

        Hi everyone, I live in Spain and as Peter has said it does depend on the quality of the place you are at. But as a general rule of thumb 10% is the norm
        Reply

        Nov 12, 2022 at 4:33 pm

  3. Robert says

    June 4, 2022 at 4:08 am

    I heard $2 dollar bill is good luck in Thailand - new or fairly new. Is that good for tip or they prefer tip in Bahat?
    Reply

    Jun 04, 2022 at 4:08 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      June 4, 2022 at 5:30 am

      Not heard of that, but I think most would prefer 100 Baht instead :)
      Reply

      Jun 04, 2022 at 5:30 am

  4. Tim says

    August 26, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    I’m staying in a all inclusive hotel in Khao Lak and come from UK with my wife. I still wish to tip the staff . Are tips shared between staff and how do I know the junior members get the money
    We have been tipping 100 bh on the table as we are served by multiple staff during the evening
    Reply

    Aug 26, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 26, 2019 at 2:42 pm

      The tips are probably pooled by the restaurant staff, though I can't be sure that's the case. It generally depends on the department and how many staff. It would be best to ask a member of staff on reception, or the manager.
      Reply

      Aug 26, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    • Fiyero109 says

      October 20, 2019 at 7:48 am

      Gosh, I got a 3-hr massage and it was about 3,000 baht and I tipped 1,000 (I normally tip my masseur at home $10-15 for an hour so thought that was a minimum). Her jaw dropped and she thanked me three times
      Reply

      Oct 20, 2019 at 7:48 am

      • James E says

        October 20, 2019 at 9:13 pm

        That is a very big tip. But 3kBaht is a pretty pricey massage. 10% is on the high side of right for most personal services.
        Reply

        Oct 20, 2019 at 9:13 pm

        • TheThailandLife says

          October 21, 2019 at 2:35 am

          I was going to ask...Where did you get the massage, the Mandarin Oriental?
          Reply

          Oct 21, 2019 at 2:35 am

    • John says

      December 12, 2022 at 2:31 am

      Traveling to from USA to Thailand in March 2023. First time to Asia. Staying at Outrigger Khao Lak which includes a service fee of 10% and VAT tax of 7% at their Resturant . Should I tip also? Should I leave tip for housekeeper each day? I'm new to traveling and tipping! I rarely go out to eat here.
      Should I take Thai money on trip?
      Please help,
      John
      Reply

      Dec 12, 2022 at 2:31 am

      • JamesE says

        December 12, 2022 at 3:38 am

        I do. But just a bit - the change that comes back or a ฿20 at the buffet breakfast. Some don't. I usually tip the cleaning staff as well. Yes, you're going to need Thai Baht if you do anything. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere and may have a surcharge to use them if they are accepted. Your hotel is kind of away from town a bit so you'll need cash for the two-rows to get you to town and the markets, restaurants, etc. you'll visit.
        Reply

        Dec 12, 2022 at 3:38 am

  5. Fredrik says

    October 26, 2018 at 9:23 am

    To me it seems like your argument to tip someone is because they receive a poor salary. Why do you want to support the employeer paying a low salary by providing the staff with a tip? To me it would be better if they received a fair salary from the beginning, i.e. it's not your responsibility as a customer to pay the salary instead of the employer.
    Reply

    Oct 26, 2018 at 9:23 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      October 26, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      You make a good point and of course I advocate better wages, but this is the same the world over. In the US, the UK, those in the service industry rely on tips. The salaries are lower because the employers know approximately what the average amount of money made from tips will be. Some jobs even advertise the earning potential with tips. But yes, it would be far better in Thailand if a better living wage was established. Tips are often pooled between staff and then split accordingly.
      Reply

      Oct 26, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    • Fred says

      January 28, 2021 at 8:07 am

      My swiss brother in law gets angry when I tip. He says "we don't tip" but as an American I do, so I do anyway. Also, my Thai friends tip so I follow their lead. It's always appreciated and it makes me feel good. It's akin to saying thanks for good service.
      When I was in Japan I didn't tip because it wasn't considered culturally appropriate, and I don't push it. However, I live in Thailand and speak good Thai. People consider me the same as them and I follow local customs. Although not said loudly cheap falangs are not admired.
      Reply

      Jan 28, 2021 at 8:07 am

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