Tips.when And When Not To

[JohnGotti]

i didn't even know Europeans visited America. do they walk around taking pictures of fat people all day?

[midasthailand]

Surely tipping has to be based on how the locals tip? And basically they don't!

Having said that, in a hotel or tourist establishment you can guarantee that wages will be incredibly low (even by Thai standards), assuming that the wage will be earned in tips.

If the establishment is also used by Thais its a different situation. Leave a large tip and unfortunately they won't think you're generous, they will think 'you're stupid farang'.

That's not to say you shouldn't tip - just don't go over the top, and yes - coins in change for most services or 50 baht for a massage is perfectly acceptable.

p.s. Yes, like everyone else, I used to tip far too much when I first came here. I eventually learned that it did not result in better service next time, they just thought I was stupid!

ALL the Thais I know tip! It seems to me that they are not that different to us, the less money they have the more generous with the tip they are because they identify with the position of the tip receiver (the Tipee?). I am by no means wealthy, I tip every taxi driver about 20 Baht, normally in bars 40 Baht and a similar sum in restaurants.

[JohnGotti]

you guys are tipping 20 baht on a shopping center haircut, that costs what? when it comes to haircuts and regular massages, that cost 300-600 baht, i would think that the logical tipping amount would start at around 100 baht. 20 baht kinda sounds like ur making fun of them. here is a 3% tip.

What's wrong with making fun of people?

Isn't it better for you, as a businessman/fellow human being fighting for his share of natural resources, that they didn't? No need to rub salt into the wound... but, I guess their facial expression might be sorta funny.

For those who are needlessly sensitive (undoubtedly a non-natural selection trait when it comes to hunting and gathering), maybe. It's motivational for those who will eventually rise above this type of work. I know it was for me, I tended bar in college. Whether those tips were a quarter or $5, they ended up in the same bank account... are still in there somewhere to this day.

yeah, yeah, yeah. i never went to college, never worked a job for anyone else, and i am still holding money from my 13th birthday. a very nice young lady i met the other night rose above that type of work. she made about 200 of those 20 baht tips (minus the house's take) for 15 minutes of actual work (which she thoroughly enjoyed).

bacatchya ----->

Edited May 12, 2009 by JohnGotti

[canuckamuck]

Oh, and in Europe i believe the actually pay a minimum wage to servers and they get tipped on top of that. In the US at my place, be it legal or not, on top of tips i get $15 for a lunch shift and $20 for dinner shift, if you consider that a actual "wage"

There it is, The reason for tip inflation. Restaurateurs no longer pay their wait staff in the states. The American sheeple have no problem with this?

But how can you show your appreciation for good servic now? pay a 30% tip?

I imagine if some rebellious owner started a no tip policy restaurant and paid a high wage, he would do quite fine even with high priced menu items.

Of course it would get burned down by the socialists.

[Heng]

yeah, yeah, yeah. i never went to college, never worked a job for anyone else, and i am still holding money from my 13th birthday. a very nice young lady i met the other night rose above that type of work. she made about 200 of those 20 baht tips (minus the house's take) for 15 minutes of actual work (which she thoroughly enjoyed).

bacatchya ----->

Are you my 13 year old nephew by any chance?

15 minutes? She should have tipped you!

:D

[t.s]

Canadaians are not a good sourc for tippinfo. Their culture is just like thais, they dont! Well known fact in america btw, i not making this up.

utterly fallacious. were canadians not tippers, i would not have a university education.

[ihunnieibee]

Sorry about going on about tipping in America as it really has nothing to do with tipping in Thailand.

Tipping in Thailand is now becoming more and more noticable but when it comes down to it, you don't have to tip ..as it isnt really custom. (Maybe they might expect it because you are a farang tho...)

BUT I feel that when you do something good for someone it'll come back to you. So if someone treats you well with good service then it would be nice to give them a little something extra.

[PoorSucker]

When a take a taxi here on Samui and must pay 500 baht for a 2km drive I always pay 100 baht in tip.

[lioness]

EvilDr, actually in the USA auto service charges are rarely added except for very large parties and then it is more than 10 percent. Not an American custom at all! The American custom is that you are culturally expected (STRONGLY) to tip between 15 and 20 percent of the tab. 15 percent is considered mean. 10 percent is acceptable if the service is terrible only and the server thinks that too. Failing to tip can result in angry confrontations with waiters and body substances in your food if you dare ever return. That said, I agree the American influence in tipping is a bad thing.

I would have to say you're so right about that, I'm a waitress in NYC, Last night, there were two people that ate $58.46 (or some change) and they gave me $60...and walked off...I was so mad...esp when I knew that I gave them good service!! The norm in our rest. is 20% I work in a high end neighborhood. They went to sit in the bar and I gave them their $1 and some change and told them they forgot something and didnt wait for a reply. Everytime we get bad tipping customers we always remember their faces. When they return some people may just give them lousy service or other people with scowl at them...etc

I also believe that tipping should be based on service, not on the food, the person serving you isnt the one cooking for you, something some of you should keep in mind. If you don't like something, it's better to speak up and say something about it so the problem can be resolved and they can make you happy, instead of just pretending that everything is great and then you have to buy another meal later. (This may or may not work in thailand, as I know thai people sometimes have a hard time speaking whats on their mind...)

