Gratuities in Hong Kong

[Palmetto Lady]

We will be taking a car service from the airport to our hotel and a taxi from the hotel to the ship. Are gratuities/tips customary in Hong Kong? If so, what would be the appropriate amount?

[Peelboy]

I am a Hong Kong native, though have not lived there for 25 years.

 

For car service you pay the agreed price only; no tip is required. For taxi, you pay what the meter says, though most of the locals will round it up to avoid small changes. For example, if the meter says $67, pay $70. $3 is not a tip or gratuity; both the passenger and the driver don't want to deal with small exchange. If you insist, of course you can get the $3 back.

 

There is a fee for luggage and for cross harbor tunnel.

 

Hong Kong, like most countries in Asia, is almost gratuity free. You do not have to pay a tip any where. Because of the influence by others, mainly North Americans, dining now requires a 10% gratuity. Drinking in a bar doesn't require a tip but people, especially after drunk, would leave 10 to 15%.

 

Please respect the local practice. I was very upset last year when visiting Beijing and eating Beijing duck in a famous restaurant which automatically put in 15% gratuity. China is a no tipping country.

[maryann ns]

Great information! Thank you.

[gerton]

I asked the same question of our TA and her answer was- definitley no tipping in Asia. They operate the same way we Aussies do that way.