Guide to Tipping in the Mainland of China, Hong Kong & Macau

Written by Natalia | Updated November 21,2025

Tipping does not exist very deeply in the mainland of China, but rather in Hong Kong and Macau much more often, and it has a completely different connotation than in many other countries in the West. This guide will go over the tipping culture in the mainland of China, Hong Kong and Macau. This way you will know when, where and how much to tip when you tour China.

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Tipping in the Mainland of China
Tipping in Hong Kong
Tipping in Macau
Important Considerations for Tipping in China
FAQs about Tipping Culture in China
Travel Worry-free with China Xian Tour

Tipping in the Mainland of China

As for tipping in the mainland of China, it is not required by all. It is not part of the culture, and most Chinese won’t necessarily expect tips. But with an increasing presence of international travelers and businesses from other countries, we can find some instances of tipping.

Tipping in the Mainland of China Hotels

Is tipping in hotels expected in the mainland of China?
No, it’s not customary to tip. Service charges are often seen on the bill at hotels.
How much to tip?
Tipping for bellboys/housekeeping around CNY 10-50 (USD$1.5-7.0) is appreciated, but not necessary.

Most hotels in the mainland of China don’t have tips. Higher-class or luxury hotels, and those designed for or attracting tourists and travelers from other countries, usually offer tipping, but they will not make it mandatory. However, always check if the service charge is already factored into your bill.

Housekeeping in China — Housekeeping in the Mainland of China

Tipping in the Mainland of China Restaurants

Is tipping in restaurants expected in the mainland of China?
No, tipping in restaurants is not something that locals would do. Lots of restaurants won’t accept them either. Mid-range and high-end restaurants will likely add the service charge.
How much to tip?
If you decide to leave a tip on an international or luxury restaurant table, between 5-10% of the bill is regarded as generous. But that’s optional, not necessary.

Tipping in the mainland of China restaurants has never been a thing since good service is considered a given and not something that needs extra paying for. Even in large cities, most restaurants do not charge a service charge.

Tourism-oriented, international, or luxury services have already started moving towards Western-style services, and there are also foreign guests who like to tip for very good service.

Related reading: How Much to Spend on Food in China

Tipping in the Mainland of China Cafes and Bars

Is tipping in cafes and bars expected in China?
No, it would not be normal to tip in cafes and bars. Most baristas and bartenders do not count tips as income, and customers usually only pay what is on the menu.
How much to tip?
If you still want to add a tip, usually in high-end bars or international cafes, CNY 10-20 (USD 1.5-3) is usually enough.

The cafes and bars in the mainland of China adopt a fixed price system. Local customers seldom leave extra money, and staff usually neither anticipate nor ask for tips. You might find a little jar for tips close to the cash register in some bars. These are usually just for fun, or voluntary contributions, and not because tipping is expected.

Tipping in the Mainland of China Taxis

Is tipping in taxis expected in the mainland of China?
No, you shouldn’t tip the taxi driver. The taxi fare is metered, and passengers usually pay the exact fare as displayed by the meter.
How much to tip?
If you want to thank them or show your gratitude, such as if the driver has helped with your luggage or given you great customer service, rounding up the fare by CNY 10-50 (USD 1.50-7) is enough.

Remember, if you forget something in the taxi or the driver goes out of their way to assist you, rounding up the fare is a kind way to show appreciation.

Small Tip: When people use DiDi in China, they don’t tip either. But they can still choose to pay a small “extra reward” through the app when hailing a car, especially during peak hours. It isn’t a tip for service; it is a priority fee that raises your likelihood of getting a driver sooner.

Tipping on Taxi — DiDi in Chinese Mainland

Our Excellent Xian Local Tour Guide Noble

Tipping in the Mainland of China Tour Guides

Is tipping tour guides expected in the mainland of China?
Tipping tour guides isn’t something you really do. But people tend to tip on more private tours or foreign language tours.
How much to tip?
If you do feel like tipping for great service, between CNY 50-100 a day (USD 7-14) for a private guide would be considered generous.

In the mainland of China, saying thanks to a tour guide is not usually done by giving tips. A lot of Chinese travelers would give thanks with local snacks from their hometowns, souvenirs, or special food. Another very typical gesture would be to treat them to a meal. This works particularly well if you’ve got on well throughout the trip.

For China group tours, tip is not necessary unless you think the guides offer great services.

