This Is Why You DON’T Tip In Thailand...
Vložit
- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- #Thailand #Thailandvlog #uk
The Reasons NOT to Tip In Thailand....
00:00 Intro
00:22 Disclaimer
01:10 Do I Tip? Petrol Stations
02:34 Asking A Thai?
03:00 Do Thais Tip?
03:00 Many Subscribers Say Don't Tip
04:35 Tipping In Cafes
05:50 What Did The Cafe owner Say?
06:07 Why You Should Tip One
06:30 Why You Should Tip Two
06:42 Service Charge In Thailand
07:08 Why You Should Tip Three
07:33 I Am A Tipper
07:58 Why You Should NOT Tip One
08:15 Why You Should NOT Tip Two
09:01 Why You Should NOT Tip Three
09:22 Why You Should NOT Tip Four
10:10 Main Reason You Should Not Tip
10:28 Plastic Bags In Thailand Supermarkets
13:55 Small Business Owners
14:28 Buying Stuff I Dont Need
15:00 How I Know What My Wife Likes
16:15 Custoner Pressure
16:37 No Such Thing As An Altruistic Act
17:38 What You Do
18:03 How Much Is My Car Wash
18:14 Tipping My Car Wash
THANKS FOR BEING HERE!
👉 SUBSCRIBE: / @thenakedguruthailand
👉 MAIN CHANNEL: / @lifeinruralthailand
👉 OUR FULL STORY IN UNDER 20 MINS: • Left The UK For Thaila...
👉 OUR COTTAGE BUILD: tinyurl.com/bdd8uh3a
👉 WHY EXPAT: • Why You Are An “EXPAT"...
👉 PATREON: / lifeinbamboo
Unlike the theatrical polished content of our main channel, this channel will more livestreams, free talking, diary vlogs, adult themes, discussions on current affairs and topics of interest. It is a place to share, have a dialogue with subscribers and bring others into the mix, which enhances my quality of life as a rural hermit in Thailand!
'The Naked Guru" Is just a fun metaphor for being open and honest.
Thanks for joining!
CHAPTERS BELOW 👇
👉BEST DEAL ON A VPN: Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code NAKEDGURU for an extra 4 months free at surfshark.deals/NAKEDGURU
🐝 HONEY, CACAO & CACTI
Lazada Shop: shorturl.at/Q863r
🍄 MUSHROOMS:
Get Discounted Fruiting Body Mushroom Supplements
Thailand & Worldwide Shipping: shorturl.at/kUOyy
Use Coupon code: BAMBOO10
00:00 Intro
00:22 Disclaimer
01:10 Do I Tip? Petrol Stations
02:34 Asking A Thai?
03:00 Do Thais Tip?
03:00 Many Subscribers Say Don't Tip
04:35 Tipping In Cafes
05:50 What Did The Cafe owner Say?
06:07 Why You Should Tip One
06:30 Why You Should Tip Two
06:42 Service Charge In Thailand
07:08 Why You Should Tip Three
07:33 I Am A Tipper
07:58 Why You Should NOT Tip One
08:15 Why You Should NOT Tip Two
09:01 Why You Should NOT Tip Three
09:22 Why You Should NOT Tip Four
10:10 Main Reason You Should Not Tip
10:28 Plastic Bags In Thailand Supermarkets
13:55 Small Business Owners
14:28 Buying Stuff I Dont Need
15:00 How I Know What My Wife Likes
16:15 Custoner Pressure
16:37 No Such Thing As An Altruistic Act
17:38 What You Do
18:03 How Much Is My Car Wash
18:14 Tipping My Car Wash
Great channel fella. Could you perhaps explain to us technology challenged people, how to run Surfshark vpn through the smart tv, when smart tv is not connected to wifi via the phone that has the vpn app installed…if that makes sense 😂
My wife won’t let me have any money in Thailand because I tip everybody. I’m a broke farang in Thailand.
only totally idiot tip anywere out of USA, not normal and ap-normal in USA too, idiot system. broken all busines system in thailand, prices increase lot if idiots tip alltime. totally not anywere normal human countrys have tip culture anywere. only USA have and idiot brainless peoples tip.
That made me laugh uptoyou ! 555 Thanks for the one liner
🤣🤣🤣
Classic 😂
Well, stop tipping then
I’ve been scolded for tipping here many times. When I eat out with a group I’ll often pick up my bill and discreetly tip. I don’t want to tip shame anyone else but as an American I can’t get over the urge to tip people in the service industry. Be it at a restaurant or gas station or anywhere else a small modest tip is like you said, not required but appreciated. Imagine making 300 baht a day and someone tips you 50 baht. That could be a big help to someone and is only costing me about 1.50$. Great video as always. 😊🙏🏼
$10 a day and talk of entilment? Stay home please.200 baht can feed a Thai kid. Ef you guys.
