Tips are optional. In a mid-range restaurant, 20–50 baht is a useful gesture; upscale dining may call for around 10% if service is absent. Casual food stalls do not need a large percentage tip.
THB 20–50Dining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
Thailand tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsTHB 20–50
Tips are optional. In a mid-range restaurant, 20–50 baht is a useful gesture; upscale dining may call for around 10% if service is absent. Casual food stalls do not need a large percentage tip.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
A small round-up is a way to thank your driver; tipping is not obligatory.
Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptionsUS$1–2 equivalent / day
On The Go Tours gives this hotel-staff daily budget; it does not say per bag.
HousekeepingAdvice & exceptionsUS$1–2 equivalent / day
Operator suggestion for hotel cleaning staff. Pay a practical baht equivalent.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsUS$3–6 / day suggested
The operator’s local-guide suggestion; its page does not specify party size, so confirm the unit for a group.
Tour driversAdvice & exceptionsOptional extra
The operator describes small tips for good driver service as discretionary; no fixed daily rate is established here.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