Tipping in Hong Kong

Tipping is more common in Hong Kong than in the mainland of China, but it is less common than in Western countries. Usually, it’s voluntary. There’s not always a requirement for locals, but it’s nice to have in the hospitality and service sectors.

A note: In Hong Kong, you will tip with HKD, not CNY.

Tipping in Hong Kong Hotels

Is tipping in hotels expected in Hong Kong?
Tipping is more common in Hong Kong than the mainland of China, especially in high-end hotels in Hong Kong and those in luxury areas.
How much to tip?
For bellboys, a normal tip is from HKD 20-50 (USD2.50-6.50) for each piece of luggage. Housekeeping, kindly leave around HKD 20 per night (USD 2.50). If the concierge offers outstanding service, then a tip between HKD 50-100 (USD 6.50-13) would be appropriate.

High-end hotels often add a 10% service charge onto the room rates or dining bills, but the charge won’t be given to any particular staff member. Therefore, still accepts a small amount of cash as tips for assistance.

Hotel staff members in Hong Kong are well aware of their guests from all corners of the Earth and will never turn down a tip.

Tipping in Hong Kong Restaurants

Is tipping in restaurants expected in Hong Kong?
Yes, tipping is fairly usual in Hong Kong restaurants, particularly mid-range and upscale eating places. The majority of restaurants tack on a 10% service charge to the bill.
How much to tip?
If there’s already a service charge, it’s nice but unnecessary to leave a little extra, HKD10-20 (USD 1.30-2.60) as a thank-you. If there is no service charge, leave about 5-10% of the total bill as a tip. If you want exceptional service at an upscale restaurant, you might tip more.

In a luxury or fine dining place in Hong Kong, the service staff are used to getting tips, and they usually give customized service. Tipping is a lot less formal in small neighborhood eateries, street-side food stalls, or busy little café shops. Many just leave their change with the bill or add on a small amount.

Related reading: Must-try Dishes in Hong Kong

Tipping in Hong Kong Taxis

Is tipping in taxis expected in Hong Kong?
No, it is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Hong Kong. Most locals just pay the meter’s exact fare
How much to tip?
The most common practice is to round it up to the nearest dollar, or leave HKD 5-10 (USD 0.65-1.30) extra for good service, or an old or pregnant lady, or if you were carried on the roof all the way in that big bus from Hong Kong, for long-distance rides.

Tipping in Hong Kong taxis is more convenient than custom. Drivers tend to like rounded fares as it makes it quicker for the transaction and eliminates the hassle of small fare change coins. If the driver offers to help with loading heavy luggage, waits on you, or goes out of his or her way to find the right traffic or give you some tourist tips, a small cash tip is appreciated.

Currency Hong Kong — Currency in Hong Kong

Tipping in Hong Kong Private Drivers

Is tipping private drivers expected in Hong Kong?
Tipping private drivers is common in Hong Kong. Hiring drivers through hotels, limousines, etc, makes it common to give a tip.
How much to tip?
A common tip for private drivers is between HKD 50-100 (USD 6.50-13) per ride. For a longer journey, an airport transfer, or an extra special service, tip HKD 150-200 (USD 9-26).

The Hong Kong private driver usually has better service than normal taxis. They can help with bags, open doors, coordinate pick-up time, and get you from A to B smoothly and comfortably. Because of the elevated service level, small gratuities are now considered an appreciated component of the experience.

Tipping in Hong Kong Tour Guides

Is tipping tour guides expected in Hong Kong?
It is very common in Hong Kong to tip your tour guide, especially when it’s private or custom.
How much to tip?
As for private tours, the standard tip is between HKD 100-200 (USD 3-26) a day. It all depends on the guide, the length of your tour and the service provided.

Tourists in HK, esp. private tour guides, are known for going above and beyond. They provide historical context and help arrange transport. They assist with photos and eating. They suggest local eateries to make sure it’s a smooth and enjoyable Hong Kong trip.

Recommended Hong Kong Tour

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Tipping in Macau

Macau, like Hong Kong, has some similarities to the tipping culture of Western countries, especially in the casino, hospitality, and other industries. While it isn’t a must, tipping is pretty standard here, where it’s more common as compared to on the mainland. Here, you have to tip with MOP.