Ol rob must be replying to someone else
@@specialisedheavy9932 ya I should remove my response I think you’re right. I was so confused 😂
@@jojobeanz2981You still have a point though.
@@ollelindskog4531 thank you 🙏🏼😊
When you tip the old or those struggling the smile and happiness it gives is a reward in itself.
I agree! Only, I don’t call that tipping. Tipping is what causes me grief until I can work out for myself what is appropriate given cultural norms, how it received and how well that matches up with my intentions.
Yes a tip is grattatude for good service. I generally like to tip at filling stations and leave something on bed leaving hotels "if room service is good" as they are lower paid and often forgotten
My Thai-wife always says: Give money to the old that have no job, than to those, that have a job
My wife is from Thailand and when I start tipping she goes frantic so I don't do it anymore😂
So you only do what your wife say's 😂
I remember as a Kiwi being on holiday in Maui as a 19 year old and we went for lunch at our hotel. The waitress introduced herself by giving us a 4 or 5 minute lecture on how tipping was compulsory there.
The thing is we all were going to tip anyway. I was the only one in our small group at the end that did a Mr Pink from Reseviour Dogs tipping scene. Because I didn't appreciate the very long condescending lecture from that miserable cow lol.
My friends all folded like obedient dogs 😂
Same I was in New York and the tour girl made it loud and clear we must tip so me and my mate just walked away after the tour 😂
I hate when Americans do that. It’s ridiculous. As an American if I get lectured on how to tip by the person receiving g the tip, I will take my business elsewhere…
I had a crazy experience years ago in America at a diner. Service was terrible, food was mediocre, whole experience was not great. I didn't leave a tip and was heading for the door to leave when the server called over to me to stop and pointed out that I hadn't left a tip. I just said, yes I know, thank you, and walked out 🤷🏻♂️
@@nostringsguy185 well done. Unfortunately the server likely believes no matter the service a tip should be provided.
@@Mark-yo5ue certainly seemed that way, I agree.
Lmfao "How did you know I'd like it?" "Cause I don't like it and it stinks." This is exactly how I feel with the wife an inlaws, I burst out laughing lol
🤣🤣🤣
Tipping in America is now not only expected (even if you had to order at the register, get your order at the register and bus your table) ... but now owners/employers expect you to tip huge amounts (at least 25% or more) so they don't have to pay higher hourly rates.
7/11 does free delivery so I will always just round it up so if it's 105 baht I'll give them 120. Occasionally they get lucky and it's 145 and I only have 100s. Any sit down place I'll leave 20 or 40 baht. I don't tip with street food often especially if the thing is 20 baht but if it's 35 I'll give them 40 and say keep it.
Always tip at restaurants and my local bar, but to be honest, it's never dawned on me to tip at a petrol station. Think the wife would want more money if she saw me doing that.
The only tip you'd get in NZ is to get a better paying job
Same in Australia
And life’s not cheap in NZ or OZ, right? Interesting.
@@DM-qg4ys I don't think its that cheap, we do have a living wage program where companies are encouraged to pay a wage that allows people to live & buy food. It's about $4 more per an hour than min wage of $21.
You really need $40/hour to not just scrap by.
Entry level jobs are just slaves, not expected to be able to afford to live with a full time job
In America, businesses should tip me for taking my time out to travel to their Restaurant, spend gasoline to get there and pay for their food.
Remember it's their dream to run their business. It's not mine. I will support when I can. But, if you have a business plan which includes expecting customers to pay extra to cover the costs of paying staff minimum wage, well.... then you have a bad business plan.
Since going to Thailand more often and the recent inflation I have almost completely stopped tipping now in America.
Why it is not common to tip in Thailand is clear: It quickly can lead to loosing face or turning red face and this is also why many refuse it. We should respect and adapt to their habits.
Out of the same reason Tais prefer to open presents later alone on the own and not infront of the donor.
I tip often, and constantly. Always appreciated, and big smiles... certainly there are a few scenarios when not to.
Leave your culture in the U.S. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!
@@garyzies3486 you do you, I will do me.
I tip 20 baht for the cleaners every day, tip 10 or 20 baht for petrol for my bike, small tip for restaurant visits, few baht extra for air in my bicycle. Sharing is enjoyable without excess. Live in a hotel
I booked my room in Bangkok an end of lease clean and they sent 4 ladies and was 600 thb, made we wonder what they get from the company, so gave them 100thb each, end of the day 1000thb to spotlessly clean a condo Is deal of the century, I was charged aud 350 in Australia for same clean compared to approx 40 aud with 4 staff, just crazy
When you are in Thailand, you are not in Australia.
Brilliant as ever!
I love so much your way of thinking Ryan ❤❤❤
MY OPINION ON TIPS
I only tip on good service for hotels and waitresses. For garages, it is when they clean the windscreens in Thailand.
