In Thailand, it is significantly better to tip in cash (Thai Baht) rather than by card. Cash tips ensure the money goes directly to the staff, whereas tips added to card payments may be absorbed by the business, shared, or taxed. A ฿20–฿100 tip is appropriate, and small notes are highly appreciated.
20 baht is the typical gratuity for small services, if a tip is given at all. In a restaurant, just leave the small change unless you want to reward someone for an extra special service (and then put it directly in their hand).
Cash is still commonly used in Thailand, especially in more rural and remote areas. You'll be able to use a card in major cities, large hotels and restaurants and in touristy areas. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash on you for day-to-day spending.
Tipping in Thailand is not expected. Instead, a service charge will normally be added to your bill. The service charge will usually be declared on the menu if you're in a cafe or restaurant, for example, and is paid directly to the company rather than to an individual member of staff.
It's also acceptable to tip at the end of your stay, but leave a cash tip for the number of nights stayed, even if the housekeeping team was not able to clean your room due to hotel policy. The housekeepers should not be penalized because they are unable to provide service each day.
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Is it better to take English money to Thailand?
Taking cash & cards to Thailand
Western currencies can easily be changed all over the country. We recommend that you change some money into Baht on arrival and it is advisable to carry local currency in small denominations (20, 50 and 100 Baht notes) for tipping and the purchase of small items.
According to WPRO, an overweight person has a BMI of ≥ 23. An obese person has a BMI of ≥25. Obese male with a BMI of 52.8. Obesity levels have been on the rise in Thailand.
Just like in most countries around the world, it is considered rude to touch a stranger's head. It is also disrespectful to touch the head of a statue, especially a statue of Buddha. However, close friends and family members often touch each other's heads or hair, which is not considered rude.
And when tipping for spa services ranging from massages to facials you should expect to pay between 15-20% of the cost of services or more if you are very satisfied and feeling generous.
If you use tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis, the fare is usually agreed upon in advance and tipping is not required. In the case of tuk-tuks, they will almost certainly have added on a little 'tourist tax' when negotiating the fare with you and there is no need to feel guilty about not leaving a tip.
Whether you should buy baht in the UK before travelling to Thailand is a personal preference. A lot of people feel better prepared to have local currency in hand when they arrive in a new country. It's very simple to order currency online in the UK and have it delivered to your home or a local bureau de change.
Thailand's minimum cash rule requires tourists to show proof of funds for their stay, typically ฿20,000 per person or ฿40,000 per family, often in cash (Thai Baht or equivalent foreign currency like USD/EUR) Don't let a small miss ruin your international trip.
Where to exchange currency without paying huge fees? Avoid airports and hotels; instead use local ATMs or online exchange services like Revolut. Exchange booths are another place to avoid – while often conveniently located, the rates are usually poor. You could find yourself paying fees and hefty commissions, too.
Make sure the tip is visible, like on the dresser or next to the bathroom sink. Avoid leaving your housekeeping tips on the bed or nightstand, as these areas risk your cash getting jostled around or lost when bed sheets are changed. Leave your tip on top of, or next to, a thank you note.
How Much Should You Tip Your Hotel Housekeeper? Guests should tip housekeeping anywhere between $1 to $5 per night for a mid-range or business hotel. For luxury hotels where the staff offers daily cleaning services and nightly turndown services, guests should leave a little more.
Do you leave a housekeeping tip at a bed and breakfast?
If there are other employees at the bed and breakfast doing the cooking, serving. valet parking, and/or housekeeping, you should tip each of these employees once they've assisted you.
