Travel tips for China: Everything about 'tips'

Newcomers to China often wonder, 'Is tipping necessary here?' As a country where tipping is not a common practice, understanding local service customs can make your trip smoother. Here's a practical guide to help you navigate:

1. Tipping culture in China: Not customary, but respect is key

Basic understanding:

In China, tipping is not a traditional practice and is not mandatory in the service industry. Whether it's restaurants, hotels, taxis, or tourist attractions, in most cases, service charges are already included in the bill (for example, high-end hotels may charge 10%-15% service fees), so there's no need to tip additionally.

The service staff's 'refusal' may:

Directly handing out tips might confuse or embarrass the recipient, especially in ordinary restaurants, street food stalls, public transportation (such as subways, buses), etc., where refusing tips is quite common.

2. When can you 'tip proactively'?

Although not required, in the following situations, tipping may be seen as a thoughtful gesture (adjust based on actual circumstances):

High-end hotels / resorts:

If the bellboy helps with your luggage or the housekeeping staff provides extra assistance, you can give 10-20 RMB as a thank you (leave it on the nightstand or hand it over directly, along with a 'thank you').

Private tour guides / car rental drivers:

If the service is particularly attentive (such as customizing routes, detailed explanations, taking photos), you can give a tip of 50-200 RMB based on the length of the trip to show your appreciation (confirm beforehand if the recipient accepts tips to avoid putting them in an awkward position).

Foreign employee-dominated places:

Some international chain restaurants, Western restaurants, or foreign-funded service institutions may be accustomed to tipping, and you can pay around 5%-10% of the bill amount (if there's no clear indication, you can ignore it).

3. More important than tips: These actions are warmer

Polite expressions: A 'thank you' (xiè xie) or 'trouble you' (má fan nǐ le) can better demonstrate respect, especially in street-side shops, family restaurants, etc.

Timely feedback: If you are particularly satisfied with the service, you can directly praise the staff or their superiors (e.g., 'The food at this restaurant is delicious, and the waiters are very enthusiastic!'), which is more precious to them.

Follow rules: Queuing at tourist sites, keeping quiet in public places, and protecting the environment are themselves the greatest support for service staff.

4. Note: Don't insist on tipping in these situations!

❌ Don't leave a tip forcefully in ordinary restaurants; the server may chase you to return it;

❌ Avoid using 'tips' to express apologies (such as for being late, changing orders, etc.); Chinese service staff prefer direct communication;

❌ When giving tips, suggest being 'discreet', such as placing it in the bill or handing it over gently, to avoid making other guests or staff uncomfortable.

Enjoy the services smoothly, sincerity is respect

China's service culture emphasizes 'enthusiastic and considerate' rather than 'tip-driven'. There's no need to overthink 'should I tip?', naturally expressing gratitude and experiencing local customs in a respectful way is the best travel attitude. If you encounter uncertain situations, smile and ask, 'Do I need to tip?' (xū yào gěi xiǎo fèi ma?), locals will be happy to answer!