Personally, I really don't have the disposable income.
probably good rules to live by my friend
It all depends on the person or service I get Ryan! If at a fancy restaurant for example: the food is delicious and the service is above & beyond, I would tip at least 20%. Love tipping the cleaning ladies at hotels, bartenders, hair dressers and yes, the people working at a gas station especially in Thailand 🇹🇭 My husband & I usually tip well; however, We’ve been in a situation where the experience was awful….that’s when we don’t even give a dime:(
Thank you for posting this video 😊
Big love Marietta 🙏😊🇺🇸🇹🇭
I’d absolutely love to go into that coffee shop to try those cakes they look mouth watering delicious 🤤
If everything is good 20 baht. 20 baht not dependent upon the amount of the bill. Service charge is the same as a tip.
... wrong: the service charge do not go to privat pocket
Expat of 25 years in Thailand here and at fuel stops, I don't have to stop the engine or get out of the air cond. Try that in Australia or most other countries. I don't leave a tip and I don't pity the workers there, they do nothing a lot of the time, which is better than the farm or construction workers who work hard all day and have no chance of a tip from anyone. I am not a cheap charlie, but I am not about to mess up the status quo either, it is part of the charm of this wonderful country.
Agree. It's NOT a hard job ! I've done it before
No matter where I am in the world, exceptional service earns a tip from me, but poor service doesn't get rewarded.
Another helpful perspective
i was an owner of a jazz/blues lounge with a bar, a restaurant and art gallery on the east coast of the states and bar/restaurant on west coast of the states and there was a drastic difference in overhead costs as a small business owner and when business was slow the tips helped me with fixed operating costs. and my co workers to live and all of us to survive during slow times. and as far as bartenders and servers, the wage is set much lower than the minimum wage since the states facture in tips and many businesses uses it to their advantage, however i did not. now that i live in Thailand and the states. i continue to tip. in the grand scheme of things those who share and show gratitude will be given more since they know the true value of life and purpose of money. life experience coupled with the universal truths determine my actions, i will always share. the more i have the more i do, and always seem to have and receive blessings. i have been with both channels since the beginning and as always you have it correct and well said. thank you
In thailand i tip because its not expected but in sweden i rarely go out to restaurants or cafe's because they almost force you to tip.
My Thai wife and I generally provide small tips for services in Thailand, when we get good service that is. Similar position as you Ryan. Good vlog, thanks for sharing.
The vet assistant comes right to the house to give the dogs their shots. All in it's 150 Baht. She gets a tip. A small tip goes a long way for rural Thais. I tip quite often but not always. Poor service goes untipped. Tipping is a personal preference not a requirement or expectation in ny opinion.
Australian, don't usually tip here because here everyone gets paid a decent wage and more often than not you get horrible service. But if by some miracle I was to get great service I would tip them here in Australia. In Thailand the wages are so low they usually get a tip from me unless the service is bad. Which does happen. They must love you in your town. Tips for everyone.
my motorcy mechanic guy has proven to do a good job and not overcharge so I oft tip him. he gives proper service and knows his job.
I used a cafe in france on a regular basis,the owner or wife served behind the bar,made coffee etc and a couple worked for them, waiting tables,cleaning up etc.Their income was totally the service charge and any tips.The cafe opened at 5.30 am closed at 10pm and one of them was always there,rarely both.
Good talk on a topic many foreigners discuss in Thailand. Other people not liking you tip is dumb! 555 Fruit shakes/Coffee shops I rarely tip as they are all self run Thai outdoor business, not brick and mortar shops. I do tip a few hundred baht during Christmas or New Years at shops I frequent. Food courts or small Thai restaurants I usually tip 10 baht for food under 100 baht. There was one young Thai man who set up a fruit shake shop during COVID that I frequented and tipped every time, he was selling his fruit shakes for just 20 baht at that time half or less than other shops charge. Its all good, like you I try and help out the "local" businesses as much as possible. Thanks again for another interesting talk Ryan. I hope the whole family is well. Peace and Love Y'all
cheers brother
I am a big tipper 🙃
I feel good when I help or make someone smile.
My fiancee is Thai, a English speaking tour guide in Bangkok.
She appreciates a tip but does not expect one.
I believe she likes that I am generous and try to help people 🙏🏻
No one can fault you on the quality of your vids, another good one. Yet completely different to the last couple. Instead of apologising for the disclaimers, just rattle off the main points then jump straight into the content. I'm sure everyone can live with that. Cheers, Ryan. Look's hot.
Cheers Martyn
When I go to the local mum and dad shop if there is an old person there I will pay for their purchases, other people families, kids etc as well. I have even stopped an old lady on a pushbike and given her 100 baht. It is just to brighten their day and help out a bit. If some one does something for me it deserves a reward.
