Expats’ Guide: Tipping Etiquette in the Philippines

Ah, tipping. Most countries have a culture of giving monetary tips. It’s usually 15-20% of what you pay for, and is given to cab drivers, waiters, bell hops, hotel maids, bartenders, or anyone who renders you any kind of service.

Photo grabbed from quotesgram.com

It’s more common in other countries, but not so much in the Philippines, as most establishments already include a 10% service fee in your bill. Giving a tip here is viewed as a sign of goodwill when you do give them out, especially if that person gave you excellent service. It also works both ways. If you don’t get the service you pay for, you can opt not to give a tip. Be it a waiter, a barber, or masseuse, any service worker who receives one greatly appreciates the gesture.

If you want to give out tips, yet are unsure of how much to give, here are a few tips for you (pun intended):

• Cab drivers: Depending on the distance you travelled, the time you spend on the road, and how accommodating he/she was you can give them anywhere from P20 to P50.

• Hotels: Bell hops can be given at least a P20 tip (P50 or more if you’re feeling generous or if you asked them to carry a lot of bags), while hotel maids are usually given P20 – P50 per day.

• Restaurants: It’s uncommon to leave tips for restaurant service crews, since your bill will include a 10% service charge. However, if you’re feeling awfully generous (or if it’s not included in your bill for some reason), you can leave them the P20 or P50 bills from your change depending on your bill.

• Bars: Leaving the change or rounding up the bill is way to go for bars, as a 10% service charge is already included.

• Salons and spas: P20 – P50 is usually enough, though there are times when you can give more if you receive particularly excellent service.