This guide covers everything you need to know about tipping in Bali.
By the end, you’ll understand local expectations around tipping and avoid any awkward moments. You’ll be able to show appreciation in ways that are culturally respectful and valued by service workers. Ultimately, these thoughtful gestures will help you build positive connections, create memorable interactions, and make your travel experience in Bali even more rewarding.
Is It Normal to Tip in Bali?
It’s not compulsory to tip in Bali. However, service workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors appreciate it, as locals may not tip in all situations.
Tipping is a nice way to:
- Show appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service.
- Motivate staff by showing you value their efforts.
- Get a more personalised experience and extra perks.
- Support staff, as tips help boost their income.
In the end, tipping is your choice. No one will be offended if you skip it.
What Is the Standard Tip in Bali?
There’s no standard for tipping in Bali. You can adjust the amount based on the service. Leaving a 5-10% tip on the total bill is generous.
Some places might already add a service charge to your bill. In such a case, you may skip the tip or round up the bill to show your appreciation.
Whom to Tip in Bali?
Restaurant and Bar Staff
You should tip at least 18% of the pretax bill at a fine dining restaurant. Similarly, tipping 18% at a bar is a standard practice. Leaving a 20% or more tip means acknowledging the staff’s exceptional service.
Smaller restaurants in Bali usually don’t add a service charge to your bill. Tipping isn’t expected here but is appreciated.
This section lists the staff at a restaurant or bar you might tip.
1] Your Server
Tip: 18% of the bill
Why Tip? To acknowledge their sincerity in making your dining experience pleasant.
2] Bartender or Mixologists
Tip: 18% of the bill
Why Tip? If your service has been exceptional or your drinks have been particularly delicious or aesthetic. You can also tip staff at cocktail bars for tending to custom requests like making cocktails that aren’t on the menu.
3] Sommelier
Tip: 15-20% of the wine bill
Why Tip? Sommeliers are typically found in Bali’s top-tier restaurants. To appreciate them for recommending wines that go best with your meal, you can tip them at your discretion or 15-20% of the bill.
4] Maitre d’
Tip: Nominal amount as you wish
Why Tip? The maitre d’ may accommodate special requests, handle reservations, and oversee the service staff. Tipping them means you acknowledge their role in coordinating the service.
5] Coat Check Attendant
Tip: $1-$5 per coat
Why Tip? They offer to store your coat and belongings safely so that you can enjoy your experience fully. Your tip acts as a small token of gratitude for your convenience.
Hotel Staff
You can tip 10-20% at a luxury resort or hotel. The tip’s value depends on the quality of service and the role of the staff.
1] Concierge
Tip: $10-20
Why Tip? To thank the concierge for helping you with complex requests or special arrangements like reserving restaurant seats, booking tours and activities, and recommending local attractions.
2] Bellhop/Porter
Tip: $1-2 per bag, or $5-10 for full luggage
Why Tip? Bellhops carry your bags to and from your room. Your tip acknowledges their effort in making your arrival and departure smooth.
3] Butler
Tip: $10-20 every day or special service
Why Tip? To appreciate them for offering personalised services in your room and going out of their way to make your experience pleasant.
4] Housekeeper
Tip: $2-5 per night
Why Tip? Housekeepers keep your room clean, neat and tidy.
5] Chambermaid
Tip: $2-5 per night
Why Tip? Chambermaids perform cleaning tasks in your room and keep it well-organised.
6] Cleaners
Tip: $1-2 Why Tip? To appreciate their effort in keeping lobbies and hallways clean and welcoming.
Spa Services
You can tip spa masseurs/masseuses 10-20% of the treatment cost. Their expertise directly enhances your well-being.
Hair Stylists
10-20% of the treatment cost is an optimal tip for the hairstylist.
Drivers
For a Grab or Taxi driver, you can round up to the nearest 20,000 IDR unless it’s a very long trip. Tip 50,000-100,000 IDR per day to a private driver. You can also offer to buy lunch and some snacks.
Tour Guides
You must tip a tour guide around 50,000–100,000 IDR for a good day’s work. Avoid tipping tour guides who hassle you outside of temples and waterfalls.
Whom Not to Tip in Bali
Front Desk Staff of Hotel or Resort
Front desk staff assist with check-ins and standard requests. So, tips aren’t expected.