Good video again, my wife is Malay. We just came back from Malaysia. I usually tip as the there is many foreign workers there. The tip is usually not getting the change back. For example I get a taxi and the cost maybe 7 ringgit so I give 20 ringgit and tell them to keep the change. It puts a smile on their face which is the best thing
Hiya love..Always watch you on hubbys channel,linked to the tele in the kitchen.Thought it was about time I subscribed.We have a condo in Hua Hin,but just for holidays for all the family to use.We are from Manchester originally, but live near Buxton now.Yes always raining!I wanted to comment on this vlog,because we always leave a 10% tip for good service,but we are on holiday.Hubby also subscribes to an Aussie who lives in BK,think he is Keis 1 not sure?but he just did a vlog, where he got charged 30% tip on a train night market.He questioned it and didn't pay it.
As a brit, who lived in 🇺🇸 for 30yrs and now lives in Pattaya.
I never tipped if I had to queue, stand at the counter and be handed food etc. I tip wait staff if my order is correct ( or corrected promptly and politely) and am given a glance to see if I need anything, every once in a while.
In thailand I usually tip 10% or 20baht as my bill is generally less than 200. Poor service is rewarded with no tip. Service charges just foster poor service,as they're going to get tipped regardless.
i tip uber/grab in both thailand and Australia because i think the way they are unprotected while "employed" and earn quite little is a shame. it depends on the service, if i order food on grab at 1am in the pouring rain i would tip slightly more than a normal delivery at normal hours. many places in Bangkok have included a service charge and some explicitly say "no need to tip" or "gratuity included" which is interesting.
i had one place in nakhon pathom, our drinks were topped up all night by a young university student and he would be laser focused on my beer levels and always come over straight away to top up my ice and beer, in these cases i always tip.
i don't think people should feel pressured to tip, and i don't think people should over tip. grab delivery 20baht, in the pouring rain 40-50 baht. quality service (actual active serving) at a restaurant 30-60 baht.
tipping definitely does drive some onus away from employers and legislation to protect the base wage of employees, but like i said there are some sectors that are so unprotected like uber and grab, that i don't see any other way to thank them.
Thanks for sharing 🙏👍
Really glad you tip as you do. As you pretty much create content everywhere tipping is a little way of showing appreciation for the people who inspire you. I've been used by content creators where they come to you for ideas and film then walk away without even a thanks, so you tipping is a way of paying a bit for their contribution to your work.
cheers
Good man . I tip when people are nice to me . I am old and it brightens my day .
I always tip at my market coss so happy people and look after you 🎉🎉
Tipping culture is toxic, as you've described. Any behavior which may promote entitlement, ultimately does. Cultural transitions take a while. Think about it - if Thais didn't tip at all, why is there even a tip jar in the restaurant to begin with? This is how it begins, and it ends like it does in the USA. These are not customer/business relationships we want - they are de facto adversarial relationships. I want to know what the price of something is when I walk into the door and it's a business's job to offer the service/product at an appropriate price such that the business including the employees are covered.
When I was growing up in Thailand 30 years ago, my dad would tip all the time; valets, gas attendant , hotel cleaners, caddies, and when eating out at any sort of restaurant form what I recall. Maybe that's just something he picked up in the US, since he did live there for over a decade before bringing the family back to Thailand. He was actual worked as a valet in Los Angeles while getting his Bachelors now that I think about it.
I came back to the US 20 years ago and I use to not minding tipping 10-15% when eating out or ordering delivery, but got soured on the concept with entitled people. My sister was blocked from leaving only 10% tip (for a legitimately bad service that I wouldn't have tipped at all), and this was over a decade ago before the tipping culture in the US just went bananas. I am very selective with eating out and how much to tip nowadays.
It gives me great pleasure to tip people in Thailand , they always give me good service despite being relatively poorly paid , it’s good karma 👍🇹🇭.
we returned to Canada from Thailand in may, the wife and i don't eat in restaurants here but on our 1600 km drive home to our rural town we stopped at a restaurant and the food was pathetic we left it half eaten, when they dropped a $48 dollar bill on the table that's what i paid no tip earned.
Here in the US, I refuse to tip for carry-out/to-go/takeaway orders! I will not tip someone to prepare my order and put it into a bag. It has gotten ridiculous where there is a tip line for takeout food.
When I go shopping I just bring my backpack. Plastic is more environmentally friendly than paper bags or fabric bags. Just resuse the plastic bag until they break. The small plastic bags you get everywhere in Thailand I use as trash bags. But I also try to refuse them sometimes I don't need that many trashbags,haha.
Good topic and great overview, I too like to tip when I get good service, with that said when the tip appears to become an entitlement and you get crappy service and a tip is expected, I refuse
I've lived in Thailand for 14 years and only tip (usually around THB 20) at restaurants.
