Tipping customs in Asia vary widely, from countries where gratuity is expected to those where tipping can be seen as unnecessary or even rude. To avoid awkward situations and show appreciation appropriately, here’s a country-by-country guide to tipping etiquette across Asia.

General Tipping Guidelines in Asia

Before diving into specifics, here are general tipping norms across Asia:

• Restaurants: Some countries include service charges, while others do not expect tipping at all.
• Hotels: Housekeeping and concierge services may appreciate small tips in certain destinations.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up the fare is common but not mandatory.
• Tour Guides & Drivers: Tipping is more common in the tourism industry than in daily life.
• Spas & Salons: A small tip may be expected in certain countries but not all.

Country-Specific Tipping Trends

Here’s a breakdown of tipping etiquette in some of Asia’s most popular destinations.

Japan

• Restaurants: Tipping is not expected and can sometimes be seen as rude. Instead, exceptional service is acknowledged with a polite bow or a simple “thank you” (arigato).
• Hotels: No tipping is required, but high-end ryokans (traditional inns) may accept small envelopes with money as a gesture of appreciation.
• Taxis: No tipping is needed—drivers may even refuse extra money.
• Tour Guides: A small tip may be accepted but is not expected.

China

• Restaurants: Tipping is not common, but high-end restaurants catering to tourists may accept a small gratuity (5–10%).
• Hotels: Bellboys and housekeeping may appreciate a small tip (¥10–¥20 per service).
• Taxis: No tipping required, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
• Tour Guides: Tipping is more common, especially for private guides (¥50–¥100 per day).

India

• Restaurants: 10% is customary in mid-to-high-end restaurants if a service charge is not included.
• Hotels: Bellboys (₹50–₹100 per bag), housekeeping (₹100 per night), and concierge services may expect tips.
• Taxis & Rickshaws: No tipping required, but rounding up is common.
• Tour Guides: ₹200–₹500 per day, depending on service quality.

Thailand

• Restaurants: Tipping 10% is appreciated in sit-down restaurants, especially in tourist areas.
• Hotels: Housekeeping (฿20–฿50 per night) and bellboys (฿20–฿50 per bag) appreciate tips.
• Taxis: Rounding up is common, but not required.
• Tour Guides: ฿100–฿500 per day, depending on the tour and level of service.

South Korea

• Restaurants: No tipping is required, though high-end restaurants may accept it.
• Hotels: Bellboys and housekeeping may accept small tips but do not expect them.
• Taxis: No tipping required, but rounding up is polite.
• Tour Guides: Tipping is appreciated, especially for private tours (₩10,000–₩50,000 per day).

Vietnam

• Restaurants: 5–10% is common in tourist-friendly areas.
• Hotels: Housekeeping (₫20,000–₫50,000 per night) and bellboys (₫20,000–₫50,000 per bag) appreciate tips.
• Taxis: Rounding up is common.
• Tour Guides: ₫100,000–₫300,000 per day, depending on service level.

Final Thoughts

Tipping customs in Asia can range from unnecessary to highly appreciated, depending on the country. Understanding local etiquette helps avoid awkward moments while showing gratitude appropriately. When in doubt, follow local customs and remember that good service can always be acknowledged with a smile and a sincere “thank you.”