Some people prob give better tips because they feel that these people get paid really crappy and a few extra baht might make their day. I know it makes my day when people tip me extra. =P

You got so mad because... Are you not paid a wage to work as a waitress? I would assume so, If you did not give good service you would probably not have the job so why do you automatically think it is your god given right to have a substantial tip. Unbelievable.

[doggie888888]

I always thought tipping is at the sole discretion of the customer. I tip when I feel the service received was above average or when I feel the service provider has gone to great lengths to earn it.

I do not tip becasue that's what is expected at the classy venue, or my friends expect me to or even to a lesser extent, the service staff themselves are expecting it without earning it. Sure if they deserve it, I will tip from the min 10% to much more for extraordinary service...again at my sole discretion and I realy don't care what other people think of the quantum or the fact that I may not tip after receiving very bad service. To be affected by what other people think, as a criterion for tipping, is akin to "saving face", which apparently most expats claim they do not practice!

[IraqRon]

When a take a taxi here on Samui and must pay 500 baht for a 2km drive I always pay 100 baht in tip.

Thanks for the warning, I can scatch Samui off my to do list!!! By the way, do you tip out of fear or generosity or what?? 500 baht for 2 km, ridiculous. This must be a wind up.

[PoorSucker]

When a take a taxi here on Samui and must pay 500 baht for a 2km drive I always pay 100 baht in tip.

Thanks for the warning, I can scatch Samui off my to do list!!! By the way, do you tip out of fear or generosity or what?? 500 baht for 2 km, ridiculous. This must be a wind up.

Welcome to Samui.

We expats boycott the taxis.

Another example was the taxi driver who wanted 500 baht extra to open the trunk at the airport.

The plane was leaving and the taxi driver exploits it.

Ps

The tipping part was irony.

Ds

Edited May 12, 2009 by PoorSucker

[Birdman]

When a take a taxi here on Samui and must pay 500 baht for a 2km drive I always pay 100 baht in tip.

Thanks for the warning, I can scatch Samui off my to do list!!! By the way, do you tip out of fear or generosity or what?? 500 baht for 2 km, ridiculous. This must be a wind up.

There are also many local taxis charging 60 THB for 25 kms.

[ihunnieibee]

lioness - Believe it.

Assume that people get paid??? You should check out my other post, stating that where i work i do not make a hourly wage, I make a shift pay of $15 for lunch and $20 for dinner, that would average lets say...$2 and some change per hour at lunch and $2 (or less) at dinner depending on how late I have to stay...

Cheap people get no sympathy from me, they won't give u a different price because of your skin color or national origin in USA to eat out but a tip is unbelieveable to expect??

I would much rather give a 20% tip for good service instead of being charged a 100% mark up..."farang pricing" and bad service to go along with that...

Edited May 12, 2009 by ihunnieibee

[Jingthing]

Of course the tipping culture in the US vs. Thailand are totally different. I favor conforming to the tipping culture of where you are. European tourists who visit the US and claim ignorance are mostly liars. In the US, you MUST tip. Period. But you are not required to tip 20 percent, 15 is acceptable.

Thailand is totally different. Viva la difference.

Here you really can judge each case in a situational way, and if you really don't want to, you don't have to tip even one baht.

Cheers.

[new2bangkok]

I always tip around 10 to 15%, with a minimum of 20 baht. Why? Because i can afford it and i like to make people happy who only earn 100 baht /day. Besides that you will receive better service the next time.

For example when i stay in a hotel for one week, i always give the roommaid 400 baht. That way i can always be sure that my room is cleaned before i return from breakfast and i can ask for a favor if i need something.

The only problem i encoutered with tipping is some people will see you as a walking wallet, and sometimes even beg for a bit more.

[Birdman]

It was not usual to tip at petrol stations. But now people tip there as well and I too have started to give some Bahts to the boys. It's a bad, unhealthy, low paid work indeed.

[Jingthing]

The only problem i encoutered with tipping is some people will see you as a walking wallet, and sometimes even beg for a bit more.

That should be a hint to you. People in Thailand do not RESPECT you for throwing your money around foolishly ...

Edited May 12, 2009 by Jingthing

[micky44]

when in thailand do as the thais do!!! nothing, the thai wife wont leave 1 bhat.

[Jingthing]

The mini-convenience store in my farang heavy condo now has a tip jar!!! For what? For ringing up a beer? Where do you think they got that bright idea?

[new2bangkok]

The only problem i encoutered with tipping is some people will see you as a walking wallet, and sometimes even beg for a bit more.

