Tipping in Thailand
Tipping in Thailand is optional but appreciated, especially in tourist areas like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and the islands. Thai culture didn't traditionally include tipping, and in local markets and street-food stalls it still doesn't — but in hotels, spas and tourist restaurants small tips are now common and make a real difference to workers' modest wages.
Usual: 0–10%
Short answer
In Thailand, tipping isn't required but is common in tourist areas: leave up to 10% or round up at restaurants (nothing extra if a 10% service charge is on the bill), THB 50–100 after a massage, THB 20–50 for porters and housekeeping, and round up taxi fares.
Open the tip calculator for this countryRestaurants
At tourist and upscale restaurants, leave up to 10% or round up to the nearest THB 20–100. Many hotel and upscale restaurants show prices with "++", meaning a 10% service charge plus 7% VAT will be added; if the service charge is on the bill, no further tip is expected, though a few coins for your server are a kind gesture. At local restaurants, leaving your small change (THB 10–20) is common. Street-food vendors don't expect tips.
Hotels
Tip porters THB 20–50 per bag and leave THB 20–50 per night for housekeeping (THB 50–100 at luxury resorts). A concierge who arranges tours or transport might get THB 100–200. At resorts, small tips for pool and beach staff (THB 20–50) are appreciated.
Taxis & Transport
In Bangkok, insist on the meter in metered taxis and round up to the nearest THB 5–10 (e.g. THB 87 → 90 or 100). For tuk-tuks and taxis without a meter, agree the price before getting in; that price usually includes everything. Grab and Bolt are widely used and allow optional in-app tips. Add THB 20–50 for help with luggage or a long wait.
Tours, spas, cafés & more
Massage: tip THB 50–100 for a one-hour street-side massage (typically THB 300–500) and THB 100–200 at hotel spas, handed directly to your therapist. Tour guides: THB 100–300 per person per day for group tours, more for private guides; drivers THB 100–200. Diving and boat crews: often a tip box shared by the crew — THB 100–300 per person. Bars: small change or round up. Food delivery (Grab, LINE MAN): optional THB 10–20. Hairdressers: round up.
Common practice
In tourist areas, up to 10% at restaurants and small amounts for hotel and spa staff are the norm. In local settings, tipping isn't expected but is always appreciated.
Typical examples
A THB 500 restaurant bill: leave THB 20–50 (about $0.60–1.50 or £0.50–1.20 — exchange rates fluctuate). A THB 1,200 dinner with 10% service charge: no tip needed, or leave small change. A one-hour massage for THB 400: tip THB 50–100. A THB 87 taxi ride: pay THB 100.
Helpful note
Hand tips over discreetly with a smile and a "khop khun krap/ka" (thank you). Avoid touching people's heads and don't make a show of handing over money.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip in Thailand?
It isn't required, but it's common in tourist areas: up to 10% at restaurants, THB 50–100 for a massage and small amounts for hotel staff.
How much do you tip for a massage in Thailand?
About THB 50–100 for a one-hour massage at a local shop and THB 100–200 at a hotel spa, given directly to the therapist.
What does ++ mean on a Thai menu?
Prices with "++" exclude a 10% service charge and 7% VAT, which are added to the bill. If the service charge is included, no tip is needed.
Do you tip taxi or Grab drivers in Thailand?
Not necessarily. Round up taxi fares to the nearest THB 5–10 or 100; Grab tips are optional.