Do You Need to Tip in Singapore?

Tipping is the “act of giving an amount of money to someone who has provided a service, especially in a hotel or restaurant”. It is customary to leave gratuity throughout America. In Asia, the tipping etiquette varies across countries and establishments.

Tipping, in general, is not expected in Singapore. However, there may be times when you want to reward the waiter or staff for providing an excellent service. On that note, here are some scenarios where tipping can be considered.

RESTAURANTS AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

Gratuity is usually not expected at cafes, bars, and small-scale eateries. No one is going to run after you if you do not leave a tip! However, most restaurants and hotels in Singapore add 10% service charge to the total bill. If you insist on tipping your waiter for their pleasant service, it is best to hand the cash directly to the person or to leave the cash on the table.

TAXI DRIVERS

Taxis in Singapore are well-regulated. Thus, it is not necessary to leave your cab driver a tip. Nonetheless, it can be done to round up the fare.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

AIRPORT PERSONNEL

At Changi International Airport, services range from baby care rooms to convenience stores. Despite receiving excellent service, you cannot hand over tips to shop clerks or baggage handlers. Airport personnel are not allowed to receive gratuity in Singapore.

TOUR GUIDES

Being a tour guide is a thankless job. Tour guides are tasked to entertain a group of people from day to night. Depending on your experience and the length of the tour, handing a tip to your tour guide at the end of the tour can be done. Tip around five to fifteen percent of what you paid for.

HOTEL STAFF

Tipping the bellhops is not compulsory, but highly appreciated. Leaving a tip for cleaners and other hotel staff is entirely up to you. You may leave a note and an envelope in your room to extend your gratitude to them.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

AS A TOURIST, WHAT IS A REASONABLE TIP?

Tipping in Singapore is not customary, but it is highly appreciated. You can give tips after receiving good service. Opinions can vary about the most reasonable amount to tip. A good measure is leaving about five to fifteen percent of the total bill behind.

You will have to judge whether you want to give a tip that is lower than 5%. Consider your travel budget, the country’s tipping customs, and your personal preferences.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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How Much To Tip When Traveling In These 10 Countries

Tipping is a practice of gratitude and recognition to those who have provided you with excellent service. In Singapore, they automatically have service charges in restaurants but you can still leave about 5% for great service.

Not all countries welcome tipping. In fact, some parts of China and Japan may be offended when you give them tips. Before leaving your hotel, it is important to research on the country’s tipping practices. Here are 10 countries you can start with…

1. AUSTRALIA

Tipping of 10-15% of your bill is appreciated for waiters and waitresses especially those who are serving you from expensive restaurants. It is customary to tip the hotel bellman at least AU$1 per bag.

2. FRANCE

A service charge of 15% is always included in your restaurant or bar tab. So, typing beyond that is not a must. For taxi drivers, you may tip at least 1 Euro and the hotel bellman should get at least 1 Euro per bag.

3. GERMANY

Like France, a service charge is included but, you may leave at least 5-10% of tip for good service. At least 1 Euro should be left for the hotel’s bellman per bag and the hotel’s maid per day.

4. HONG KONG

Tipping is certainly acceptable in Hong Kong. Offer your bellman at least HK$2-3 per bag.

5. ARGENTINA

You may tip at least 10% in restaurants but, do not tip your taxi drivers. Your bellman should get at least 2 Pesos per bag.

6. SOUTH AFRICA

Tip at least 10% in restaurants and taxis for gratitude. Group tours should receive at least R 10/tour guide while private tours should receive R 50/guide for half-day tours and R 100/guide for whole day tours. Hotel maids should get R 50 per day while the hotel bellman should get about R 5 per bag.

7. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Consider at least 10% of tip for restaurants. Your bellman should get at least 5 Dirhams per bag.

8. UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND MEXICO

It is common to tip the person who assisted you with your baggage in the airport or the hotel with at least US$1 per bag. Bellman should receive about US$1 per bag too. And, the hotel maid should be tipped at least US$2-5 per day.

Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr

Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr

Since some hospitality workers are paid less, they will truly appreciate a tip. Tipping per day will not only be a gesture of gratitude but it will help you to receive continued shower of good service.

Source: Fodors

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