🇨🇳China · Valet Parking
How much to tip a valet in China (2026 Guide)
OptionalCash preferred
¥10–20 at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere
Tipping calculator
¥
Cultural notes
Valet parking exists almost exclusively at luxury hotels, top-tier shopping centres (IFC, SKP), and a handful of fine-dining venues. Tipping the valet is rare even at these venues for Chinese guests; foreign guests slipping the attendant ¥10–20 is accepted without comment at international hotels. Tipping is not customary at restaurants or malls offering valet — that role is bundled into the venue's overall service.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a valet at most restaurants?
No — valet is mostly a hotel and luxury-mall feature in mainland China.
¥10 too little?
At a five-star, ¥10 is appropriate. ¥20 is generous.
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
- Tour guide¥100–200 per day private English guide; ¥50–100 per day for drivers
- Tattoo artist¥0
- 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 valet in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: chinasurvivalkit.com