YepTip

Tipping in Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Tipping Guide

Tipping expected
%
Average tip
HK$
HKD
Yes
Tipping custom
8
Services covered

How much to tip in Hong Kong

Service Range Recommended Notes
Restaurant 0% Optional At restaurants Dont Tip in Hong Kong
Hotel / Housekeeping 10–In Hong Kong Tip $10-20 to Hotel Staff% %
Taxi / Rideshare 0–10% Optional Round up to nearest dollar; not expected.
Spa & Massage 0% Optional At Spas Dont Tip In Hong Kong
Bar 0% Optional Round up per drink.
Hairdresser / Barber 0% Optional A small tip is appreciated.
Tour Guide 10–In Hong Kong Tip 10-70 HKD to Tour Guides% %
Food Delivery 0–10% Optional Optional; a few dollars is appreciated.

Notes by Service

Restaurant

At restaurants Dont Tip in Hong Kong

Hotel / Housekeeping

Taxi / Rideshare

Round up to nearest dollar; not expected.

Spa & Massage

At Spas Dont Tip In Hong Kong

Bar

Round up per drink.

Hairdresser / Barber

A small tip is appreciated.

Tour Guide

Food Delivery

Optional; a few dollars is appreciated.

About Tipping in Hong Kong

Overview

Hong Kong operates its own distinct tipping culture — separate from mainland China and aligned with its international status. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically; after that, additional tipping is optional. Outside service-charge venues, a 5–10% tip for good service is appropriate.

When to tip

Tip at restaurants when no service charge is included, hotel housekeeping (HK$10–20 per night), tour guides, and at spas. Taxi drivers don't expect tips but rounding up is a common courtesy. At local cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong diners) and hawker stalls, tipping is minimal and entirely optional.

How to tip

Check your bill for the 10% service charge before adding anything. If not included, leave cash directly on the table. For hotel stays, tip housekeeping in HK$ notes; for guided experiences on Victoria Peak or day trips to outlying islands, HK$50–100 per person is appropriate.

Cultural context

Hong Kong's tipping culture reflects its hybrid identity — British colonial service standards, Chinese hospitality norms, and decades of international business travel have created a pragmatic middle ground. Workers here earn far higher wages than their mainland counterparts, so tips are appreciated extras rather than structural necessities. The city's extraordinary restaurant scene rewards regulars who tip well with the warm welcome that locals take for granted.

Tip Calculator

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Total bill
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is tipping customary in Hong Kong?

Yes, tipping is customary in Hong Kong.

How much should I tip at a restaurant in Hong Kong?

Tipping is not generally expected. At restaurants Dont Tip in Hong Kong

How much should I tip hotel housekeeping in Hong Kong?

10–In Hong Kong Tip $10-20 to Hotel Staff% is typical. undefined

How much should I tip a taxi driver in Hong Kong?

Tipping is not generally expected. Round up to nearest dollar; not expected.

How much should I tip for a massage or spa treatment in Hong Kong?

Tipping is not generally expected. At Spas Dont Tip In Hong Kong

Do you tip at bars in Hong Kong?

Tipping is not generally expected. Round up per drink.

How much should I tip a hairdresser in Hong Kong?

Tipping is not generally expected. A small tip is appreciated.

How much should I tip a tour guide in Hong Kong?

10–In Hong Kong Tip 10-70 HKD to Tour Guides% is typical. undefined

Should I tip for food delivery in Hong Kong?

Tipping is not generally expected. Optional; a few dollars is appreciated.

Is HK$10 a good tip for a taxi driver in Hong Kong?

Yes, leaving the change or rounding up your fare by HK$10 is standard and highly appreciated by Hong Kong taxi drivers.

Is HK$50 a good tip for a massage in Hong Kong?

Yes, HK$50 is a very standard and customary tip for a 60-minute spa or massage treatment in Hong Kong.

Is HK$1000 a big tip in Hong Kong?

Yes, HK$1000 is an exceptionally large and generous tip in Hong Kong, usually reserved only for outstanding VIP service in luxury venues.

Is it rude not to tip at a restaurant in Hong Kong?

It is not considered rude because most sit-down restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill, though leaving your coins or a small note is polite.

How much should I tip a hotel bellhop in Hong Kong?

It is customary to tip hotel bellhops HK$10 to HK$20 per bag for carrying your luggage to your room.

Is HK$20 an acceptable tip for food delivery in Hong Kong?

Yes, tipping HK$20 is a very generous and appreciated gesture for food delivery riders, particularly during bad weather.

How much should I tip for a haircut in Hong Kong salons?

Tipping is customary in hair salons, where leaving HK$20 to HK$50 for the assistant who washes your hair is highly recommended.