We are in need of some tips on tipping in Thailand. Specifically the following:

Car service drivers to/from airport:
Private tour guide:
Masseuse:
Waiters:
Porters:
Mahouts:

Thanks for any tips (pun intended)!

I hear the can of worms creaking open, lol

This is a hot subject especially from North Americans whom have a habit of tipping in line with home. To each their own I say. Here is what I suggest my clients do.

Taxis - I always tip taxi-drivers because I think on the most part they do a wonderful job under very trying circumstances. From the Bangkok airport, if the driver has been helpful, courteous and driven at a reasonable speed a 50 -75 baht tip is about right. In the city, if the fare for example is 90 baht, pay 100 (or about 10% of the fare).

Limo Drivers around 100 baht if service has been good. Less if not

Restaurants - Many eating establishments will add a service charge onto the bill and in these cases a small tip (10-20 baht) should be left only if the service has been exceptional. Where no service charge about 10%.

Hotel Breakfast - At the free breakfast buffets a small tip is appreciated, 20-40 baht

Hotel Porters  - 30 to 50 baht per suitcase.

Hotel Maids -  If the service is good then a 30 baht tip each day is about right

Lavatory ladies - 10 to 20 baht

Bell Hop - 20 baht
 
Masseuse - 10%:

Mahouts:- Don't know.

Just one nit to pick with Scotters - outside of hotels, most restaurants DO NOT have a service charge. Tip well, most restaurant service workers are trying to make ends meet on around $200 a month.

... oh my, tipping 'masseuses' in the Land of Smiles ...


Before meeting mrs. m Bangkok business trips:

... (classified) ...


After meeting mrs. m Bangkok business trips:

... (classified) ...


As always, savour your joyous Thai massages with those little Angels ... (and perhaps, certain Singapore Girls) ...

macintosh (robert)


... "Where have you been??!!" ...

Fully agree with you Michael for those with no service charge. Those girls/guys need every penny you can spare.

i tip on no schedule....it largely depends on the service received, which in thailand is universally excellent...

i agree with scooters suggestions....give more when in doubt if they made you feel like part of the family...

tour guides i am generous with if i fully understand them and they follow my requests and don't take me to many tourist shops...i usually tip them 20%...

taxis i round up the fare like suggested, but i would probably give 120 for a 90 trip if the guy was decent...so many are not good...

I always tip nicely, but not excessively.

Many Thais don't tip at all! So I rarely tip or tip only a bare minimum!

For a taxi I round off the small change so I don't get stuck with small coins. Maybe a whole 8 or 9 baht, 10 baht tops! That is after only paying the meter fare. If you bargain the fare with a meter taxi in Bangkok you are already paying more than anyone should!

Cheap drink in a bar, 5 baht or 10 baht, especially if I intend to come back to that same bar.

No tips for anyone in a store. Many tourists over tip when they leave hotels, when it is too much the staff laughs at you behind your back. Around 40-50 baht seems okay.

I guess is you intend to get extra services for a massage then you already paid the price - no tip unless you "really enjoyed" the massage!

Porters, 20 baht is okay. Mahouts, if there is a charge for the elephant ride then only 20 baht. Twenty baht tips go a long way.

When a Farang over tips it just reinforces the notion that we are deep down pretty stupid to throw our hard earned money away so easily!

Thanks all.......

Masseuse would be in a spa at a hotel!!

"When a Farang over tips it just reinforces the notion that we are deep down pretty stupid to throw our hard earned money away so easily"

Are you sure this represents what the majority of Thais on the receiving end think?

I don't know if Cambodians are that different from Thais in this area, but I personally know lots of people in Cambodia who work with tourists, from maids to tour guides and never heard of any of them LAUGHING at anyone for tipping.

They are genuinely appreciative of the gesture and it makes them strive to give the best service they can.