When Hungary opened up, prices were quite low compared to the rest of Europe and tipping was quite unusual, but then tourists began to arrive. When Americans arrived the tipping rose the obvious result was that the Hungarians decided 'tourists are rich!'. Prices rose and tipping expectations rose. I was once shouted at in a Hungarian restuarant for not tipping the expected amount.
Don't let the same happen in Thailand! PLEASE
Yes this so the biggest concern - thank for sharing 👍
That happens when you get the Americans.
The only place I routinely tip is when I get my weekly Thai massage. Way back when I took an LMT course, so I know how hard that job is on the person doing it (provided they are doing legit massage.) On occasion, I tip 20 baht at a meal, flat rate. I mostly pay for everything with PromptPay via my phone rather than carry around baht. I never add a tip to a bill when I'm paying with PromptPay. For places with a service charge put on my bill, I generally don't go back to a place like that. I never considered tipping the PTT staff.
If you pay promptpay and you want to tip just have small bills ready to leave at the table. Don't enrich the owner extra.
I do tip for good service, especially with the small independent establishments. I do however disagree when the service charge is automatically added to your bill and I have on occasion asked them to remove it, especially when good service has not been experienced. I believe that it is the responsibility of the employer to pay their staff the correct wage and the customer should not have to pay towards it. I normally leave tip on the table in cash, but pay on my card. When I have paid the total on my card, including gratuity I have made sure with the server that they will in fact get the money. One thing I did learn recently is that if the tip goes on your card as a gratuity then the staff members have to pay tax on it, whereas if it is a cash tip they can escape this.
Tipping in California is shamelessly insane. Minimum wage for restaurant workers are $20 per hour which pushes some restaurants to raise prices, cut down employees, less work hours or closed down and shipped out. You can expect any place that serves you food or beverages to ask for tipping percentage at 15, 20 or 25%. It’s wonderful to see the faces of those individuals who give me a cold stare when I don’t tip or leave a 10% at best. My 24 ounce cup of coffee is $7.25 at Pete’s coffee so I can’t justify tipping. I’m from Thailand…❤ RyanandMolifeinbamboo
I also worked in hospitality, Ryan, but here in Canada. From busboy to waiter, pub, nightclub and cruise ship bartender, tipping your busboy as a waiter and bar porter as a bartender, directly was expected and never contested. However, I have always found tip-pooling to be ++problematic! Bad service gets their lot as much as good service, but the worst part is accountability. Someone who shouldn’t be getting a share at all - owner or manager, is the only one who know how much is in the pool and decides how much everyone gets! If you want honest people to stay honest, don’t make it so bloody easy for them to skim off the top! After all, Ryan, didn’t the manager say “they don’t really need it”? OMG! Heck, if front line staff are all rich - heck, they don’t need money to save for anything, right? Then why shouldn’t the owner or manager skim whatever they like, right? If you think I’m wrong you likely have not worked in a high volume bar where tip pool gets doled out by the manager, like they’re doing you a favour, just one every 2 weeks and your take is like $75! Chrcks and balances help keep good people honest. Davey🇨🇦
I have lived here for three years and know how low the salary is for those hardworking Thais, so I tip every time I get a chance. Restaurants, bars, etc. Nothing like America, but a nice 50 THB or more is fine for me. I will continue to tip as any additional money will help those folks get food for their families.
I do occasionally leave a small tip depending on quantity of service and price. If I believe I'm being charged too much or if the service is bad or unfriendly, or if they make me wait too long no tip. Again, if the food or drink is cheap, the service is fast and friendly I'll leave 5% - 10% max. If I'm in a bar and they are charging too much for a beer, no tip. Sometimes they ask me why no tip and I tell them. I do live in a semi-tourist area so sometimes they come to expect it but I feel absolutely no obligation. (Why no tip? Because u made me wait too long, ur food isn't good, ur prices are too expensive, ur not being friendly 🙃)
To me NI is getting very like America tips seem to be expected everywhere even if it’s been bad service ,.the thing I hate is when it’s added onto the bill no matter what your service has been like you could have been served by the most ignorant person but still be expected to tip . Me I’m a tipper even when I don’t need to 😂
I’ve always been a big tipper and my Thai wife feels that I tip far too much….. so now I give her all my spending money and she tips as necessary.
Great Vlog Ryan, so funny about the smelly foods that you don’t like and are liked by the Thai family !!
Sounds very familiar 5555.
Regards Steve.
Yes, you have the right of it. Tipping is not a cultural heritage. (Except in America)
I have wondered if it is an insult to Thai's. Yes when the 'West' visits a country we are thinking, I'm a visitor and I would like to help. For me if I have more than others I like to give it to people to help them. I'm in Australia and I do try to help people. I am selective here because we should be able to look after ourselves. But I try to always tip kids if they are busking, or any invalid (I'm one) so as to make their life easier. 👍❤️😇
Pay it forward!