That should be a hint to you. People in Thailand do not RESPECT you for throwing your money around foolishly ...

I know. People who beg for more will never get a tip from me again.

But is tipping really foolishly? I just try to do good in one way or another. Most people really appreciate it and never dare to ask me for more. I just feel bad knowing a roommaid works her ass off for only 5k/month, especially when i compare it with my earnings...

Maybe i'm just being naive, time will tell.

[Neeranam]

I know. People who beg for more will never get a tip from me again.

Her's a tip - if you gie them a tip and they ask for more, take out a large bill and tell them to give you the original tip back - don't give the larger bill and them to **** off. I've done this to golf caddies a couple of times.

[Heng]

It's not a question of respect. Tipping gets you better service.

[canuckamuck]

It's not a question of respect. Tipping gets you better service.

I agree with that, however when the tip is expected, it cancels out the need the provide good service.

[geeky]

EvilDr, actually in the USA auto service charges are rarely added except for very large parties and then it is more than 10 percent. Not an American custom at all! The American custom is that you are culturally expected (STRONGLY) to tip between 15 and 20 percent of the tab. 15 percent is considered mean. 10 percent is acceptable if the service is terrible only and the server thinks that too. Failing to tip can result in angry confrontations with waiters and body substances in your food if you dare ever return. That said, I agree the American influence in tipping is a bad thing.

I would have to say you're so right about that, I'm a waitress in NYC, Last night, there were two people that ate $58.46 (or some change) and they gave me $60...and walked off...I was so mad...esp when I knew that I gave them good service!! The norm in our rest. is 20% I work in a high end neighborhood. They went to sit in the bar and I gave them their $1 and some change and told them they forgot something and didnt wait for a reply. Everytime we get bad tipping customers we always remember their faces. When they return some people may just give them lousy service or other people with scowl at them...etc

please, let me know where you work, I would love to come by and not tip you, just to piss you off, tips are voluntarily; if you don't like your wages; complain to your boss, don't take it out on the clients, after all; they do pay your wages! you ungrateful B!

[new2bangkok]

I know. People who beg for more will never get a tip from me again.

Her's a tip - if you gie them a tip and they ask for more, take out a large bill and tell them to give you the original tip back - don't give the larger bill and them to **** off. I've done this to golf caddies a couple of times.

Lol, i've to remember that one. Will try it the next time they beg for more haha.

That person will "lose face" in public, as i've heared that very important to Thai people. Watch out, maybe you'll be clubbed to death next time.

[JohnGotti]

I just feel bad knowing a roommaid works her ass off for only 5k/month, especially when i compare it with my earnings...

Maybe i'm just being naive, time will tell.

Tipping, and doing things for others, be it holding a door open or smiling, makes you feel better about yourself. That's human nature.

I also tip for jobs that I feel are very hard and pay very little. Like, I will tip the furniture delivery guys 100 baht each when they are covered in sweat and I think to myself how I would rather jump off the balcony than have just dragged that 50,000 baht couch up to some rich guys condo knowing I have to go home to an apartment the size of his bathtub. Now, I know construction workers only make 150 baht for an entire days work, but what do I care? Life is a party. So they either think, 'Wow, what a nice guy' or they think 'Wow, lets get drunk with this dumb farang's money'... Either way they are happy so who cares?... And maybe they will decide to rob the other guy's condo who didn't tip instead of mine.

Mostly, you should just do what you think is right. No reason to compare yourself to others and rationalize your actions.

[Heng]

It's not a question of respect. Tipping gets you better service.

I agree with that, however when the tip is expected, it cancels out the need the provide good service.

Yeah, for someone else. But why should that matter to the tipper?

I think the anti-tipping crowd (the tip inflation theorists) just have sour grapes that some folks choose to create their own deluxe economy, business class, and first class world's here on the ground in as many aspects of their lives as they can.

[Birdman]

Tips not only privileges you to a better service, but it is a good way to a better social inter human relationship with other human beings considering the relation to what is proper to give for what service.

It's easy to announce to be an orthodox anti tipper. Reasons are many. Some even use superficial knowledge of the Thai culture as a handy alibi pretext to hide the, maybe unknown to themself, reality, which is being a skinflint.

If one's small budget forces to save here and there, give only a proper tip, when you feel you want it. Don't care something else.

If money is no matter, still be smart and tip in relation to circumstances. Never ever tip too much. That will clearly mislead.

[canuckamuck]

It's not a question of respect. Tipping gets you better service.

I agree with that, however when the tip is expected, it cancels out the need the provide good service.

Yeah, for someone else. But why should that matter to the tipper?

I think the anti-tipping crowd (the tip inflation theorists) just have sour grapes that some folks choose to create their own deluxe economy, business class, and first class world's here on the ground in as many aspects of their lives as they can.

No Heng you didn't understand what I meant. How can a tip get you better service if it is already expected. No leverage you see.

As for the rest of what you said. huh?

Edited May 12, 2009 by canuckamuck