Tipping in Thailand
In Thailand, tipping is expected for 2 of the 20 services we track. At a sit-down restaurant, 10% if no service charge; otherwise round-up (฿20–100).
Tipping in Thailand is appreciated but not strictly expected. Leaving small change or rounding up is the norm in casual settings; upscale venues often add a service charge.
Tipping in Thailand at a glance
- Sit-down restaurant
- 10% if no service charge; otherwise round-up (฿20–100)
- Taxi
- Round up to the nearest ฿10–20
- Bar
- Round up to nearest ฿100, or ฿20–50 per round
- Housekeeping
- ฿20–50 per day, left on the pillow with a thank-you note
- Concierge
- ฿100–200 for substantial assistance
- Tour guide
- ฿200–500 per person per day; ฿500–1,000 private full day
- Café
- No tip, or leave loose change (฿5–20)
- Tattoo artist
- 10–15% of the service price, or ฿200–500 cash
Tipping by service in Thailand
| Service | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | Appreciated | 10% if no service charge; otherwise round-up (฿20–100) |
| Counter / takeaway | Optional | No tip required; loose coins ฿5–20 |
| Café | Optional | No tip, or leave loose change (฿5–20) |
| Bar | Appreciated | Round up to nearest ฿100, or ฿20–50 per round |
| Housekeeping | Appreciated | ฿20–50 per day, left on the pillow with a thank-you note |
| Porter | Appreciated | ฿20–50 per bag |
| Concierge | Appreciated | ฿100–200 for substantial assistance |
| Taxi | Appreciated | Round up to the nearest ฿10–20 |
| Rideshare | Optional | Optional ฿10–50 in-app or round-up cash |
| Food delivery | Optional | Optional ฿10–30 in-app |
| Grocery delivery | Optional | Optional ฿20–50 in-app or in cash |
| Hairdresser | Appreciated | ฿20–100 depending on salon tier |
| Spa | Expected | ฿50–100 per 60-min massage at local shops; ฿100–200 at upscale spas |
| Tour guide | Expected | ฿200–500 per person per day; ฿500–1,000 private full day |
| Tattoo artist | Appreciated | 10–15% of the service price, or ฿200–500 cash |
| Valet | Appreciated | ฿20–50 per drop-off/pickup |
| Airport baggage | Appreciated | ฿20–50 per bag for porters |
| Busker | Appreciated | ฿20–50 in the hat or case |
| Movers | Appreciated | ฿100–200 per worker |
| Tradesperson | Optional | ฿50–100 cash for exceptional work |
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Tipping in Thailand: common questions
Do you tip in Thailand?
Yes, for some services. Of the 20 services we track in Thailand, tipping is expected for 2 and appreciated for 12. Tipping in Thailand is appreciated but not strictly expected. Leaving small change or rounding up is the norm in casual settings; upscale venues often add a service charge.
How much do you tip at a restaurant in Thailand?
10% if no service charge; otherwise round-up (฿20–100). That works out to 5–10% of the bill. Mid-range and upscale restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai typically add a 10% service charge ("เซอร์วิสชาร์จ") plus 7% VAT to the bill — note the service charge often does NOT flow proportionally to wait staff, so a small additional cash tip (฿20–50) handed to the server is appreciated.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in Thailand?
Round up to the nearest ฿10–20. Bangkok metered taxis ("Taxi Meter") and tuk-tuks typically have small change challenges, so rounding the meter up to the next ฿10 or ฿20 is the de facto local tip.
Do you tip hotel housekeeping in Thailand?
฿20–50 per day, left on the pillow with a thank-you note. Housekeeping tipping is one of the most-recommended gestures across Thai tipping guides because housekeeping staff are paid modestly and the 10% hotel service charge rarely reaches them.
Which services should you tip in Thailand?
A tip is genuinely expected for 2 services: spa and tour guide. For everything else it is optional or unusual.
Should you tip in cash or by card in Thailand?
Cash is preferred for 17 of the 20 services we track in Thailand, because card tips do not always reach staff. Carrying small notes is worth it.