Restaurants, cafes and bars

In Hong Kong, you’ll often find a 10 per cent service charge tacked on to your bill at restaurants. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, so it’s worth reading over your bill carefully, as some establishments may indicate that they welcome tips in lieu of a service charge.

At local fast-food restaurants such as cha chaan tengs (traditional Hong Kong-style cafés), tipping isn’t expected. Coffee shops and bars, on the other hand, may have a tip jar, though it’s not mandatory to tip if you happen to be short on change. Meanwhile, if you’re dining at a high-end restaurant, you may want to tip up to 15 per cent.

Of course, if you’ve received good service, a tip is a great way to say thank you for the experience – no matter where you’re dining.