Tipping in China
Tipping is not traditionally practiced in mainland China and is sometimes refused. Hotels and tour operators catering to international visitors are exceptions.
Tipping by service in China
| Service | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | Unusual | ¥0; 10% service charge sometimes added at hotel/luxury restaurants |
| Counter / takeaway | Unusual | ¥0 |
| Café | Unusual | ¥0 |
| Bar | Optional | ¥0 at local bars; ¥10–20 at high-end Western cocktail bars |
| Housekeeping | Optional | ¥10–20 per day at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere |
| Porter | Appreciated | ¥5–10 per bag at international hotels; ¥0 elsewhere |
| Concierge | Optional | ¥50–100 for substantial help; otherwise none |
| Taxi | Unusual | ¥0 |
| Rideshare | Unusual | ¥0 — DiDi has no in-app tipping for standard rides |
| Food delivery | Optional | Optional ¥1–5 via in-app "reward rider" (打赏骑手) |
| Grocery delivery | Unusual | ¥0 |
| Hairdresser | Unusual | ¥0 |
| Spa | Optional | ¥20–50 at high-end hotel spas; ¥0 at local foot-massage shops |
| Tour guide | Expected | ¥100–200 per day private English guide; ¥50–100 per day for drivers |
| Tattoo artist | Unusual | ¥0 |
| Valet | Optional | ¥10–20 at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere |
| Airport baggage | Optional | ¥5–10 per bag for skycap-style airport porters; no tip for hotel-shuttle drivers |
| Busker | Appreciated | Small change (¥1–10) if you stop to listen; payment via WeChat QR is more common |
| Movers | Optional | ¥0; ¥20–50 per worker for stairs, heavy items, or long hours |
| Tradesperson | Unusual | ¥0 — the quoted price is the price |