Singapore – Tipping Culture
A Complete Guide to the singaporean Tipping Culture
Tipping can get pretty confusing when traveling, and it helps to know how to do it correctly. Given the mixed culture and modern sleekness of Singapore, tipping is slightly different, which might come as a surprise for some. Our guide will take you through the ins and outs of Singaporean tipping culture, letting you know exactly when, where, and how much to tip—or not tip.
In many parts of the world, tipping seems like a big deal, but in Singapore, people don’t expect it and sometimes even see it as unnecessary. Let’s get into the reasons for this, checking out some historical and social factors that make Singapore’s approach to gratuity a bit different. By the end of this guide, you will be confident in your ability to navigate a trip like a local.
Hi there! I’m Emily, a travel writer with a passion for exploring the great world we live in. I love to share my travel wisdom where possible to ensure people can truly make the most of the time when they visit places. One of my most memorable trips was Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, that city has some of the most wonderful, crazy energy!
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Key Takeaways
- Tipping is not customary but appreciated in Singapore
- Most restaurants include a 10% service charge, so additional tipping is not necessary
- Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture
- Hotel staff do not expect tips, but SGD 1-2 per bag or per night for housekeeping is appreciated
- Tipping in hawker centers and fast-food chains is not common
- Always tip in cash to ensure it goes directly to the service provider
Singaporean Tipping Culture In A Nutshell
Some people call Singapore a ‘country of rules’, and that actually also rings true in tipping. The country takes transparent pricing and excellent service seriously – the government even mandates to have service charges already present in bills. The goal is to have service staff appropriately compensated, so most establishments already have service charges and removes the need for additional tips.
Restaurants and cafés will add a 10% service charge to your bill. These charges are distributed among the staff, ensuring everyone is happy at the end of their shifts. In hotels, porters and housekeeping staff do not expect tips. However, we highly suggest showing a little bit of gratitude for good service. Fares are well-regulated in Singapore, so taxi drivers will not accept tips.
While tipping is not conventional, rewarding exceptional service is up to you and you only. For excellent experience, consider rounding the bill as a small tip or leaving a few extra dollars. That should brighten your server’s day just a little bit more.
Understanding Singapore’s Tipping Culture
Even way back, Singapore has always prioritized fairness and clarity in the service industry. In their rapid development during the 20th century, the government made it a law to include service charges for goods and services. The government made this move to make costs crystal clear—for locals and tourists alike—and to prevent any conversations about inequality that tipping might start.
This no-fuss attitude to tipping is still going strong in Singapore. With service charges already built into the bill, there’s no need to open your wallets and leave tips. People rest easy knowing that the pricing is extremely transparent – what you see is what you pay. This removes any complication and ensures that excellent service is just part of the deal, without needing extra financial encouragement.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Tipping in Singapore
Follow these do’s and don’ts so you can ensure your idea of tipping in Singapore are appropriate and respectful of local customs:
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Tip discreetly for good service. | Feel obligated to tip. |
| Recognize service charges. | Ignore service charges. |
| Just offer small tips for impressive service. | Leave tips on tables. |
| Offer small gifts instead, if needed. | Tip on fast-food chains. |
Exceptions to the Rule
While tipping is not the norm in Singapore, there are a few exceptions where things may be approached differently:
- In upscale restaurants or bars, you can expect customized service. While the customary 10% service charge will be present, you can opt to leave a small tip directly to your server.
- Private or small tour guides who go above and beyond in making your tour better will appreciate a small tip. A tip of around SGD 10-20 will be a nice touch.
- During special holidays like the Chinese New Year or Christmas, you can give small tokens to service staff. Feel free to give this in the form of festive tokens instead of money.
- Celebrating a personal special occasion and the service staff goes out of their way to make it memorable? A sweet, small tip can be a good way to show your thanks.
How Much Do I Need To Tip?
Even though you most likely won’t be tipping that much in Singapore, it’s good to have our handy guide below just in case:
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | No additional tip needed if 10% service charge is included. For great service, rounding up the bill or leave up to 10% |
| Hawker Centers | No tip expected; rounding up the bill is good but not necessary. |
| Taxis | No tip expected; round up to the nearest dollar if needed. |
| Hotels | Not needed, but you can tip SGD 1-2 per bag for porters and the same per night for housekeeping. |
| Tour Guides and Drivers | SGD 10-20 for a full-day tour if service goes above and beyond. |
Remember, small tokens of appreciation are always welcome for exceptional service.
Conclusion
Singapore is a place full of surprises, and if you come from a place where tipping is the norm – their tipping culture will be another surprise. Being straightforward and fair is king here, so tipping is almost unheard of. Even so, do not fret over giving small gratitude as rounding up the bill or putting a few extra bucks on the table. People will receive it well, especially if you pair it with a sincere thank you.
Just remember to keep this guide with you so you can know exactly what to do about tipping rules when you’re in doubt in Singapore. Knowing where, when, and why one should tip helps you show appreciation the right way. Relax and fully immerse yourself in all the wonderful experiences that your Singapore trip has to offer.
Singaporean Tipping Culture: What You Need to Know FAQ
Tpping isn’t customary as service charge is often included in bills at restaurants and hotels. However, small tokens of appreciation for exceptional service are welcomed.
Taxi drivers in Singapore do not expect tips. You can choose to round up the fare as a gesture of thanks for a smooth ride.
Most cafes and smaller eateries do not include a service charge. However, leaving spare change or a small tip is a nice gesture if you’ve received good service.
Unlike Singapore, European countries have varied tipping practices. For example, in Belgium, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, as service charges are typically included. Learn more with this Belgium tipping guide. Similarly, in Austria, tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service. For specific practices, refer to the Austria tipping etiquette.
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