How much to tip a taxi driver in Thailand (2026 Guide)
Round up to the nearest ฿10–20
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
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. Many drivers also tack on official surcharges: a ฿50 airport pickup surcharge from BKK/DMK and ฿20–30 expressway tolls (passenger pays). These are not tips. For longer journeys (e.g. Bangkok to Pattaya, ฿1,500–2,500), a ฿50–100 tip for friendly service is generous; for short city-centre rides, the meter rounded up is fine. Refusing to use the meter is a red flag — agree to a meter ride, no tip needed.
Common mistakes
Confusing the ฿50 airport surcharge with a tip — the driver is owed both.
Frequently asked questions
฿80 meter — do I give ฿100 and say "keep it"?
Yes — that is the standard tip.
Tuk-tuk driver — same approach?
Tuk-tuks are negotiated flat fares; the agreed price is the price. ฿20–50 extra for a long, friendly ride is generous.
Tipping other services in Thailand
- Sit-down restaurant10% if no service charge; otherwise round-up (฿20–100)
- Counter / takeawayNo tip required; loose coins ฿5–20
- CaféNo tip, or leave loose change (฿5–20)
- BarRound up to nearest ฿100, or ฿20–50 per round
- Housekeeping฿20–50 per day, left on the pillow with a thank-you note
- Porter฿20–50 per bag
- Concierge฿100–200 for substantial assistance
- RideshareOptional ฿10–50 in-app or round-up cash
- Food deliveryOptional ฿10–30 in-app
- Grocery deliveryOptional ฿20–50 in-app or in cash
- Hairdresser฿20–100 depending on salon tier
- Spa฿50–100 per 60-min massage at local shops; ฿100–200 at upscale spas
- Tour guide฿200–500 per person per day; ฿500–1,000 private full day
- Tattoo artist10–15% of the service price, or ฿200–500 cash
- Valet฿20–50 per drop-off/pickup
- Airport baggage฿20–50 per bag for porters
- Busker฿20–50 in the hat or case
- Movers฿100–200 per worker
- Tradesperson฿50–100 cash for exceptional work
Tipping a taxi driver in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: wise.com, iamkohchang.com