Tipping Fee in Laos
Laos is a beautiful country with a rich culture and friendly people. However, tipping is not a common practice in Laos, and many locals may not expect or accept tips from tourists. Here are some tips on how to tip in Laos without offending anyone or breaking the bank.
- In general, tipping is not required or expected in Laos, unless you are in a high-end western restaurant or hotel, where a 10% service charge may be added to your bill. If you want to tip for exceptional service, you can leave a few thousand kips (the local currency) or round up the bill to the nearest dollar.
- For taxis, tuk tuks and motorbike drivers, tipping is not necessary as you usually negotiate the fare beforehand. However, if they help you with your luggage or take you to a hard-to-find place, you can tip them a small amount or buy them a drink or a snack.
- For tour guides and drivers, tipping is optional but appreciated if they provide you with a memorable and informative experience. A good rule of thumb is to tip $3-5 per person per day for guides and $2-3 per person per day for drivers. You can tip them in kips, dollars or euros, but make sure the bills are clean and crisp.
- For hotels, tipping is not expected, but you can tip the bellboy or porter $1-2 if they carry your bags or assist you with anything. You can also leave a small tip for the housekeeping staff if they do a good job cleaning your room.
- For spas and massage parlors, tipping is not customary, but you can tip 10% of the price if you are satisfied with the service. You can also tip more if the massage therapist goes above and beyond your expectations.
- For temples and religious sites, tipping is not appropriate, but you can make a donation to support the maintenance and preservation of these sacred places. You can also buy souvenirs or handicrafts from the local vendors to support their livelihoods.
Tipping in Laos is a personal choice that depends on your budget and satisfaction with the service. However, remember that tipping is not a part of the culture in Laos, and you should always be respectful and discreet when giving tips. A smile and a thank you can go a long way in showing your appreciation as well.