Tipping In Singapore - A Complete Guide
Quick Guide
🍽️ Restaurant - 5-10% If No Service Charge
🍹 Bar - Not Expected - Can Round Up
🚕 Taxi - Not Expected - Can Round Up
🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - S$1-2/Bag Appreciated
🛏️ Housekeeping - S$2-5/Day Appreciated
📸 Tour Guide - S$5-10/Day Appreciated
✈️ Airport Staff - Cannot Accept Tips
Tipping is not deeply ingrained in Singaporean culture. Most establishments add mandatory service charges so tipping is rare unless you’re in some specific situations. When you do tip, you should be discreet and use cash.
Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for Singapore using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in Restaurants, Bars, Taxis, Hotels etc.
Singapore Tip Calculator
Good Price For Singapore
Tip
$0.00
Total With Tip
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Tipping in Restaurants
Hardly anyone tips in Singapore due to the inclusion of non-optional service charges in most sit-down restaurants.
In the rare case there’s no service charge, you can tip nothing or 5-10% for good service. Since many locals are concerned about the import of Western tipping culture, sometimes it’s best to play it safe and avoid it completely.
If you do want to leave a tip, use cash and hand it your server directly but discreetly. Don’t leave it on the table.
Tipping in Bars
You’re not expected to tip in Singaporean bars. However, you can round up your tab to make things easy.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
If you’re relying on Taxis, Grab or Gojek to get around Singapore, you’ll be happy to know that tips aren’t expected.
However, it is a common practice to round up your fare. Especially if your driver has gone above and beyond by carrying your luggage, opening your door or providing you with some local recommendations. In that case, just tell your driver to keep the change.
Tipping The Porter/Bellhop
Hotel porters are used to getting tips in the region of S$1-2 per bag, depending on the weight of your luggage and the number of bags. Hand the tip directly to the porter but, again, be discreet.
Tipping Housekeeping
A S$2-5 tip per day will be appreciated by your hotel housekeeper. Leave the tip in an envelope on your pillow or they won’t know it’s for them.
Tipping Tour Guides
Given tour guides often interact with visitors from countries with diverse tipping customs, they’re more accustomed to receiving a wide range of tips. Everything from nothing to 20% and above.
That being said, a tip of S$5-10 is considered standard if your tour has been particularly enjoyable.
Tip your guide directly at the end of the tour and be discreet as always.
Don't Tip Changi Airport Staff
Changi Airport staff can’t accept tips by law. Instead, express your appreciation with a simple “thank you” or “terima kasih".
Which Currency To Use
In Singapore you’ll need to use the official currency, the Singapore Dollar (SGD). International currencies like US Dollars and British Pounds are only accepted in some airports and hotels so you’ll need to buy SGD before your trip or use an appropriate card to pay.
"Selamat perjalanan!" - Have a great trip! 🇸🇬 🌆 ✨
