elai

I heard that in Hong Kong most restaurants
already charge 10% surcharge. If that's the case, do I still need to leave tips?

If the restaurant foes not charge the 10% surcharge, do I need to leave tips?

rkkwan

You'll always find the 10% service charge at regular restaurants. And yes, you still need to leave a tip for the waiting staff, as that service charge doesn't go to them. 3-5% is usually enough.

If it's a very cheap place - like a noodle shop that charges HK$5 for a bowl of noddles - then no service charge is put on, and no tip is necessary. You walk up to pay the front cashier, and you can take all the changes.

2fly

I never heard anything like tipping the waiting staff. Generally tipping is not Chinese culture, unless you want style. If you go to a nice restaurant ($50+ per person), you may tip 5-10%.

rkkwan

Tipping is certainly Hong Kong culture. Well, since the economy went sour in late 1997, wait staff at most restaurants have become less aggressive; but prior to that you were almost expected to another 10% beyond the 10% service charge. The waiter/waitress basically wouldn't leave your table until you leave enough. Nowadays, 3-5% is sufficient, but you always tip something at most restaurants.

Same thing with taxicabs. Nowadays, the cab driver often don't expect anything, and you can even negotiate a lower price going to the airport. But before the Asian economic crisis of 1997, you almost always tip about 5%.

travelmug

I hate figuring out percentages. Like rkkwan said, you don't need to tip if you pay at the cashier. Generally, you tip HK$10 at most restaurants. HK$20 if you dine in a nice restaurant or 3-4 star hotel. HK$50 if you are in a really really fancy place.