As is so often the case, you will find yourself wondering about tipping at some point during your first trip to Bali. Of course, there are no fixed, clear rules anywhere in the world, but usually there is at least some information about what is usually given as a tip. In this article, you will learn about the significance of tipping in Bali, whether it is expected and, if so, how much is expected.
Do people usually tip in Bali?
In Bali, tipping is generally not always expected or even requested. However, payment is always highly appreciated. As everywhere in the world, tipping is a sign of gratitude for particularly good service or for hospitality. In the more distant past, tipping in Bali was rather an exception, but today it is quite common.
Unlike in other countries, however, it is not obligatory. This means that the decision to tip is at your own discretion. However, it is important to know that many employees in the tourism industry in Bali receive a relatively low salary and therefore often depend on tips to supplement their income. We therefore recommend that you always give a tip. About 10% of the bill is considered appropriate.
Tipping in restaurants
As described above, a tip is not obligatory – not even in restaurants. But it is also very much appreciated there. When visiting a restaurant, however, you can check whether a service charge is included or not. If such a charge is included, this is usually indicated on the menu. Of course, the waiter or waitress will also provide information about such a charge – so if in doubt, just ask. If a service charge is added, it is determined by a fixed percentage. You are welcome to add a tip on top of the service charge. The fee does not necessarily go to the staff, but to the restaurant owner. Incidentally, such a service charge is usually found in mid-range and up restaurants. It is not usually added in simple warungs.
In Bali, tips are usually given at the end of the meal when the bill is paid. It is customary to give the tip in cash rather than adding it to the credit card payment. If you are not sure whether you should tip or not, you can ask the waiter if he will accept a tip.
Tipping in accommodation in Bali
In hotels in Bali, service is usually included in the price. So it is not necessary to give an additional tip. When checking out and paying the bill, there is usually no expectation of a tip. That is the case for the hotel as a whole. However, you are welcome to reward individual staff members with a tip, especially if they have provided particularly good service.
The situation is somewhat different for private accommodation in Bali. There are many family-run accommodations that cannot be compared to large hotels. Often you will also feel the very familiar environment during your stay. Although no tip is required in such accommodations, if you have felt particularly comfortable, a tip at check-out is certainly appropriate.
When renting private villas, it may happen that the owner asks the staff to give the staff an appropriate tip when checking out. In this case, you should ask when booking whether this is expected.
Tipping at spas
Bali is a paradise for spa and wellness lovers. You can get a soothing massage for as little as ten euros – and that for such an exhausting job. Reason enough to consider tipping here as well. Whether in a wellness facility or with a mobile massage in your own accommodation: a tip is always appropriate here. A typical tip is around 10% to 15% of the total cost of the service.
Tips for drivers
The service mentality in Bali is strong. And so there is almost always the option of having a driver take you to the next destination for the whole day. Such a day can be long and exhausting – for the driver too. It is therefore customary to tip the driver around IDR 100,000 for a full day’s work and to pay for at least one of the meals during the day.
For simple, short transfers or taxi rides, a tip of around 10% of the price is again the norm. However, a transfer can of course be quite long, for example from Amed to the airport. For such long distances, which take a correspondingly long time, the tip can be significantly higher.
When not to tip
Even if you mean well, there are a few situations in which tipping is inappropriate in Bali.
Negotiated prices
In some situations, it is quite common to negotiate prices. This is primarily the case in markets. But some shops also do not display prices, but instead negotiate the amount to be paid orally. Once you have agreed on a price with a merchant, you should stick to it. Tipping after a tough negotiation is inappropriate and can, in the worst case, be seen as an insult.
Cultural events
If you take part in traditional cultural events, you should generally not plan on tipping. Many events are part of Balinese belief and culture. Tipping here can be disrespectful.
Official bodies and authorities
If you have contact with authorities, the police or customs officials in Bali, you should avoid giving tips at all costs. Neither at customs nor when applying for a visa should you pay more than is requested – a tip could be interpreted as a bribe.
Conclusion: Tipping is usually appropriate
In general, there is no long tradition of tipping in Bali, but nowadays a tip is appropriate in most cases. Salaries in Bali are usually very low and the employees in the tourism industry are very committed and service-oriented. This is reason enough to give a good tip. Only in a few situations, e.g. after price negotiations or if the service is really poor, should you refrain from tipping.
