Everything you need to know about tipping culture in Hong Kong

How often have you arrived at your destination only to realise you aren’t sure how much to tip your taxi driver, porter, or the hotel staff that welcome you? Many of us are guilty of forgetting to research local customs before jetting off on holiday, and as tipping culture differs around the world, it can often be tricky to know how much gratuity to leave.

In Hong Kong, you’re not generally expected to drop 20 per cent on a tip, and how much you leave will of course depend on the situation and the level of service you encounter. From nail techs to valets, here’s everything you need to know about Hong Kong tipping culture. 

Taxi drivers and other transport

It isn’t generally expected to tip your taxi driver in Hong Kong, though it’s not uncommon for passengers (or occasionally drivers) to round up fares and leave change. If your driver helps with your luggage on the way to or from Hong Kong International Airport or in-town check-in, then you may want to give the driver an extra HK$10 or HK$20, depending on the length of your journey.

Uber has its own built-in system for tipping, which is at your discretion, while other apps like HK Taxi allow you to pre-emptively add a financial incentive for taxis to pick you up – a particularly handy feature if you’re travelling at rush hour or to and from a remote location (such as parts of Lantau Island).

Tipping at Hong Kong hotels

If you’re staying at a luxury hotel in Hong Kong, be prepared with some petty cash on hand as it’s typically expected that you tip those that help you out. Porters, valets and housekeeping will gladly accept a tip, and it’s polite to tip the concierge if they provide you with helpful advice or recommendations. 

Smaller bills like a HK$20 will suffice for those who help out with your bags or car, whereas it’s polite to leave a larger sum (between HK$20-$40 per day) behind in your room for housekeeping staff.

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.  

Beauty services: spas, hair and nail salons, and more

Hong Kong abounds with luxe hotel spas and trendy salons where tipping is the norm. Gratuity should range from HK$20 for more budget spas and salons up to 10 per cent of your service fee for more luxurious offerings.