So we leave for Myanmar in late February -- yay! But I was wondering if the LP was correct about tipping not being an established custom in the country. They say that small "presents" my be given for moving bags, etc but that no one expects tips in the common sense. Is that still true? If not, what is the expectation now? Thanks!
Tipping in Myanmar?
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Tips are definitely expected in the airports when you bags are carried around. You are pursued if you don't give something right away (this was our experience in every airport as far as I can remember from our July trip). We tipped small amounts in restaurants (around 10%), left tips in an envelope for staff at hotels and tipped generously to our guides and drivers. We stayed at more expensive hotels, it may or may not have been expected but we had excellent service in most places.
Tipping like in the USA is definitely not expected in this part of the world. You are not expected to tip 15 or 20% for your meals etc but instead a token tip will be much appreciated or perhaps even expected. For example a meal costing $20 at a local restaurant you might leave $1 as tip. If you feel like leaving more then no one will object either.
Most hotels and a lot of restaurant will also have "service charges" added to the bills as well so again a token tip will be appreciated.
FromDC is correct about the porters who have been corrupted over the years and will only work for tips now!
Thanks! So on porters and guides, etc. what are the acceptale amounts? Let's say per bag for porters and by day or half day for the guides....