Restaurant Managers
Managers oversee operations; they don’t provide direct service. No tip is needed, even if they visit your table.
Room Service Deliveries
Room service usually includes a service charge. Tipping is optional.
Maintenance Staff
Maintenance staff receive a regular salary. There’s no need to tip them after repairs or service calls.
Local Markets
Vendors in markets don’t see themselves in the same position as employees in the service industry. Local market vendors charge fixed prices or negotiate for the final price. They don’t expect tips and may even find it insulting.
Guesthouses And Homestays
In small guesthouses, helpers are usually family or friends, not employees. So, tipping is unnecessary. They might be insulted if you were to tip them.
Basic Services
Locals don’t tip for basic services, like fuel station assistance or public restroom use. So, it’s best to follow this practice.
Government Offices
Tipping is not appropriate in government or official settings and could be misunderstood.
Tips on Tipping for Bali First Timers
- Keep your gestures professional and discreet. Avoid making a show of it.
- Tip after receiving service, during check-out, or at the end of a meal or stay.
- Carry cash in smaller denominations, as service workers prefer cash. This is especially true in smaller places.
- Place cash in a small envelope. Leave the envelope in a noticeable place, like on a nightstand for housekeepers. Or, hand it directly to the person when possible.
- Pass the tip with a smile and a “thank you”. A short note can add a personal touch.
- If you’re paying by card, ask if tips can be added to the bill.
- If you’re unsure, ask the place about the tipping policy.
FAQs
- Should I tip in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) or foreign currency?
Tip in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Local staff may have trouble exchanging foreign currency. So, tipping in IDR is more practical and helpful.
- Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts in Bali?
At all-inclusive resorts, service charges are included. Tipping is optional but always appreciated. If a staff member provides special assistance or goes above and beyond, a small cash tip or an envelope left at the front desk with the staff member’s name can be a thoughtful way to say thank you.
- Is it okay to tip the driver at the airport?
Yes, if an airport taxi driver assists with your luggage or provides friendly service, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is a nice gesture, though it’s not required.
- Should I tip before or after I receive the service?
Generally, it is advisable to tip after the service is provided. However, there are some cases where it may be preferable to tip before the service has been given. One example is Bali’s nightlife scene. Giving a tip to the bartender before you receive your drink may give you preferential treatment for the whole night.
- Do locals tip in Bali, or is it just a tourist thing?
Tipping is not common among locals. They might leave small tips on special occasions or for highly personalised services. Tipping is far more common among tourists.
- Are tips pooled and shared among staff in Bali?
In some restaurants or hotels, tips may be pooled and shared among staff. You can ask if you’re unsure. You can give tips directly to individuals if you’d like them to receive them personally.
- What amount should I tip for group tours or larger parties?
For group tours, consider tipping around 50,000–100,000 IDR per person. Private guides may appreciate a slightly larger amount.
- Should I tip in Bali if I’m on a budget?
If you’re on a budget, tipping in Bali isn’t obligatory. You can tip selectively for services where you receive exceptional treatment.
- What if I feel uncomfortable tipping?
Tipping is entirely optional. A friendly smile, a genuine “thank you,” and a bit of conversation are equally appreciated.
- What’s a good fallback amount if I’m unsure about tipping?
When in doubt, rounding up the bill or leaving a modest amount that feels comfortable is a safe approach. Tipping in Bali doesn’t follow strict rules, so any amount is appreciated.
- Is tipping expected on temple tours or cultural experiences?
For temple tours and spiritual or cultural experiences, tipping isn’t expected. But it can be a nice gesture for a knowledgeable guide.
- What if I don’t have cash or small bills for tipping?
If you’re without cash, ask if tips can be added to the bill when paying by card or visiting a nearby ATM. If you only have large bills, try breaking them early in your trip or at larger establishments. When tipping isn’t possible, a simple thank you and smile are always appreciated.
- Are there any tipping guidelines for large-group dining or events?
For large group dining, a service charge is often added to the final bill, covering gratuity. If no service charge is included and the service is excellent, a collective tip from the group is appreciated. For private events, tipping individual staff is optional and can usually be arranged through the event coordinator.
- Are tips pooled and shared among staff in Bali?
In some restaurants or hotels, tips may be pooled and shared among staff. You can ask if you’re unsure. You can give tips directly to individuals if you’d like them to receive them personally.
