How much to tip a tour guide in China (2026 Guide)
¥100–200 per day private English guide; ¥50–100 per day for drivers
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
This is the single biggest exception to China's no-tip rule. English-speaking guides — particularly on multi-day private or small-group tours through agencies like China Highlights, Wild China, or local operators — depend on tips as a meaningful part of their pay. The expected range is ¥100–200/day for a private guide, plus ¥50–100/day for the driver, handed in a sealed envelope at the end of each day or at the tour's conclusion. For large group bus tours, ¥50–100 per person collected by the group leader is normal. Tipping is now so embedded in the foreign-tourist circuit that not tipping can read as a complaint about service.
Common mistakes
Skipping the driver's tip — drivers earn substantially less than the guide and the expectation is the same. Also: tipping in USD or other foreign currency, which is hard to spend.
Frequently asked questions
When do I hand the tip over?
At the end of the day in an envelope, or at the airport drop-off on the last day. Do not tip in front of other guests.
My guide refused at first — should I insist?
A mild refusal is part of the politeness ritual. Press once and they will accept.
Is there a service charge already on the tour package?
Read the booking carefully — some itineraries say "tips included." Most do not.
Tipping other services in China
- Sit-down restaurant¥0; 10% service charge sometimes added at hotel/luxury restaurants
- Counter / takeaway¥0
- Café¥0
- Bar¥0 at local bars; ¥10–20 at high-end Western cocktail bars
- Housekeeping¥10–20 per day at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere
- Porter¥5–10 per bag at international hotels; ¥0 elsewhere
- Concierge¥50–100 for substantial help; otherwise none
- Taxi¥0
- Rideshare¥0 — DiDi has no in-app tipping for standard rides
- Food deliveryOptional ¥1–5 via in-app "reward rider" (打赏骑手)
- Grocery delivery¥0
- Hairdresser¥0
- Spa¥20–50 at high-end hotel spas; ¥0 at local foot-massage shops
- Tattoo artist¥0
- Valet¥10–20 at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere
- Airport baggage¥5–10 per bag for skycap-style airport porters; no tip for hotel-shuttle drivers
- BuskerSmall change (¥1–10) if you stop to listen; payment via WeChat QR is more common
- Movers¥0; ¥20–50 per worker for stairs, heavy items, or long hours
- Tradesperson¥0 — the quoted price is the price
Tipping a tour guide in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: travelchinaguide.com, chinadiscovery.com