Tipping guidelines available
Mar 11th, 2010, 07:23 AM
#1
Tipping guidelines available
Hi everyone,
I received a great tipping guideline sheet from Exotissimo, for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, including recommended amounts for guides, drivers, boat crews, hotels and restaurants.
I tried to copy and paste it here, but I couldn't.....it came through as a spreadsheet attachment and got all jumbled up.
So, if you're interested, contact them and I'm sure they'd send you a copy.
"exotissimo.com"
I received a great tipping guideline sheet from Exotissimo, for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, including recommended amounts for guides, drivers, boat crews, hotels and restaurants.
I tried to copy and paste it here, but I couldn't.....it came through as a spreadsheet attachment and got all jumbled up.
So, if you're interested, contact them and I'm sure they'd send you a copy.
"exotissimo.com"
Mar 11th, 2010, 05:29 PM
#2
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Tipping t restaurants is not expected in Asia, but will certainly be accepted. Leave about 5000 - 10,000 kip in Laos, no more. A 50,000 Kip for an all day guide is more than enough. Sometimes companies like exotissimo overdo it.
Mar 12th, 2010, 07:19 AM
#6
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I've never used this company, but I would take their tipping guidelines with a large serving of salt. They are giving guidelines to travelers who are unfamiliar with SE Asia, so are using their services. These travelers come from a variety of countries, some of which have traditions of tipping and some do not. These SE Asia countries do not have traditions of tipping. But a company like exotissimo has a stake in getting you to tip their guides very generously, perhaps so they don't need to pay them so much.
Mid and higher end hotels all add a 10% service charge to your bill automatically.
Mid and higher end hotels all add a 10% service charge to your bill automatically.
Mar 12th, 2010, 04:06 PM
#7
Thanks to everyone for your local knowledge. If you have a guide for a day (Like Tong, Ponheary, or Putu) what do you usually give as a tip? I'm booking them and would really like to know an appropriate amount, given that they're all great.
Mar 13th, 2010, 06:46 AM
#9
Vientianeboy,
50,000 kip translates to about $6....that doesn't sound like enough.
Also, I thought perhaps the recommended amount might differ by country....what's acceptable in Laos might not be the same for Thailand or Bali.
50,000 kip translates to about $6....that doesn't sound like enough.
Also, I thought perhaps the recommended amount might differ by country....what's acceptable in Laos might not be the same for Thailand or Bali.
Mar 13th, 2010, 08:18 AM
#10
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barefoot, you are quite right that the economies of these countries are different from each other.
I'm not one to use guides, so I can't tell you what I've done, but many people consider the cost of a day and add a percentage. There are others who negotiate a "full cost" with a driver/guide and don't expect to add more. A lot of this is up to your discretion.
I'm not one to use guides, so I can't tell you what I've done, but many people consider the cost of a day and add a percentage. There are others who negotiate a "full cost" with a driver/guide and don't expect to add more. A lot of this is up to your discretion.
Mar 13th, 2010, 06:59 PM
#11
Thanks Kathie. I'm sure we'll figure this out. There's also a big variation in what country the tourist comes from. As Americans, we were given tipping guidelines for African safaris that were 3-4 times what British tourists were told to tip by their tour operators.
Mar 13th, 2010, 09:49 PM
#13
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Bfb, US citizens are regarded as huge tippers, (overtippers?). Believe me, the guides in Laos will be delighted with 50,000 kip. That is more than they earn in a day, so you are in effect tipping them a day's wages.
Bali is different, of course.
Bali is different, of course.
Apr 7th, 2010, 06:59 AM
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There's no straight answer for tipping. There are factors such as the quality of the guide and perhaps their specialty, such as an adventure guide who would earn a higher rate. Nationality does affect what is expected, Americans for example are known for high tipping. However, service is key - guide experiences vary dramtically. As rhkkmk states, you tip for good service - and this amount may different for everyone from budget to high-end traveler, although $10/day is a good benchmark.
As for Exo and tour companies promoting tipping, it is an necessity to attract and keep the best guides - tips can add up to more than salary, and in turn generates better service. Ever eaten in places where tips are not customary?
As for Exo and tour companies promoting tipping, it is an necessity to attract and keep the best guides - tips can add up to more than salary, and in turn generates better service. Ever eaten in places where tips are not customary?
