How much to tip in China 🇨🇳

Tipping is not traditional in mainland China, though private tour guides and drivers serving tourists now expect one.

Country

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Bill amount

🇨🇳China · Not expected

Tipping is not part of the culture and can even cause confusion. A polite thank you is enough.

Restaurant: Not expected in most places

Café & bar: Not expected

Taxi: Not expected

Hotel: Not expected at local hotels

Tour guide: Expected for private tour guides and drivers

Amounts are in local currency. Tipping is a custom, not a rule, so use these as a friendly guide.

Tipping in China, explained

Regional note

Hong Kong and high-end international hotels add a 10 percent service charge.

China tipping FAQ

How much should I tip in China?

Tipping is not traditional in mainland China, though private tour guides and drivers serving tourists now expect one. In restaurants: not expected in most places.

Do you tip taxis and hotels in China?

Taxis: not expected. Hotels: not expected at local hotels. Tour guides: expected for private tour guides and drivers.

Is tipping expected in China?

Tipping not expected. Tipping is not part of the culture and can even cause confusion. A polite thank you is enough.

Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Tipping is a custom that varies by region and venue, so use this as a guide. Sources: Fodor’s & Rick Steves travel etiquette guides, Wikipedia: list of tipping customs by country, national tourism boards.