Tipping In China
Apr 26, 2004, 3:24 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: sjc/sfo/oak, pick the cheapest one
Posts: 480
Tipping is not a custom in China, but extra money is always welcome. Before you tip, please match with the local standard (does not mean you have to tip more, but less). Thialand is an example that foreigners changed their custom from no tip to tip is expected by everyone in the travel industry.
Apr 26, 2004, 8:49 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,208
Generally speaking, tipping is not common for taxis or local restaurants, although you could round up to nearest 10 kuai note if you want. In some places that cater to businessmen, expats and tourists, a service charge will most likely have already been added to the bill.
In the case of western hotels and tour guides, I think you tip what you would normally tip in any western country.
In any case, whatever you do, just remember that the base minimum wage in China is about $100 a month (give or take $50).
In the case of western hotels and tour guides, I think you tip what you would normally tip in any western country.
In any case, whatever you do, just remember that the base minimum wage in China is about $100 a month (give or take $50).
Apr 26, 2004, 9:09 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,033
Personally, I rarely tip at all unless I receive truly exceptional service. Some people (mostly foreigners) like to round up taxi fares; I don't because I'm reticent to raise the bar for everyone else (recently I've noticed a trend where drivers assume the change belongs to them).
May 6, 2004, 7:07 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Kettering, Ohio USA
Posts: 554
Now that Hong Kong has reverted back to China, has tipping in Hong Kong changed? When I was in Hong Kong I always tipped 10% to private tour guides and waitstaff but they acted like they didn't care if I tipped them or not.
May 7, 2004, 3:09 am
#11
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, Delta Plat
Posts: 11,224
My whole attitude about tipping has changed since I've lived in Asia. In the states, I was appalled that I should leave a tip at a buffet restaurant just because I got my drink refilled. Knowing that most service workers in Asia (and particularly China) make very little ($1 per hour is a good average) I have not had a problem giving a little extra for good service. Not too much to upset the local customs, but something to show my appreciation.
In a local restaurant, two waitresses and the cook left because the owner of the restaurant would not allow the servers to keep their tips from the expats.
In HK, rounding up the fare is normal, and drivers will give you change based on the norm.
Also remember in China that servers are held responsible for the food served to the customers. if you send something back, it will come out of the server's pay.
Edited to add: Always check for the service charge. My personal custom is to not leave anything else if a service charge has been added to my bill.
In a local restaurant, two waitresses and the cook left because the owner of the restaurant would not allow the servers to keep their tips from the expats.
In HK, rounding up the fare is normal, and drivers will give you change based on the norm.
Also remember in China that servers are held responsible for the food served to the customers. if you send something back, it will come out of the server's pay.
Edited to add: Always check for the service charge. My personal custom is to not leave anything else if a service charge has been added to my bill.