tipping in Hong Kong

The staff in a hotel may expect you to tip. But before tipping you should check if there service charge added included in your bill. Even if there is the porter or bellboy may expect between $2 and $5 for carrying your luggage.

You can leave the hotel maid between $2-$5 dollars per night if there is an envelope left in your room. Don't do this if there is a service charge on your bill though.

The safest option os to not to tip at restaurants. This is true even if your bill doesn't include a service charge. Restaurants in Hong Kong will often add a 10% service charge to the bill and they may refuse a gratuity. At high end restaurants it should be safe to leave between $10 and $20 dollars per person, but it should not be expected.

Gratuities will not be expected at cafes or bars, or anywhere that has counter service and tips may be refused. If you want to leave some extra money use cash. If you use your card it is likely the restaurant will keep the money and the waiter or waitress will not receive it.

Staff woking at Spas will not expect a tip for the services they offer. If you receive exceptional service you can leave some small change or round up the bill, but they may be extremely surprised at this act of kindness.

Tour Guides in Hong Kong often rely on tips to make their salaries higher. You should tip between 10 and 70 HKD per person and split this money between the tour guide and the driver if there is one.

If you have organised a private tour you should not worry about tipping. Generally the private tour guides will charge a fee that is high enough. You may still leave something small for exceptional service however.