stephbayne

Is it appropriate to tip guides (from Tong or otherwise) in Bangkok?

If so, how much (%)?

Thanks,

Stephanie

rhkkmk

I always tip them... depends on how I like them and how much they do extra over and above..

if its $100 for the day I would give $15-20 probably, more for extra... remember they do not earn much..

downunderjack

You yanks are spoiling the world with your customs.

Tipping is NOT customary in Thailand, there is absolutely NO mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. Unlike some other parts of the world you will never see a Thai service provider standing there with his hand out waiting for a tip.

jacketwatch

You can't really compare customs in one country vs. another. In the US tipping is an important part of some livelyhoods, especially waiters. Tipping is also practiced all over much of the world, not just in the US. Downunder you need to get about more.

downunderjack

I am actually from New Zealand.

jw - I get around enough to know that tipping is not customary in Thailand. Just because tipping is customary in many countries does not make it customary in Thailand. Just trying to give the OP the correct information.

stephbayne

Any Thai nationals that could provide some insight to this as well? Thank you!

jacketwatch

I have a friend who lives there. I'll ask and get back to you.

Hanuman

IMO tipping in Thailand is normal BUT not in the same way, or percentage, like in the USA. For example if I eat a restaurant and the bill came to 10,000 Baht ($300+) I would tip 200 Baht. A bell boy carrying my luggage I would tip from 20 - 100 Baht. On a few occasion I would tip more if the service was exceptional or if certain charges were waived, like corkage charge at a restaurant. Other tipping example for me - valet parking 40 - 50 Baht, restaurant with service charge added I would give an extra 100 Baht, Starbucks 0, housekeeping 20 Baht a day etc..

You definitely don't need to add 15% on your food bill for tip but when I stop by for a quick bowl of noodle costing 100 Baht I would tip 20 Baht.

For guides I don't know but I figure $20 - 30 a day extra if they do a good job is fair.

jacketwatch

Good to get authentic info from a local. So tipping is normal but to the same degree as we are accustomed to. Thank you. BTW I read your review of bo.lan restaurant. Have you been there recently and if so how is the food? Thanks!!

Hanuman

The last time I ate at Bo Lan was about a year ago. Food was good but you need to learn a bit about Thai food history or you have to have knowledge of Thai cooking to truly appreciate the food there. It's not a restaurant that I frequent that much but between there and Nahm I prefer Bo Lan.

chris45ny

Here are some articles for the OP to read. To tip or not to tip really is a personal decision IMO. When I'm traveling if I receive great service beyond the average of what's expected then I will leave a tip. I know most Americans think 15-20% but that is what is expected here in our country. When we were in Greece our hotel manager on Mykonos told us 5% was sufficient. When we were in Egypt everyone and I mean everyone had their hand out for a tip. However I had read on TA forum that Egypt was a country where tipping was definitely expected. It gets so confusing because there are so many different guidelines depending on which country you're visiting. That's why I found these articles informative for our trip to SE Asia next year. Hope they will help the OP but in the end it really comes down to your own comfort level and belief. You should do what feels right for you.

http://voices.yahoo.com/tipping-thai...h-6889704.html

www.whototip.net/tipping-in-thailand

http://americanexpatchiangmai.com/tipping-in-thailand/
This was especially of interest to me as it's from an American's perspective, married to a Thai, and living in Thailand.

When I visit Thailand I will tip or not as I see fit situation by situation. These articles give me a guideline of sorts. It would be nice to hear opinions from some Thais also. Their take on this touchy issue would be helpful, much more so than from other tourists. Everyone has an opinion on this issue and what is right for one isn't necessarily right for someone else.

Everything aside, Stephanie, have a great trip!!

jacketwatch

Thanks Hanuman and chris for the info.

jacketwatch

So can you leave the tip on your CC or do U need cash for that?

rhkkmk

either

rhkkmk

for guides I think it must be local cash

jacketwatch

Thanks!
Larry.

jacketwatch

My friend in BKK said that for a meal tip in the range of 100 baht and for everything else tip I the range of 20 baht. Ultimately it's individual as to how much you tip but it seems to me that well less than what we tip here is fine.

As for guides the advice above seems good to me.