There’s places in the states that you can buy meals for others. What they’ll do is hang receipts on a board and people who are down on their luck can grab one of the receipts and get the meal for free for them since already paid for.
An interesting topic and I like the way you justify your actions whilst still thinking about the effect it may have in the wider community.
I'm a selective tipper and mostly tip good service. My Thai wife of 10 yrs does not like me tipping, God forbid I start dropping the petrol stn attendant 20 or 50!!!
Funnily enough I have never thought about tipping at the local PTT or PT. Might try it next time I fill up without the wife riding shotgun.
Enjoyed the vid.
What does Damo think about the subject?
she is pro tip because she also sees how hard people work for so little here
If you are a giver, remember to se your limits because the takers dont't have any! This is an insightful piece of advice. It suggests that while it's admirable to be generous and giving, it's crucial to set boundaries. Without limits, givers may find themselves taken advantage of by those who don't recognize or respect boundaries. This can lead to burnout and resentment. It's important for givers to protect their own well-being by establishing clear limits on how much they are willing to give, both in personal and professional relationships.
I used to think that "Tipping is not a town in China!" But no, it is not good sometimes. In East Africa, tips are not usual. If you tip it is ok most times. I remember one time 30 years ago when I gave a 1 dollar tip to a waitress with my friends. She said: "I'm very sorry Sir, but I cannot go home with you as I am newly married!". I lost my jaw! OK OK, no problem sorry!
tipping is a slippery slope. it is out of hand in North America. for that reason, I do not tip. Japan has it right, it is seen as disrespectful. Your business and patronage of your favorite places is sufficient imo.
In my rural area I see many 17-25? year old sitting around doing nothing but getting crazy on Lao Khao and yaba. They could be hired for an extra hand on a rice farm but they’re not motivated. So I have full respect seeing young people working in the service industry.
I tip my package couriers 60 -80 baht since they have a thankless job. And I respect them for working and not sitting around being useless. I only leave a tip in a local restaurant if the waitress is smiling and attentive-not frowning at me while I look at the menu . ( but most restaurant helpers don’t seem to know what good customer service is due to lack of training) Yes, I’ll tip my local PTT folks a small amount.
I don’t tithe at a local church so this is my way of “tithing”.
As a Thai, it never occurs to me that I should tip. I think being pleasant and appreciative to your service provider is enough. However, some of the things said in the video got me thinking esp. on เด็กปั๊ม (Dek Pump (Pump Child (Petrol Station Attendant))).
TIPS=
To Insure Proper Service
I tip because I mainly eat in noodle shops. I mainly go to the same shops and I always get good service. Is it because I tip? Maybe, but that's okay. I don't tip a lot of money, maybe 10 baht, but that 10 baht means a lot for them because they usually only make between 30 to 60 baht per hour.
If they receive a top from, say, 10 people, that means they got paid for an extra hour or two.
It also makes me feel better. I have made someone's life a little better.
I tip in restaurants and often round up on the COD Lazada deliveries but that's about it. Never considered tipping at a gas station even though I had a Sunday job as a teenager as a pump attendant.
I agree with your plastic bag point, they were 'getting green' for sure.
I don’t tip in chain restaurants or fast food places. Here in Germany there is the service included hence costs are calculated in the selling prices.
Different story if it is a owner run place. If the service strikes me well, attentive and friendly I tip. Often I round up to the overnext Euro or somewhere around 10%. That is unless I pay with credit card and have no change at hand…
The US culture of 20% tip is abusive on both, the staff whom get underpaid and the customer who has to calculate the local, state and government tax on top of the shown price plus the tip…and overpays the overall experience…
In the past, I always tipped generously, regardless of the quality of service, simply out of habit. As many have noted, this had become the norm in the US, where I live. And, I took this behavior with me when I travelled to other countries.
These days, I tip only a token amount for what I consider to be ordinary service - ie. when someone does the job, in a satisfactory manner, that they are supposedly being paid to do. I am a firm believer that employers should pay employees a fair & decent wage, and that the customer should not be obligated to make up for any shortfall on the employer's part.
If I receive exceptional service, above-and-beyond what I believe they are actually being paid to do, then I have no problem with tipping more generously.
BTW - I recall commenting on Ryan's past tipping vlog, regarding his regular package delivery guy. In that comment, I said that I would not tip someone just doing his job. However, in a later vlog, I saw the delivery guy's motor bike piled ridiculously high with packages. This, in my opinion, is a clear case of above-and-beyond service. So, I'd like to retract my earlier comment, regarding this specific delivery guy, and say "yes, please, tip the guy - he deserves it". :)
That was a surprise to me on my first visit to Thailand is drive way service. At a petrol station as in Australia and other places you used to have this now it is all self serve and even to supermarkets now.
Talking about cleaning windows the Thais laughted when I asked them to clean my motorcycle helmet visor as it had bug smear all over it.
