Publication: Condé Nast Traveler
Section: Travel Intel · Tips and Service
Date: March 26, 2015
By: Tim Murphy and CNT Editors

This excerpt originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveler and is reproduced here as part of Imperial Tours’ media and publication archive.

Etiquette 101: Your Guide to Tipping in 50 Countries

You just had a five-star meal in Qatar, or went scuba diving in beautiful Bohol in the Philippines. Well, lucky you! But how do you express your appreciation for the service you received? Tipping rules vary by country, by region, and by scenario—here’s what you need to know.

Are you in a country where tipping is customary and required? Appreciated but not expected? Or virtually unheard of? The truth is, tipping rules vary by country, by region, and by scenario. A modest rounding up of the check may be fine in some places and insufficient in others. A few small bills left on a night table might be gladly picked up by housekeeping staff in one hotel and scrupulously shunned elsewhere. Such uncertainties can throw an uneasy shadow over even the most exhilarating jaunt in a new land. That’s why we’ve spelled out guidelines for the most common tipping situations in 50 countries, from Switzerland to Singapore.

China

China, like many Asian countries, comes from a no-tipping culture. At a restaurant frequented by locals, you don’t leave a tip; the same holds true for a hotel dominated by the domestic travel industry. But if you’re staying at a hotel that caters predominantly to luxury overseas visitors, the luggage boy is waiting around for a tip (say, 5 RMB per bag). Fine hotels and restaurants in China may also add a service charge of 10–15 percent, so nothing is expected or even technically allowed beyond that.

“It is not in the hotel’s interest to encourage this behavioral practice in one aspect of operations,” says Guy Rubin of Imperial Tours. “No manager in China is assuming that their staff is going to make an income on tips, other than perhaps the luggage boys in certain hotels.” Tip quietly and out of sight if you do—and not in front of employers.

Massage Houses: No tipping.

Luggage Porters: Ten yuan per bag is standard, though tourists generally leave twice that.

For More Information

Imperial Tours specializes in bespoke luxury travel throughout China, Tibet, Hong Kong, and Korea. Contact us to discuss a custom itinerary tailored to your interests.

Email: web_inquiry@imperialtours.net

© Condé Nast Traveler. Excerpt reproduced for archival and reference purposes.