Tipping In Thailand: A Guide to Thai Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Thailand to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get THB in cash in Thailand, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in Thailand?

Tipping in Thailand is common in touristic areas, although not mandatory. Consider leaving small change or a tip of 10% to thank the staff for good service.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Thailand, it's customary to leave a 10% tip if service was good. In some cases, the restaurant may add a service charge to your bill so keep an eye out for that too.

When visiting bars and cafes, rounding up the bill is a nice gesture. Tipping 20 to 50 THB is also acceptable.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Thailand?

For hotel staff in Thailand, tipping is not mandatory but much appreciated by service staff. It is a nice gesture to tip porters around 20 THB per bag, 100 THB to concierge, and 20 THB per night to cleaning staff.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Thailand

For taxi drivers in Thailand, tipping is not customary. However, it is polite to round up the fare.

Tour guides in Thailand will expect a tip for walking or driving tours, especially if the tour was a full-day and enjoyable. A typical tip is around 100-200 THB for a full-day tour guide and 50-100 THB for a driver.

Practical Tips for Tipping in Thailand

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Thailand, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Thailand.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Thailand, you'll be prompted to pay in THB or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (THB) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Thailand:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.