Tipping

Kazbo · 27-05-2008, 10:24 AM

Hi,

I've been in HK a while but apart from the 10% added onto restaurant bills I haven't had any clues as to whether tipping is expected.

I'm thinking particularly of rather girlie things such as the people who give you a massage, do your nails or your hair, but also cabs, etc. Is there a general rule and if not, when do you do it and how much?

Thanks!
Kazbo

mjk · 27-05-2008, 10:35 AM

There are a couple of threads about this topic on here, just click below on "Similar Threads" and you will find your answer.

jimbo · 27-05-2008, 10:37 AM

If its 10% service charge then I usually don't tip unless it was exceptional service then I pretty much give them what coins are left in the change, If its a few dollars then I might put in a 10 or 20 dollar note.

For things such as hairdressers etc I'd do about the same.

Cabs, Its pretty much round it up. say its $18 then I just give them a $20 and leave it at that.

gazmario · 27-05-2008, 10:41 AM

Hey, good question.

I've often wondered that myself. I think it's the 10% service charge that makes me not tip if that's included. But then, does that (and anything extra you leave) really go to the wait-staff?

I'm also not sure if I'll ever get used to having an unncessary large number of coins served as change on a platter. I mean, I realise they provide more coins than required to 'encourage' me to leave those coins behind. But I hate the way, for example, a $50 or $55 beer ends up costing $70. Even though it's annoying, I just usually leave those coins so as not to appear like a tight arse. In this example, the beer in HK is already very pricey.

jimbo · 27-05-2008, 10:44 AM

Well usually with tips is if you pay cash it goes to the staff and if you put it on your card then it goes to the restaraunt itself.

With beers I never tip, Unless I am exceedingly drunk and don't know what I'm doing.

Claire ex-ax · 27-05-2008, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by gazmario:

But I hate the way, for example, a $50 or $55 beer ends up costing $70.

If you buy a beer for $55 but pay $70, that's a 27% tip. And if you buy a beer for $50, that's a 40% tip

PDLM · 27-05-2008, 10:57 AM

But frankly if you're choosing to pay that much for beer I doubt that you care.

Many bars in Wanchai, for example, have beers at $15-20 (or 2 for 1 @ $35-40) all evening until 9 or 10pm. You really don't need to pay $55 for generic lager if you don't want to.

And to answer the original question... (as we seem to have to do every few months):
- taxis: the driver will normally round to the next dollar when giving change. No more is required.
- restaurants: if there's 10% in there already then that's fine unless the service has been unusually good, in which case perhaps up to 5% more in cash.
- when sitting at a bar (i.e. no waitress service): no tips, especially if they have the effrontery to add 10% to the price (kudos here to the bars which don't add 10% on the drinks, such as Spicy Fingers).
- (men's) barbers: none necessary unless you feel they are somehow exceptional.

gazmario · 27-05-2008, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Claire ex-ax:

If you buy a beer for $55 but pay $70, that's a 27% tip. And if you buy a beer for $50, that's a 40% tip

Yes, exaclty. That's what I mean

But perhaps there's a bigger issue at play here than a few coins on a platter. Maybe it's time time to assess whether my 'pint index' is the best and most sensible tool with which to approach life's economic conundrums.