I mostly agree with the points about tipping, based on my opinion and experience in Thailand. Tipping is not a natural practice in Thailand. In some cases, it is a genuine gesture, such as in the service industry, hotels, and cafes. However, in most cases, people do not tip in Thailand, particularly when it comes to government staff, as tipping government employees is illegal as far as I understand. From my experience, when I gave a tip to those working in the service industry, some looked at me as if I should give more, while others appreciated it even if it was a small amount.
Nowadays, things have changed because Thailand is increasingly adopting Western culture and customs, which, in my opinion, helps Thailand develop internationally.
P.S. I feel like things have changed a lot in Thailand. Money is more valuable now than before, which is understandable in this era. However, we still see traditional Thai customs in rural areas, such as the practice of giving and taking-where giving a banana, for example, might result in receiving something back or at least a gesture of appreciation.
100% correct. I despise these new tourists to Thailand from the US, UK and Oz who think Thailand has a tipping culture and if it doesn’t, that it should. All they are doing with their “save the poor hospitality worker” bollocks is inflating the prices and expectations for Thais and expats who know what the prices should be.
A long time ago in Australia the Unions decided if you can’t pay an employee a living wage you shouldn’t be in business also often there is a surcharge on weekends but I still tip occasionally and especially in a place like Thailand where it’s no big deal to me.
In most cases, tipping is simply annoying. You have a contract with someone to provide goods or services. They provide, you pay. The end. No time and effort messing about with extra charges. I wouldn't be tipping for something I don't even need, such as someone pumping my petrol. I want the speed and efficiency of pumping my own and paying by credit card.
The only people I tend to tip in Thailand are good taxi/Bolt/Grab drivers. There are many rip-off cab drivers who refuse to use their meters. There are many drivers who are just not good at driving. When I get one who doesn't try to rip me off and who drives safely and efficiently, they are a rarity and those I'm happy to encourage.
Wow! The only time I would tip at a petrol station would be if they washed my windows which is a rare occurrence for me. My Thai wife taught me everything I need to know about tipping in Thailand.
Restaurants - if I am spending under 100 baht - no tip. Over 300 baht - 20-40 baht. In pricier restaurants look out for a service charge already on the bill.
I will tip my Thai masseuses because a 2 hr Thai massage is a lot of work and because they are skilled masseuses. I will tip the guy who cuts my hair 1,000 baht at New Year (he charges 70 baht for a haircut)
Taxis - I will round up
I’m an American who hates the tipping culture in the US. I’m one of those that doesn’t want to see it established here. I’ve never seen a downside to tipping like a Thai.
My philosophy of life involves making another person smile. It makes me feel better so is not purely giving as I too get something. Whether that is a tip or a laugh and a joke it adds to the pleasure of living. We tip generously and in the big cities we hand it directly to whoever was serving us separate from the bill so we know who gets it. Having said that I would hate it if I felt obliged to tip as in the States. In hotels, I always seek out the chambermaids and give them 50 Baht as they are particularly poorly paid and the smile I get in return is worth way more to me.
Most Thai like a tip.
Certain restaurants have service charge 10% which in a few establishments are not given to the staff. Other places no service charge is in place.
Tips are in many cases pocketed and not shared too.
Hi there
I tip at what I would call a proper restaurant ( has windows proper seating air con etc ) 100 baht , at a small Thai style open fronted restaurant where I pay around 55 baht for phad gapraow kai Dow and a free soup and water and ice I tip 20 baht , gas station 20 baht and those girls and boys give the biggest smile and go straight to the 7/11 and buy something, my local coffee stand I gave her 40 baht for iced lemon tea which she charged 35 baht for, I feel these tips are earned because I always get great service and a wonderful smile in return for a few baht , I don’t care what others give or don’t give
Regards Davy 🏴🇹🇭
Reminds me of that classic scene, at the beginning of Reservoir Dogs.
Love the vlog and how people wind themselves up over nothing. We got our hire car really dirty on our trip around the northwest of Thailand last year, so we paid to have the car cleaned out of respect for the lady that rented us the car and we tipped the car cleaner so we kind of double tipped. I couldn't give a stuff what people think, I felt better for tipping and handing back a nice clean car. As you said, if you can afford to tip why not do it
I used to frequent a good restaurant in Bangkok.. It was already more expensive than most but the food was good. One day I went in and a note on the menu added a 10 percent service charge. I asked the waitress if that service charge went to her for a tip. The answer was a resounding NO. I knew the farang owner and asked what was the deal with the service charge. He told me that it helped pay the staff especially the kitchen staff. It just rubbed me the wrong way and he lost a good customer.
