Tipping in Laos can be a confusing subject for many travelers. While tipping is not expected or required in Laos like it is in some countries, it is becoming more common. Knowing who to tip, when to tip, and how much to tip can make your interactions smoother and show your appreciation for good service. Here is a comprehensive guide on tipping etiquette and suggestions for tipping in Laos.
Is it Customary to Tip in Laos?
Tipping is not strictly required or expected in Laos like it is in some other countries. Wages in Laos are very low, but service charges are usually included in bills at and nicer restaurants. However, tipping for good service is becoming more common and appreciated.
Tipping is Appreciated But Not Expected
It’s important to know that tipping is not mandatory or expected in Laos. You should not feel obligated to tip. However, it is becoming more common and is appreciated by workers rely on tips to supplement low wages. Use your discretion when tipping.
Tipping Varies By Service
How much to tip and who to tip varies depending on the service. Some services like taxis do not expect tips. Meanwhile, tour guides, drivers, and other hospitality workers who go above and beyond do appreciate tips.
Look For Service Charges On Bills
Most mid-range and upscale hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill already. You don’t need to tip further unless you received exceptional service.
When to Leave a Tip in Laos
Following general tipping etiquette in Laos, you should tip for good service when someone goes above and beyond. Some tips on when tipping is appropriate:
Tip Tour Guides and Drivers
It’s common to tip tour guides, drivers, and others in the tourism industry who provide good service. 10-15% of the total bill is a general benchmark.
Tip For Exceptional Service
If a masseuse, server, or other worker provides exceptional, friendly service, a small tip is a nice gesture. Use your judgment.
Rounding Up The Bill
When bills don’t already include service charges, rounding up the bill by 5-10% can be appropriate for good service.
Avoid Insulting With Large Tips
Avoid very large tips that could be insulting or set unrealistic expectations for future tourists. Keep tips modest and reasonable.
Who to Tip and How Much
Here are suggestions for who to tip and how much to tip in common Laos travel experiences:
Tipping Tour Guides
- Recommended Tip: 50,000 – 100,000 LAK per person, per day (~$5-10)
Tour guides work hard and their pay is usually low and dependent on commissions/tips. If your guide provides excellent service, 10-15% of the total bill is a good tip. For multi-day tours, tip at the end.
Tipping Private Drivers
- Recommended Tip: 20,000 – 50,000 LAK per person, per day (~$2-5)
Drivers often work long hours and depend on tips. Tip 10-15% of the total private driving bill at the end. Round up metered fares.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
- Tip: Round up the metered fare
Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. Most fares are 20,000-60,000 LAK. Round up to the nearest 5,000 LAK.
Tipping Masseuses
- Recommended Tip: 10,000 – 20,000 LAK (~$1-2)
Most massages cost 50,000-100,000 LAK. Tip 10-15% only for exceptional service, not obligatory. Many places pool tips to share.
Tipping in Laos – Hotel Staff
- Tip for Exceptional Service: 20,000 – 50,000 LAK
Hotels usually include a 10% service charge already. An extra tip is not expected but appreciated if staff are exceptional.
Tipping at Street Food Stalls
- Tip: Not expected
Street food vendors don’t expect tips. Pay the asking price, or round up to the nearest 5,000 LAK. Large tips could cause confusion.
Tipping in Restaurants
- Tip: 10% for good service, if no service charge
Most restaurants include 10% service already. An extra tip isn’t needed unless service was exceptional.
Tipping in Bars
- Tip: Round up the bill
Tipping is not expected at most regular bars. Rounding up the bill to the nearest 5,000 LAK is sufficient.
Tipping in Beer bars
- Tip: 10,000 LAK for hostess
It’s customary to tip 10,000 LAK when a beer girl opens a beer. Tip more for exceptional service.
Tipping Tattooists
- Recommended Tip: 10-15% of total cost
Tipping for tattoos in Laos is appreciated as a gesture for good service. 10-15% is a good benchmark.
FAQ
Should I tip in US dollars or Lao Kip?
You can tip in either currency in most cases. Lao Kip is preferred since it avoids money exchange confusion.
What if a service charge is already included?
If a 10% service charge is already added to a bill, an additional tip is not needed unless service was exceptional.
What if I’m on a tight budget?
Never feel obligated to tip. Tipping is always optional, and service workers don’t expect large tips from backpackers and budget travelers.
Conclusion
While tipping is not mandatory in Laos, it is becoming more common as a way to show appreciation for good service from workers who depend on tips. Know when it is appropriate to tip, who customary to tip, and follow general tipping etiquette to avoid overtipping. A modest 10-15% tip is appreciated by hardworking tourism staff like guides and drivers who go the extra mile to provide excellent service.
