Cambodia – Tipping Culture
A Complete 2025 Guide to The Cambodian Tipping Culture
Planning on taking a holiday in the Kingdom of Cambodia? Oh boy, are you in for a world of excitement. You have a great array of activities from which to choose—you can frolic in the beach in Sihanoukville or do temple-running, Indiana Jones adventure style, in Angkor. But hold on, let me teach you about the Cambodian tipping culture before you book those flights. Trust me, knowing who, what, and how to tip will improve your time in the country.
Let me go through the nuances of tipping in Cambodia. Having negotiated these waters (and streets) countless times, I’m here to share some insights that will help you tip with confidence and cultural awareness.
As a travel enthusiast and photographer from the UK. I have a passion for nature and wildlife, I tend to focus on eco-tourism and sustainable travel but like to cover a wide range of articles. My favourite destination has got to be Malta, I love the food there and the relaxing nightlife of Silema is my happy place!
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Key Takeaways
- Tipping in Cambodia is more common in touristy areas but less expected in rural regions
- Standard tip in restaurants is 5-10%, unless a service charge is included
- Small U.S. dollar bills are widely accepted and preferred for tips
- Tip tour guides ($5-10 for group tours, $10-20 for private tours), hotel staff ($1-2 per bag for bellboys, $1-2 per night for housekeeping), and round up for taxis
- Tipping is not customary in spiritual sites like Angkor Wat; consider a donation to the temple instead
- Always tip in bills as coins are not commonly used in the country
Cambodian Tipping Culture In A Nutshell
In Cambodia, people tip as a gesture like in the the Philippines, without following a strict set of rules. If someone had gone out of their way to make your day just that bit extra special, then don’t hesitate to show your gratitude. The key is to tip when you feel the service merits it and when you can afford to. After all, you’re on vacation to enjoy yourself, not stress about small change!
Tipping is a bit of a mixed bag when in Cambodian restaurants. If you’re trying local delights in street food stalls or at a mom-and-pop eatery, you don’t need to tip. But if you’re living it up at a sit-down restaurant located in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, a 5-10% tip is a good start if there’s no service charge on your bill.
For hotels, 4,100-8,200 KHR ($1-2) per bag for the bellhop will get you a big smile in return. As thanks for keeping your room spick and span, the same amount range per night applies to the housekeeping staff. If you’re hopping in a tuk-tuk or a taxi, it’s best to round up the fare. If your driver’s been extra helpful or you’ve had a longer journey, tossing in an extra dollar or two won’t go amiss.
Understanding The Cambodian Tipping Culture
Tipping in Cambodia can sometimes feel like a guessing game, and we have to chalk it up to the country’s wild ride through history. Centuries of kings and colonialism, followed by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime basically hit the reset button on society. This environment wasn’t ideal for fostering a healthy service-oriented industry.
In the 1990s, Cambodia started opening its doors to the world. As tourists flocked in, they brought their diverse tipping customs with them. Suddenly, people in the Cambodian service industry started getting used to the concept of tipping. It was like learning a new dance — awkward at first, but people began to get the hang of it.
The tipping culture has now grown and continues to evolve in Cambodia. In touristy spots, it’s becoming more common, but in the countryside, it still raises eyebrows. But do not worry if you really are not sure about whether to give a tip or not—just go with the flow! Here is an overview of Brazilian tipping culture so for comparison.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Tipping in Cambodia
Avoid potential missteps when you tip in Cambodia. I’ve got your back with some easy-to-follow do’s and don’ts that can help:
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Carry small U.S. dollar bills. They’re widely accepted and often preferred. | Use coins for tipping – they’re not commonly used in the country. |
| Tip tour guides, especially for private or longer tours. | Make a big show of tipping. |
| Tip discreetly, more so in more local establishments | Be offended if your tip is initially refused. |
| Leave a tip for housekeeping daily, instead of one lump sum at the end of your stay. | Feel pressured to tip excessively. |
Exceptions to the Rule
Sometimes, in tipping, just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, you might encounter a situation that makes you go, “Wait, what?”. Let’s avoid those moments by keeping these four key exceptions about tipping in Cambodia in mind:
- High-end hotels and fancy restaurants often include a service charge (usually around 10%) on top of your total. If you see this, you’re generally off the hook for additional tipping unless the service was absolutely stellar. Take a proper look at your bill to be sure.
- In some very local spots, staff might actually refuse your tip! Don’t be offended if this happens, as tipping is not part of their regular practice.
- In tourist hotspots like Siem Reap, tuk-tuk drivers might expect a tip. But in more rural areas, rounding up the fare is usually enough.
- When visiting temples or other spiritual sites, especially Angkor Wat, tipping isn’t customary for monks. Donation boxes are also usually absent. A humble donation to the temple itself is more appropriate if you wish to contribute.
How Much Do I Need To Tip?
Alright, let’s talk numbers and answer the million-riel question: how much should you actually tip in Cambodia? Don’t worry, we’re not dealing with complex math here – just some easy-to-remember numbers that’ll keep you and your service providers happy.
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 5-10% of your bill |
| Hotels (Bellboy) | 4,100-8,200 KHR ($1-2) per bag |
| Hotels (Housekeeping) | 4,100-8,200 KHR ($1-2) per night |
| Taxis | Round up the fare, or add for great service |
| Guided Tours | 20,500 – 41,000 KHR ($5-10) per day for group tours, or 41,000 – 82,000 KHR ($10-20) for private tours |
Conclusion
Treat tipping in Cambodia as an art and not rocket science. Much like most of the countries I have been to, the basic principles stay the same: show appreciation for good service and use tipping as an excellent opportunity to connect with the locals. Don’t overthink it, just approach it with a generous spirit and a dash of cultural sensitivity.
My final advice to you, besides keeping these tipping tips in mind, is not to be too hung up on how to tip. You’re in Cambodia – focus on the awesome experiences waiting for you! This country has so much to offer, along with their people’s warmth and generosity. If you find yourself fumbling with riel notes or unsure whether to tip, just flash a smile and say “orkun” – it will go a long, long way.
Cambodian Tipping Culture: What You Need to Know FAQ
Similar to Thailand, people in Cambodia don’t traditionally tip, but it’s becoming more common in tourist areas and is always appreciated for good service.
In local eateries, it is not expected but you can opt to leave a small amount for great service. For restaurants, a tip of 5-10% of the bill is customary if service charge isn’t included.
Yes, tipping drivers is common practice. For short rides, rounding up to the nearest dollar is appreciated. For longer journeys, consider tipping a few dollars.
For bellboys, 4,100-8,200 KHR ($1-2) per bag is standard. Housekeeping appreciates a tip of 4,100-8,200 KHR ($1-2), especially if you’re staying at a higher-end hotel.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
