Should I Tip the Driver or the Waitress in Thailand?

Table of Contents

• When you could tip
• When you should not tip
• Conclusion

Whilst it’s not common practice to tip in Thailand, the act of tipping is seen as a kind gesture. If you’ve ever tipped the taxi driver, or the waitress you’ll often see their faces light up. Thais will graciously accept and say “thank you” (Kob Khun Krup/Ka – ขอบคุณ ครับ/คะ) accompanied with a Wai (ไหว้) gesture.

When you could tip

It really is a novelty: For most Thai workers, they do not expect to be tipped. It’s just not part of the culture, and it’s usually taken as a very nice surprise.

It’s not a lot of money: If your taxi ride is 80฿, and you give the drive a 100฿ note. If you tell the him/her to “keep the change” (Mai Dong Ton Kurb/Ka – ไม่ต้องทอน ครับ/คะ). You’ll see the Driver will feel so grateful, and it only cost you 20฿ to make someone’s day. (If you want to know more about Thai Money then follow the link to our blog on the topic)

To show your appreciation: Everyone works hard, but in Thailand, the heat and poor facilities, can make it extra tough. So when someone is providing service above and beyond what their peers are providing, tipping is a way to show your appreciation. And it will encourage them to provide the above average service again.

When you should not tip

If they are over charging you: Sometimes you’ll be unlucky and to run into people trying to make a little extra by over charging. These types of people need to be discourage, so it’s best to not tip them. Better yet, not accept their services at all.

If the service was bad: If so, you do not need to tip or leave any change at all. Thai’s do not expect you to tip anyway. So, in cases where you find poor quality service you should absolutely NOT tip.

If you do not feel like it: At all times, it is not expected for you to tip. So feel free to not do so and do not feel weird or any guilt over it.

Conclusion

Whilst it’s not customary to tip in Thailand, it’s always a nice way to make someones day. And if you find the service particularly well delivered then encouraging that person can be done effectively by giving them a tip, they’ll be delighted to receive it.