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tipping in Indonesia

If you are traveling to Indonesia in the near future, then you will need to research the currency and tipping etiquette before you arrive. The currency is called the rupiah and abbreviated Rp. The currency code is IDR. Rupiah is divided into 100 sen. Tipping in Indonesia is common to a certain extent. How much to tip always depends on how satisfied you are. This guide will tell you more..

should you tip your tour guide?

In Indonesia Don't tip your tour guide

You are not obligated to tip your tour guides in Indonesia. However, if you feel that your tour guide has been extremely helpful feel free to tip him or her as much or as little as you like. A small gratuity will always be appreciated, but don't feel under any pressure.

tipping in spas in Indonesia

In Spas Tip 20,000 - 30,000 Rp in Indonesia

If you go to a spa in Indonesia, expect to tip. If you get a manicure or pedicure, tip around Rp 20,000. If you get a one-hour massage, around Rp 30,000 will be sufficient. If you get a facial then tip around Rp 25,000. However, these are only suggestions and you leave as much or as little as you like. If you receive fantastic service then feel free to leave a little more.

tip etiquette at restaurants in Indonesia

In Indonesia Tip 10% at a restaurant

When you eat at a restaurant your bill may include a service charge. It will probably be anywhere from 5-10%. If the service charge is added, you will not be expected to leave a gratuity. However, if the service charge is not added, you could leave around 10% of the total bill. Make sure to personally hand the money to the waiting staff to ensure that they receive it. Generally speaking, customer service in Indonesia is most attentive and service staff should not leave you waiting around for their attention for long periods of time.

tips at hotels in Indonesia

In Indonedia don't tip at hotels

Hotels in Indonesia charge a 21% tax. Ten percent goes to the government and 11% is a service charge. Because of this costly tax, tipping is never mandatory. However, if you want to tip any hotel workers you can. Many hotel workers are underpaid so it would be nice to leave a little bit for the housekeeper and the bellman that carries your bags. If you decide to leave a gratuity make sure you hand the money directly to the individual.

should you tip your taxi driver?

In Indonesia Round Up your taxi fare

You do not need to tip taxi drivers unless you want to. The taxis are metered so you only need to pay what the final cost shows. However, many people in Indonesia do tip the taxi driver to the nearest Rp. For example, if the final cost was Rp12,800, you could tip Rp 13,000. If you were happy with your taxi driver and he was extra helpful, you could always tip more.

should you tip your hairdresser

In Indonesia Tip 20,00-50,00Rp for a haircut

If you get your hair cut, coloured, and/or styled expect to tip your hairdresser. A gratuity of between Rp 20,000 and Rp 50,000 will be sufficient. If you are very happy with your hair, feel free to tip even more.