Tipping in Thailand: How Much Should You Really Tip? My Honest Guide for Travelers

If you’re visiting Thailand soon, you’ll quickly notice something interesting and that is that nobody agrees on tipping in this country. And it is for this reason that you often see questions like the following asked:

• Is it rude not to tip in Thailand?
• Is 20 baht enough?
• Is 100 baht a big tip?
• Should I tip hotel staff?
• Do I need to tip massage therapists?

Everyone seems confused about how to go about handling tipping here. And honestly I understand why. After spending time traveling across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, I’ve come to realize one thing and that is that tipping in Thailand is not a rule but rather what some would call a culture of appreciation.

Is Tipping Customary in Thailand?

The shortest answer I can give to this question is No. No, it is not customary to tip in Thailand. But this is where many tourists get confused. Even though it’s not part of Thai culture in the traditional sense, tipping is very much appreciated everywhere in Thailand. This is more true in places where workers rely on tourism.

Think of it like this. For example, you won’t offend anyone if you don’t tip unlike in certain countries around the world. However, if you do go ahead and tip someone, you have just made their day. And for many Thais who have no other option that to work long hours in service jobs, a small tip can genuinely help.

Is It Rude Not to Tip in Thailand?

It is absolutely not rude if you decide not to tip someone here. Trust me. I’ve lived here long enough to know that Thais don’t expect tips the way Americans or Europeans do. You will never be chased or judged for walking away without leaving a tip behind. But that said, if someone gives you extra help or goes above and beyond while offering services or selling stuff to you, then I’d strongly recommend tipping as a kind gesture.

How Much Should You Tip in Thailand? (My Honest Recommendation)

Here’s the most practical, real-world guide I use here in Thailand:

Street food stalls

No tip needed here. But if you’re feeling generous, I recommend that just round up the bill. Let’s say if your noodles cost 45 baht, you can just give 50. That’s it. And by the way, you should know that meals are very affordable in Thailand. What this means is that adding that extra 5 baht on the meal won’t hurt your pocket at all.

Local restaurants

10 to 20 baht is fine. You can leave coins or a small note.

Mid-range restaurants

20 to 50 baht, depending on service.

Upscale restaurants

10% is appreciated if service is good. That said, they may already add a 10% service charge, so I would suggest you check your bill.

Hotels

When it comes to hotels in Thailand, tipping is never a rule but then again if you do it, it does add a nice human touch to your stay. Here’s what I personally do:

Bellboy: I usually give between 20 and 50 baht depending on how far they went to help me. I think that if someone is sweating through the Bangkok heat to get your bags to your room quickly, it makes sense to give them something little as a thank you. It might seem little for you but that little extra really goes a long way.

Housekeeping: These are the people who keep your room fresh every day. I like to leave between 30 and 50 baht per day on the pillow or desk as my way of saying “thank you” to them. Again it is imperative to state that it isn’t required, but I notice how doing this always puts a smile on their faces.

Room service: For food brought directly to your door, 20 to 40 baht feels fair to me. If they set up the tray nicely or bring extra items I asked for, then I sometimes add a bit more.

And regarding receptionists, you really don’t need to tip them. They honestly don’t expect it at all. I think a warm smile and maybe a “khop khun krap/kha” would suffice.

Taxis

Regarding taxis in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand, no tip is really required. But again, rounding up is normal. So for example, if the fare is 87 baht, it would make sense to give 90 or 100. Same applies for the non-traditional taxis such as Grab or Bolt.

The above being said, sometimes a good driver would help you with your bags. In such cases, I think that giving them between 10 to 20 baht tip isn’t bad at all.

Massage

This is where I noticed many tourists get confused. The thing about Thailand is that massage therapists often earn very little. Owing to this, they greatly appreciated the tips you give them since it goes a long way in making their lives better. Whenever I have a massage, I would often leave between 20 and 100 baht, depending on the kind of massage. So for example, for foot massage, I might tip the therapist between 20 and 50 baht. And for a full body massage, I might leave behind 50 baht. There have been even cases where the massage was so good and the therapist super friendly and professional that I left them a tip of 100 baht.

You should take note of the fact that a 100-baht tip is considered to be very, very generous anywhere in Thailand be it Bangkok or Pattaya. And if you ever find yourself wandering around lively areas like Nana Plaza, remember that the prices (and expectations) can shift a little, depending on the place. I recommend you tip based on the service you actually receive.

Is 20 Baht a Good Tip in Thailand?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked by fellow expats to Thailand. And my answer always remains the same yes. 20 baht is very good. And don’t let anyone online shame you for leaving behind a 20 baht tip. It might may sound small to a foreigner (considering it is way less than a dollar), but in Thailand, trust me when I say it’s a respectful tip for simple services.

Is 100 Baht a Big Tip?

100 baht is major tip and is considered a very generous tip anywhere you go in Thailand. And to really understand why, you have to look at it from the perspective of the average Thai worker. I think as of the writing of this article, the minimum daily wage in Thailand ranges roughly between 330 and 370 baht per day, depending on the province.

Many Thais in service jobs such as massage therapists and restaurant staff earn around 10,000 to 15,000 baht per month, sometimes even less. Most of these workers rely heavily on commissions or small extras from guests to make their salaries stretch. So when you hand someone a tip of 100 baht, you have literally ‘blessed’ them big time, considering you have just gifted them nearly one-third of a full day’s minimum wage. This amount is the equivalent of one meal at a local food court. It is also enough to cover a round-trip BTS ride. They can even use that amount to buy a small portion of groceries for their family.

This is why I always say that baht may feel small to a tourist, but it’s meaningful money to many Thais.

Are You Supposed to Tip Hotel Staff?

You’re not required to, but hotel workers definitely appreciate it when you give them a handsome tip. If someone carries your heavy luggage or cleans your room daily and leaves it spotless, leaving 20 to 50 baht is a gesture that would significantly make their day better.

Should You Tip After a Massage in Bangkok?

For some reason, this particular one to me is the one place where tipping feels the most natural. I don’t know why but it feels very natural to me. Massage therapists work extremely hard, so I always go out of my way to leave a warm “thank you” for them in the form of handsome tips. If someone gives you the best massage of your trip, it is not cool not to give a little extra. Trust me, they will smile from the heart when you do that.

My Best Advice for Travelers

My advice to anyone coming to Thailand is that you should know that here, tipping is like seasoning on food. You don’t have to add it since it isn’t compulsory. But somehow if you go ahead and do it, it enhances the experience for both you and them. Even a small amount like 20 baht can make someone’s day. And the good thing about  Thailand is that because it is an extremely affordable country, tipping doesn’t hurt your wallet the way it might in other countries.

But that being said, you should remember that in Thailand, nobody will ever judge you for not tipping since it’s never expected. Thai workers would appreciate it if you leave a tip but they don’t expect it from you or force you to leave it behind.