Tipping In China - A Complete Guide
Quick Guide
🍽️ Restaurant - 10% If Upscale & No Service Fee
🍹 Bar - ¥15 For Good Service
🚕 Taxi - Not Expected
🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - ¥5-30 Total If Upscale
🛏️ Housekeeping - Not Expected
📸 Tour Guide - 10% If Satisfied
🍵 Tea House - Not Expected - Can Round Up
On the Chinese mainland, tipping is only expected in a few situations. If you do leave a tip, always be discreet.
Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for China using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in Restaurants, Bars, Taxis, Hotels, Tea Houses etc.
China Tip Calculator
Good Price For China
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Tipping in Restaurants
If you're dining in an upscale establishment in a large city and no service fee has been added to your bill, it's customary to tip around 10%. However, you don’t need to tip in more casual restaurants or outside big cities.
To leave your tip, discreetly place cash on the table when you leave. Handing it directly to the server can be considered impolite.
Tipping in Bars
The general practice is to tip around ¥15 for good service. It's not common to tip per drink so leaving a reasonable amount for the overall service is appreciated. Again, discreetly leave the tip on the counter.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
Unlike some countries, tipping your taxi driver in China is not expected. In some cases, it may even be refused for legal or moral reasons. If you want to play it safe, a simple thank you is sufficient.
Tipping The Porter/Bellhop
In upscale hotels, tipping the porter or bellhop is a nice gesture. You can offer a tip of ¥5-30 in total depending on the level of service and the upscale nature of the establishment. Hand the tip directly to the porter or bellhop as a sign of gratitude.
Tipping Housekeeping
Tipping housekeeping is not expected in China. Instead, you can express your appreciation by keeping your room tidy and respecting the hotel's rules and regulations.
Tipping Tour Guides
When you're on a guided tour in China it's customary to tip the tour guide around 10% of the tour cost, provided you're satisfied with the service. You can give the tip directly to the guide at the end of the tour.
Tipping In Tea Houses
Tipping is not expected when you visit a traditional tea house in China. However, it is considered a friendly gesture to round up the bill if you’re satisfied.
Which Currency To Use
In China it’s better to tip in the local currency the Chinese Yuan (¥), also known as the Renminbi (RMB). Other currencies like the US Dollar ($) are only likely to be accepted in large hotels in the big cities. Cash is widely accepted and is the preferred method of tipping so make sure you keep some small coins and bills on you at all times.
"路平安" or “Yīlù píng'ān” (Have a safe journey) 🇨🇳🏯🐉
