There are a few places that can easily be described as "Heaven on Earth", and with its sandy beaches and amazing nature, Bali is a beautiful island that certainly fits the description! But just like everywhere else in the world, it's important to know certain customs and etiquette before you travel.
Today, we're going to be looking at tipping in Bali. We'll explore tipping culture, look at when you should and shouldn't tip, and offer advice on how much to tip without causing any offence.
What is the Tipping Culture in Bali?
The tipping culture in Bali is generally more relaxed than in most other Western countries, and while a tip is always appreciated, it isn't mandatory.
Much of this is because you'll find a service charge included with your bill at many restaurants and hotels, which essentially removes the need for tipping. Of course, this doesn't mean that you can't add a tip on top of this, and tipping is starting to become an increasingly common practice due to visitors from countries where tipping is expected.
Why is Tipping Uncommon in Bali?
There are a few reasons why tipping in Bali isn't common practice, and the biggest is simply because Bali doesn't have a strong tradition of tipping. Historically, the agreed-upon price you pay for a service is what is expected, and deviating from this by adding more money on top as a tip just isn't rooted in the country's customs.
Bali's economy also plays a strong role in why tipping is as expected as it is in other countries, and as the cost of living and wages are different, the reliance on tips as extra income isn't as pronounced.
Like many popular tourist destinations, Bali places a strong emphasis on its hospitality industry and making sure that all visitors have the best possible experience as standard. As such, staff generally don't expect tips as the service they provide exceptional service as standard.
When Should You Consider Leaving a Tip?
While tipping isn't mandatory or expected in Bali, it is generally appreciated in certain situations. These include:
Tipping Servers
You can tip a server in a restaurant or bar should you feel you've received excellent service. However, it is worth noting that many restaurants add a service charge onto the bill as standard, and, as such, your server won't expect you to tip on top of this.
What is a Fair Tip to Leave a Server in Bali?
As a general rule, a tip of between 5%-10% is considered enough for a server in a restaurant or bar. So, should your total bill come to Rp103,000 IDR, a tip of Rp5,000-Rp10,000 IDR ($1-$2 AUD) would be appropriate.
Tipping Tour Guides
Unlike many services, it is considered customary to tip a tour guide at the end of a tour in Bali. This is especially true if you received a private tour that was designed specifically for your interests.
What is a Fair Tip to Leave a Tour Guide in Bali?
The amount of money you should tip tour guides in Bali ultimately depends on the length of the tour and your satisfaction with it. But as a general rule, a tip of around 10% of the tour total would be appreciated.
Tipping for Hotel Staff
Bali hotels are some of the most luxurious in the world, and you'll receive amazing service, which you're likely going to want to tip for. Of all the staff working in the hotel, however, the only team you need to worry about tipping is housekeeping, and all other roles won't expect a tip at all.
What is a Fair Tip to Leave a Hotel Staff in Bali?
The typical tip for housekeeping staff in Bali is between Rp10,000 and Rp20,000 IDR per day ($2-$3 AUD).
Tipping for a Spa Service
It is also customary to tip your therapist if you have received a massage or other spa service in Bali. However, as with restaurants and some hotel services, it's best to check that a service charge hasn't already been added to your bill before tipping.
What is a Fair Tip to Leave a Spa Service in Bali?
A tip of around 10% of your total bill for spa treatments is appreciated, and if you received services from several therapists, this will likely be split between them all.
Bali Tipping Etiquette: How to Give a Tip?
As with all other countries, it's important to follow certain values and traditions when tipping in Bali. One value that Bali holds dear is modesty, so when giving a tip, be sure to do so discreetly and in a way that won't cause any embarrassment to the person receiving it.
In most cases, it's best to either leave tips on the table or hand them directly to the member of staff. It's also nice to express your gratitude verbally by quietly saying "Thank you", either in English or Bahasa Indonesian.
Top Tip: Cash is widely accepted in Bali and is often the most appreciated way of receiving a tip. It's the most convenient way of tipping in Bali too, and you can get cash with excellent AUD to IDR rates here.
Are There Any Cases You Should Avoid Tipping in Bali?
While you may be tempted to tip for almost every service you receive in Bali, there are some instances in which you don't have to worry about leaving a tip behind.
The most common instance is where a service charge has already been included with your bill, and you'll find this at many restaurants and hotels. In this instance, you don't need to leave a tip, but anything you wish to add on top will be appreciated.
You also don't need to worry about tipping at local markets or shops, as it isn't expected when paying for goods. Likewise, tipping isn't expected when using transportation services, including taxi drivers.
Heading to Bali? Get the Best Rates Of Indonesian Rupiah at Crown Currency
Since the best way to leave a tip in Bali is by cash, it only makes sense to get the best rates of AUD to IDR with no commission fees possible! This won't only make tipping much easier but will leave more spending money in your pocket, so you can have the holiday of a lifetime.
Head down to your nearest Crown Currency Exchange store today!
