Tipping in Thailand is a cultural practice that varies depending on the situation and location. Just like other parts of the world, tipping etiquette in Thailand is based on the quality of service received and the type of establishment. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this tradition.

For meals at restaurants, it’s customary to tip around 10% of the total bill. Exceptional service might earn a tip of up to 15%, which is considered very generous. However, be sure to review your bill; many high-end restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10% service charge. To know more, check out TripSavvy and Wise for detailed insights.

In popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, tipping is a common practice, especially for exceptional service. The average tipping rate in these areas is around 10%. However, in rural regions, tipping is less frequent. For a detailed guide on this, refer to GETTING STAMPED and Culture Trip.

If you indulge in a massage during your Thai adventure, it’s appropriate to tip the therapist. Generally, a tip of 10-15% of the treatment cost is expected. For instance, for a 100 Thai baht massage, a 10 Thai baht tip would be suitable for standard service. Learn more from Thailand Travel Essentials.

Tipping hotel maids is common in upscale hotels, often indicated by a tip envelope in your room. In 3-star hotels or below, tipping isn’t a standard practice. If there’s no envelope, the maid might not recognize the money as a tip.

In bustling Thai cities, particularly in touristy areas of Bangkok, finding a taxi driver who uses the meter can be challenging. If you encounter one, it’s a kind gesture to reward them with a small tip. For example, for a 61 baht ride, you might round up to 70 baht. For more on this, visit The Thailand Life and The Thaiger.

Lastly, while it’s not customary to tip at street stalls, it’s a good practice to leave a tip at high-street eateries. For instance, a 10 baht tip for every 100 baht spent is a good rule of thumb. Upscale Thai restaurants typically expect a minimum tip of 10% of the bill, especially if the service was excellent. Always hand the tip discreetly to the server. For more etiquette tips, check out My Five Acres.