Tipping in China: Tipping When Joining a China Tour
Whom to tip and how much should I tip in China?
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| Quality service deserves a good tip |
In recognition of the good service, tipping waiters and maids in high-end western restaurants, guides and drivers from an organized tour group, as well as bellhops in hotels who take your luggage to the room has become gradually accepted as common practice in China as elsewhere in the world. Tipping in high-end restaurants is mandatory; the tips, about 10 to 15% of the total cost, are usually included in the bill.
If you are joining a tour group, the tips for tour guides and drivers are to be shared by all the group members. The more the group members, the less you will need to pay. As to how much to tip the guide, you may refer to the below chart. Drivers also get tipped, but about half per day as a guide depending on the amount of driving required.
| Tour Group Size | China Tour Guide Tipping per Day |
|---|---|
| 1pax | 100 RMB |
| 2pax | 120 RMB |
| 3-4pax | 150 RMB |
| 5-6pax | 200 RMB |
| 7-9pax | 250 RMB |
| 10+pax | 300 RMB |
For tipping in China hotel to bellboys, 10 - 30 RMB (1 - 5 US dollars) may be appropriated. Remember that it is not necessary to tip when taking a taxi, hiring a car, or dining in roadside eateries, snack stalls or even quality Chinese restaurants. Sometimes the bill in quality Chinese restaurants may have already included about 5% - 15% service charge. Tipping luggage porters at airport or railway station is also unnecessary.
FAQs on Tipping in China When Joining a Tour
1. Shall I tip the tour guide and the driver separately or give all the tips to the tour guide?
It’s recommended to tip the tour guide and the driver separately. Tipping the guides and the drivers of an organized tour is now frequently done in China to express tourists’ gratitude to their services. By tipping separately, you can extend your thanks to both the driver and the guide in person. Also, tipping separately can avoid any misunderstanding between the guide and the driver, better than asking the tour guide to transfer the tips to the driver.
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| Our travel consultant with guests |
2. Shall I tip the tour guide and the driver every day or at the end of the tour in each city? In most cases, one can tip the tour guide and the driver at the end of the tour in each city. This can save troubles compared with tipping every day. The tour guide and the driver are usually based locally and do not move on with tourists from one city to another, therefore, it’s necessary to tip at the end of the tour in each city. 3. Do I always have to tip in China Yuan? Are US dollars accepted? You can either tip in Chinese Yuan or US dollars. Both are welcome. Besides, another way in which you can express your appreciation of service from your tour guide or the driver, is a small gift such as foreign cigarettes, wine, candies, hats or T-shirts, even a lipstick or nail polish. Small gifts or spare change left in the room for maids is also appreciated. 4. Can I include tip into the tour price when I book it with the China tour operator? No, you cannot. The quotation offered by China tour operators usually does not include the tips for tour guides and drivers. If you are satisfied with their services, you should tip them yourself.Please visit our China Tours to select your favorite itinerary.