tipping in Cambodia
If you are traveling to Cambodia, then you should make yourself familiar with the currency and tipping etiquette. Cambodia isn’t a tipping country, but due to the low wages of the workers, gratuities go a long way.
The Cambodian currency is called Riel. Riel notes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 values, but the 500 Riel note is most commonly used. U.S. dollars are also commonly used in Cambodia, but make sure you exchange your currency for Riel when arriving in Cambodia and then vice versa when you leave. One U.S. dollar equals around 4,000 Riels.
tipping etiquette for restaurants in Cambodia
In Cambodia Tip 5%-20% at a restaurant
There is no standard amount of gratuity to leave at a Cambodian restaurant, but waiters and waitresses will always appreciate a tip. 10% of the total bill is probably around average but feel free to leave more if you felt that the service was excellent. If you are not satisfied with your service, then don't feel obligated leave anything. That said, this should prove to be an exceptionally rare occurrence in Cambodia as the service staff really do go out of their way to look after their customers.
should you tip your tour guide?
In Cambodia Tip 10% to your tour guide
If you go on a tour in Cambodia, it's good tipping etiquette to leave around 10% for your tour guide. They will accompany you throughout the entire tour, while giving you cultural and local knowledge and they will also serve as your translator if you need it. Your tour would not be as enjoyable without your tour guide, so make sure you show your gratitude. Also, leave a gratuity for the driver (if this person is separate from the tour guide) of around $1-2 per day.
tip etiquette at hotels in Cambodia
In Cambodia Tip $1 at a hotel
If you are staying in an hotel in Cambodia, generally, give the bellman around $1 per bag that he carries to your room. Give the maid around $1 a day. You are not obligated to tip any of the other hotel staff unless you feel led to do so. Remember that Cambodian workers do not make much money and rely on gratuities. A one US dollar tip may not seem like much to you but it be more than half of a typical worker’s daily income.
tips at spas in Cambodia
In Cambodia Tip 5%-20% at a Spa
If you are happy with your spa services, then tip your therapists as much or as little as you like. Never feel obligated, but tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. You could leave a few dollars extra and it will be very much appreciated.
should you tip your taxi driver?
In Cambodia Don't Tip your taxi driver
Tipping your taxi driver is up to you. Do keep in mind that Cambodian taxi drivers will not necessarily expect tips, but because they do not make much money, they will appreciate them. If you feel as though your taxi driver went out of his way to help you or was extra friendly, consider leaving him a few dollars. Another option is to let him keep the change after rounding up to the nearest dollar.
should you tip your hairdresser
In Cambodia Tip $0-$2 to your hairdresser
Tipping your hairdresser in Cambodia is entirely up to you. Don’t feel obligated to do so, but if you are happy with your haircut or style, then feel free to tip your hairdresser as much as you like. Even $1-2 goes a long way in Cambodia. Your tip will be greatly appreciated.