Related reading: Chinese Currency & Payment Methods

Tipping in Macau Hotels

Is tipping in hotels expected in Macau?
Yes, it is true that there is more tipping in hotels in Macau as compared to the mainland of China.
How much to tip?
For bellboys, a typical tip is MOP 20-50 (USD 2.50-6.20) per bag. For housekeeping, MOP 20 per night (USD 2.5) would be greatly appreciated. Concierge personnel assisting with special arrangements like reservations at restaurants or transportation might get MOP 50-100 (USD 6.20-2.40).

Macau’s hotel industry is greatly influenced by the casino and luxury resort environment, where it’s normal for Western-style tipping to be practiced. A lot of luxury hotels have a 10% service charge. Small personal tips still make sense.

Tipping in Macau Restaurants

Is tipping in restaurants expected in Macau?
Tipping in Macau restaurants is optional but welcome. Many Portugal restaurants will put a service tax of 10% on the bill, and some will even pay the whole bill as a service charge.
How much to tip?
No service charge, leaving 5-10% of the tab is appreciated. This is usually MOP 20-50 (USD 2.50-6.20)

In Macau, it’s more normal to tip for a waiter or waitress if you’re in the touristy or luxury restaurants. At smaller local restaurants, the staff will not expect any tips. A couple of coins or rounding up the tip is enough.

Tipping in Macau Taxis

Is tipping in taxis expected in Macau?
No, it is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Macau. Fares are by meter.
How much to tip?
If you want to leave a tip, it’s just rounding up the fare or leaving MOP 5-10 (USD 0.60-1.20).

Taxis in Macau typically stick to a set metered fare, so giving a tip isn’t part of the routine practice. Drivers probably won’t expect a tip, but rounding up is a nice thing to do.

Tipping in Macau Tour Guides

Is tipping tour guides expected in Macau?
Tipping tour guides in Macau is pretty common too, for private or customised tours.
How much to tip?
On a private tour, it will be something like a tip between MOP 100-200 (USD 12-25) per day. As for group tour, a lesser amount of MOP 20-50 (USD 2.50-6.20) per person is often sufficient.

Tour guides from Macau tend to provide attentive services for guests. For a lot of people who travel to Macau, cash tips are the most common type of expression. But small gifts can be acceptable too.

Tipping in Macau Casinos

Is tipping in casinos expected in Macau?
Tipping in Macau casinos might be optional, but it’s usual.
How much to tip?
A common tip for dealer hands/games is MOP 10-20 (USD 1.20-2.50) if they do something for you or go above and beyond for you. Casino hosts or VIP service staff could get MOP 50-100 ( USD 6-12).

Macau’s casinos are regarded as part of the service culture. Dealers and staff are used to getting small tips from international guests. Casual gamblers may leave some small coin for rounding up or whatever, but high Rollers give big money to the VIP host.

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Important Considerations for Tipping in China

Tipping is not a common occurrence in the Chinese mainland. Most restaurants, taxis, and cafes charge fixed prices; cash tips are rare.
Non-cash tips are fairly normal in the mainland of China, for example, giving something like a gift, snack or taking guides out to eat instead of giving money.
Hong Kong and Macau have more Western influence with their tipping norms, especially in hotels, restaurants, and casinos. Small tips if you can! But not necessary.
Use the local currency to tip! Don’t throw in big bills, and offer a little something.
When in doubt, it’s optional. All over, great service gets a tip, but it’ll never get required.

FAQs about Tipping Culture in China

Is there tipping in mainland of China?

Not really, tipping is not a custom in the mainland of China.

Is there tipping in Hong Kong?

Yes, it’s more prevalent in Hong Kong, particularly in hotels, restaurants, private drivers, etc.

Is 100 yuan a good tip in China

100 yuan is regarded as a generous tip and is commonly reserved for high-end services or exceptional service in the context related to tourism.

How much should I tip a driver in China?

You won’t need to tip taxi drivers, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small amount in exchange for good service would be acceptable.

Do Chinese people tip at restaurants?

No, tipping at restaurants is not customary in the mainland of China. But it’s more common in Hong Kong and Macau.

How much should I tip in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, it’s normal to leave a 5-10% tip for a restaurant meal if no service charge is added. Other services, such as taxis and hotel staff, tipping is not required, but welcome.

Travel Worry-free with China Xian Tour

Whether you are exploring the Forbidden City, climbing the Great Wall, or discovering the Bund area of Shanghai, getting to know about tipping can make your trip much better. To guarantee a smooth travel experience, book your tour with China Xian Tour and have expert guided tours with no need for tipping.

Tipping in the Mainland of China, Hong Kong & Macau: A Guide to Local Etiquette