How much to tip at a restaurant in Thailand (2026 Guide)
10% if no service charge; otherwise round-up (฿20–100)
5–10% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Mid-range and upscale restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai typically add a 10% service charge ("เซอร์วิสชาร์จ") plus 7% VAT to the bill — note the service charge often does NOT flow proportionally to wait staff, so a small additional cash tip (฿20–50) handed to the server is appreciated. At restaurants without a service charge, 10% is the customary tourist standard; locals more often round up to the nearest ฿100. Street-side and shophouse restaurants do not expect any tip, though leaving the loose-change "satang" coins is a friendly gesture.
Common mistakes
Assuming a 10% service charge means the waiter is getting the money — at most Bangkok venues the charge is pooled or absorbed into venue revenue.
Frequently asked questions
Do I tip if the bill already shows a 10% service charge?
It is not required. Many travellers still leave the loose coins (฿10–20) for the server directly.
What about 7% VAT — is that a tip?
No, that is government VAT and goes nowhere near the staff.
Round-up or 10%?
Locals round up; tourists often do 10%. Either is fine.
Tipping other services in Thailand
- Counter / takeawayNo tip required; loose coins ฿5–20
- CaféNo tip, or leave loose change (฿5–20)
- BarRound up to nearest ฿100, or ฿20–50 per round
- Housekeeping฿20–50 per day, left on the pillow with a thank-you note
- Porter฿20–50 per bag
- Concierge฿100–200 for substantial assistance
- TaxiRound up to the nearest ฿10–20
- RideshareOptional ฿10–50 in-app or round-up cash
- Food deliveryOptional ฿10–30 in-app
- Grocery deliveryOptional ฿20–50 in-app or in cash
- Hairdresser฿20–100 depending on salon tier
- Spa฿50–100 per 60-min massage at local shops; ฿100–200 at upscale spas
- Tour guide฿200–500 per person per day; ฿500–1,000 private full day
- Tattoo artist10–15% of the service price, or ฿200–500 cash
- Valet฿20–50 per drop-off/pickup
- Airport baggage฿20–50 per bag for porters
- Busker฿20–50 in the hat or case
- Movers฿100–200 per worker
- Tradesperson฿50–100 cash for exceptional work
Tipping at a restaurant in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: wise.com, iamkohchang.com, cleverthai.com