China tipping
 

I've searched here for info on this topic. Much is a bit old. some is confusing. So I'd appreciate help with these specific questions:

We'll be staying in Western hotels--Ritz Carlton in Beijing and Westin in Shanghai, Kempinski in Zian. Does that make a difference re: tipping wait staff? Apparently it's NOT customary in china to tip wait staff in general. But is the custom different in upscale Westernized hotels?

How about the concierge, tip/no tip? I assume tip, depending upon amount of service. Same as you would tip in an American hotel for same service? Less?

Still no tips for taxis?

1$ US per bags for luggage handlers?

Guides as your tour group indicates?

Do I have this generally correct? Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks for your help.

Someone asked this same question a few days ago:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...a-422936-2.cfm

Thanks Kathie, but I read that post and it only talks about tipping drivers/tour guides, not waiters, etc.

We've had super service from the concierge at our hotel and I just can't imagine not tipping her, but I also don't want to be insulting or put her in an awkward position. So I'd like some first hand experienced advice. Anyone, please?

I've always been told that tipping in China (taxis, bellhops, waiters, etc) is considered to be mildly offensive and not generally done, but that the staffs in some hotels that are heavily frequented by westerners have become conditioned to receive tips. If you think this might be the case at the hotel you stay at, I don't think it would be impolite to inquire with the concierge regarding tipping.

By the way, Hong Kong is much more westernized than mainland China. I tip there as I would in any western country.

Tipping in China is absolutely NOT offensive. No hotel bellhops or waiters or cabbies will be offended by it, and will gladly take your money. It is just not expected and not usually done.

Off-topic, but In Hong Kong, you can tip as you wish, but again not really that necessary, and definitely not for taxis. Restaurants already charge you 10% service charge, so just leave zero to a few %, or just round off the change to the nearest HK$10.

I totally agree with rkkwan. Tipping is just not commonly done in China, but it is not offensive at all. On the contrary, sometimes it’s offensive not to tip, especially in the tourism industry. From my experience, 2 or 3 USD for the bellboy would be ok, and 4 or 5USD for the drivers. But there were just two of us, I guess you will need to tip a little bit more if you’re a group of more people.
Tipping in restaurants won’t be necessary, unless you’re extremely happy with their service and want to show your gratitude with tips.

Hi Julie:

I wish you and Val a great, exciting, meaningful trip to China. It will represent vast changes compared to Europe. What is your itinerary (on your own?)?
Happy Oriental travels
Stu

My very limited experience led me to believe that tipping is not offensive, but it is also not done by non-western travelers. Because so many westerners do tip, service providers have learned to expect - or act like they expect - tips.