Tipping, Bargaining and Everyday Cash Etiquette in Phuket

Tipping: the short version

Tipping is not compulsory, but small tips are welcome in tourist areas. Guides generally say there is no expectation at street food stalls, markets, convenience stores or fast-food counters, and some warn that leaving money in those places can confuse people. Many hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants add a service charge of about 10 percent, so check the bill before adding more.

Cash is the usual way to tip. One guide notes that card terminals in Thai restaurants do not offer a tip field, so you pay by card and leave notes on the tray.

Typical amounts

• Restaurants without a service charge: rounding up or leaving small change is polite, and some guides suggest 10 percent at sit-down places and more at fine dining.
• Taxis and Grab: pay the metered fare or app price and round up, or add about 20 to 50 baht for good service. You do not need to tip when the price was negotiated in advance.
• Massage and spas: guides suggest roughly 50 to 100 baht at local shops and 100 to 200 baht at day spas. See the massage guide.
• Hotel porters and housekeeping: 20 to 50 baht is a common gesture.
• Guides and drivers on tours: guides quote 300 to 550 baht a day for a guide and 100 to 300 baht for a driver.

Wage levels are low, so a small tip means more than it looks, but over-tipping is not expected and can distort local prices.

Bargaining

Bargaining is normal in markets, with small shop owners and for services such as tours, tuk-tuks and some accommodation. One guide suggests starting about 30 to 40 percent below the first price and negotiating with a smile. Fixed prices apply in malls, chain stores, convenience stores, restaurants, food stalls and ride-hailing apps.

Be polite, do not bargain for something you do not intend to buy, and walk away calmly if the price is not right. For metered taxis, insist on the meter or agree the fare first. The getting around guide and the scams guide cover this.

Everyday cash habits

• Carry small notes. Many vendors cannot change 1,000 baht notes early in the day.
• Cards work in malls, hotels and many restaurants, but markets and small shops mostly want cash. See the money and banking guides.
• Check your change and the bill, especially where menus lack prices.
• Pay shops and drivers with your right hand or both hands, and keep your voice calm if there is a disagreement. The etiquette guide explains more.