Yeah that isn’t right - he should put his prices up or give them the service charge - in fact it could we be illegal 👍
Important to note:
When dining in a restaurant in Thailand -> ANY Restaurant (hotel or independent) leave small change (coins) in the bill folio, but give the MAIN tip to your server DIRECTLY in Her Hand (or His hand) -> since they did all the work, they should keep the main tips, but share the small change with the others, by returning it to the Cashier for the TIPS Box.
Living and working 20+ years in Bangkok (Thai wife) this is how we are asked to do things by the restaurant staff.
Tipping is highly cultural and I never tip because Ive never been used to it. In the parts of Europe where I grew up, I am used to know the price of the service Im buying. Expecting to give a tip makes me unsure if I have given enough for the service. Its like: you see a price in the store but the the teller would say another higher price at the counter. Doesnt seem fair.
When tipping becomes expected/obligatory, the service culture can decline rapidly.
In the US today, people can become angry, if you fail to tip, or tip less than what he/she expected. This can result in no service, bad service, petty revenge (such as spitting in the customer's food, or deliberately damaging the customer's luggage), verbal abuse, and even physical attacks.
This has obvious detrimental effects on business, esp. tourism.
I saw this happen first-hand in Hawaii, over several decades. The service culture, in the past, was very much as in Thailand, with employees welcoming customers with smiles & greetings, opening doors, helping with heavy bags, eager to help and improve the customer's experience. In fact, Hawaii was once world famous for its hospitality. Over the years, however, with the influx of wealthy tourists, who were quick to open their wallets, tipping became expected, and then obligatory. It became more & more common to see someone with their hand out, even before any service was actually performed. I witnessed several instances where hotel employees refused to take the luggage of guests to their rooms, unless/until they were first tipped to do so. I also know of several cases where hotel rooms were not cleaned, because the guest did not leave an expected tip in the room.
Don't get me wrong - aloha hospitality does still exist in Hawaii. But, it is not as universal as it once was - and tourism in Hawaii has suffered under the weight of increasing customer complaints & bad reviews. Tourists do not want to go where they are going to be treated like ATM machines, esp. when there are an ever-growing number of alternate tourist destinations in the world.
Note: I am admittedly guilty of the over-tipping sin, as well. During my first visit to Thailand, I was overly generous with my tips, to say the least. Essentially, I tipped everyone for every service, big or small, and I was doling out the equivalent of a day, a week, or, in a few cases, a month of employee salary. I was not trying to show off - it was pure ignorance on my part.
As with the dude in the hat, these are my personal opinions & comments, and not of any particular worth or value. Feel free to ignore them completely & move on, without further consideration or comment. :)
First business meeting I went on in Thailand to buy a condo 3 years ago Thai man I was having meeting with stopped me from tipping and told me “ treat them with respect and that means more “ ! After that I only tip on apps that have tip option… also he gave me advice to if I want to tip just buy more instead and tip in my own mind that way …
I used to tip a lot more in Thailand, but I stopped for the reason you mentioned about changing the culture. It kind of felt wrong at times.
I'm envious in how you go out for coffee each day. I live in Bangkok and do the same, but it causes huge problems between me and my Thai extended family. They are deeply scornful of it, and we live on a dead end street and every time I leave I have to go by the family elder who watches everything and drips with disapproval. It's strange the things people get upset about.
Interesting- I’m not sure what you mean by it causing problems? That sounds like a very toxic situation 🙏
We in Australia don't tip as well, no one demand us but we sometimes do based on our free will
Who would think trying to show appreciation for attentive service and a good attitude could have so many thoughtful issues associated. I am like you in that I want to help others as well as feel good about sharing a blessed life. I like what you do and wouldn't carry the weight or thoughts about how it might affect anyone else. I guess where I get put off is when a tip is expected just because you used their service. I often wonder about people having an expectation of something more when they didn't do anything more to deserve it. Tipping as an obligation is awkward for everyone.
Of course you tip!
Tipping is very important in Thailand! Most workers are on minimum wage and need to work more than one job to survive and support their families! Any extra money they get will help with this!
I live in Isaan too and I always tip everywhere I go restaurants gaz ect ect m’y mom back in Canada worked as a waitress in a restaurant for 40 years and she always told me if you don’t tip your cheap
They "banned" reusable plastic in krabi a few years ago. It lasted about 2 weeks.
I don't care if Thais give tips or not, i give Tipps when and where i like for a friendly service 😊
My girlfriend work's in money exchange.her and the staff are so happy getting just 20 baht tip.
I like to give a bit of a tip, at restaurants and coffee shops I tend to give up to 10%, if I like the customer service and there are good food/drinks.
The wife who is Thai. have a house and car down in Cha Am, and the times I drive and fill up the tanks I use to give 20 baht.
But my wife never gives tips there.
❤👍🏼I also tip & agree it feels better. Also being so cheap I think its only right we share. Such lovely people. Meet Thais here & always very friendly, but many look sad. Culture is the opposite in Sweden! 💞💞💞💞