When it comes to tipping in Bali, there is a lot of confusion out there on the subject. So many questions. Do you tip in Bali? If so, how much should you tip?
If you’re coming from the US, Europe or other countries where it is customary to tip as much as 10-20% for all services rendered then you’re going to want to pay attention to this article so you’ll be up to speed about tipping in Bali.
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Is it Customary to Tip in Bali?
First off, Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia known for its gorgeous beaches, surfing, vibrant nightlife and stunning landscapes. It’s a place that is often on the bucket list of many travelers from all over the world.
But, one of my favorite things about Bali is the friendly locals. The Balinese people are some of the nicest, most helpful and hospitable people I’ve ever met while traveling.
With that being said, it is NOT customary to tip in Bali.
You’re not going to find too many locals running around asking for tips like you would in other parts of the world such as Europe or the United States.
However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t tip if you received great service. It’s always appreciated, but not expected.
How Much Should You Tip in Bali?
So, now that we’ve answered the question of whether or not to tip in Bali, let’s talk about how much you should tip if you decide to do so.
As I mentioned earlier, tipping is not customary in Bali and you will not find too many locals asking for tips. However, if you received great service and would like to show your appreciation, a small tip is always appreciated.
Let’s talk specifics about how much to tip service providers if you decide to do so.
Tipping in Bali: Massage or Spa
One of the most popular activities in Bali is to head to the spa for a relaxing treatment or massage. Especially after a long flight over or after a busy day exploring this beautiful island.
Bali is well known for its tranquil spas and generous offerings of body treatments. If you decide to indulge in a massage or other spa service while in Bali, it is not customary to tip the service provider. Most of the larger spas will already have a service charge (usually 10%) added to the bill.
However, if a service charge is not added in and/or you would like to show your appreciation feel free to leave a little extra for their effort. If I find myself in this situation I will usually leave a 10-20% tip. It is almost always received with surprise and not expectation.
Keep in mind that most massages and spa treatments in Bali are very reasonably priced, to begin with, so you’re not going to be breaking the bank for these services.
Tipping in Bali: Hotel
Tipping at your hotel or other accommodation in Bali is not required or expected especially since there is nearly always a service charge added to your bill to cover these services. But, if you received exemplary service and would like to show your appreciation, a small tip is always appreciated.
I generally don’t leave tips for day-to-day services such as housekeeping but if they go above and beyond then I will leave a few extra dollars. For example, if they bring extra towels or anything else that I request without any hesitation then I will leave a tip.
The same goes for the concierge staff or anyone else at the hotel who goes out of their way to help me with anything I need during my stay. A small tip is always appreciated but not expected.
Tipping in Bali: Driver
It is pretty common to hire a private driver to take you around Bali for a day or a half day. This is one situation in which I almost always give a little extra at the end of the service. Not a lot, usually about 50,000 or 100,000, equivalent to $3-6 dollars.
Also, for full-day trips, I will often offer to pay for their lunch or buy them a snack or a drink just to show appreciation for their effort. Sometimes they accept sometimes they don’t but these gestures often go a long way to enhance the experience for everyone.
Tipping in Bali: Tour Guide
I treat tipping the tour guides very similarly to the way I would a driver. Depending on the length of the tour and the services rendered I usually tip accordingly.
It is not uncommon to have “tour guides” available at the waterfalls and other attractions to help show you around. We are very much do-it-yourself type adventurers and usually don’t accept a guide unless it is required like at Aling Aling Waterfall. In this case we usually tip a couple of dollars if they do help to add something to our experience.
Tipping in Bali: Restaurant
When eating at restaurants there will likely be an additional service charge added to the bill and in this case, there is no need to leave a tip. But, if you feel like the service was above and beyond then for sure leave a little extra if you like. Not necessary to leave much, I usually will leave my smaller bills (like 5,000, 10,000, or 20,000) if I have them. Usually equates to about a dollar.
The smaller local warungs and cafes usually don’t have a service charge added in so I usually will tip a little extra to show that I appreciate their food and service. Even if you just do a keep-the-change thing it will go a long way and if you ever go back you are likely to receive a little extra care.
Just remember that tipping is not expected and no one will come chasing you down if you don’t leave a tip.
Final Thoughts: Tipping in Bali
When it comes to tipping in Bali, the general rule of thumb is that if a service charge hasn’t been added, feel free to leave a little extra for good service. However, you should note that most massages and spa treatments here are already reasonably priced, so you’re not going to be breaking the bank.
Keep in mind that hotel staff – such as housekeepers or concierge – usually don’t expect tips, but they will certainly appreciate them if you decide to give them some extra cash.
Drivers and tour guides are also usually happy with a small tip at the end of the service.
Restaurants in Bali typically add a service charge to your bill, so no additional tipping is necessary. However, if the service was exceptional, feel free to leave a little extra money.
=>In short: tipping is not obligatory in Bali but it’s always nice to show your appreciation for good service with a token of gratitude.
FAQ: Tipping in Bali
Is it customary to tip in Bali?
No, it is not customary to tip in Bali. However, it’s always appreciated when you show your gratitude with a little extra money. Keep in mind that no one will come chasing you down if you don’t leave a tip, but it’s always nice to show your appreciation for good service with a token of gratitude.
Do you tip at restaurants in Bali?
Tipping is not obligatory at Bali restaurants, as most of them add a service charge to the bill. However, if the service was exceptional, feel free to leave a little extra to show how much you appreciated their service.
How much do you tip villa staff in Bali?
There is typically a service charge of around 10% already added to the total bill. So it is not necessary but, if you are happy with the service, you can certainly leave a little extra.
Sometimes with villas, there is not an additional service charge added in. In this case, if the service was great I usually will leave 50,000 or 100,000. It is also a good idea to ask the villa owner what is expected as far as gratuity for the staff.
How much do you tip a porter in Bali?
Again, it’s not expected but if you have lot of luggage or they go above and beyond I will often tip around 10,000 – 50,000 IDR (which is about $1-3 USD).
Just remember that tipping is not obligatory, so don’t feel like you have to give them anything if you can’t afford it or if you feel like they didn’t do a good job.
How much do you tip a hairstylist or barber in Bali?
Check to see if there is a service charge already added to the final bill. If not or you want to leave a little extra go for it! I really care about my hair and go to the same hairstylist over and over. I typically leave an extra 10-15%.
Barbers in Bali typically charge around 100,000 IDR (which is about $6.50 USD) for a haircut. So, if you’re happy with the service, leave an extra 20,000 or 25,000.
Do you tip a delivery driver in Bali?
If you’re familiar at all with Indonesia then you probably know all about GoJek and Grab delivery services. If not, you need to know that GoJek and Grab can deliver food or other items directly to your door and are usually fast!
The apps that you use will have the option to leave a little tip at the end or you can give them some cash. If the service was good and everything arrives quickly and as it should I will typically give an extra 2-5,000 tip which is less than 50 cents. But, they don’t expect it but you will make their day and reward them for a job well done!
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