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Tipping in China 2026: What to Tip, What Not To, and the Awkward Middle

Tipping is not customary in mainland China. Tipping can sometimes be refused. In tourist areas, some restaurants and hotels add 10-15% service charge. Here is the practical etiquette.

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Tipping in China 2026: What to Tip, What Not To, and the Awkward Middle cover photo

TL;DR

Tipping is not customary in mainland China — and can sometimes be refused outright. Hotels and restaurants in tourist areas may add 10-15% service charge to the bill automatically. Tipping tour guides, drivers, and hotel bellhops is becoming more common. Don't tip taxi drivers, street food vendors, or your hotel cleaning staff. In Hong Kong and Macau, 10% service charge is the norm at restaurants.
Mainland ChinaTipping NOT customary; service charge may be auto-added 10-15%
Hong Kong / Macau10% service charge standard at restaurants
Taxi / DiDiDon't tip; round up only if no change
Tour guides¥100-200/day for private guides; ¥50-100 for group tours
Hotel staff¥20-50 for bellhop; not expected for housekeeping
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Is tipping expected in China?

No — tipping is not customary in mainland China. In some cases, especially in smaller restaurants, attempting to tip can confuse the staff or be politely refused. International hotels and upscale restaurants in major cities often add a 10-15% service charge automatically. Hong Kong and Macau follow Western-style 10% service charge norms.

Should I tip taxi drivers in China?

No, taxi drivers do not expect tips in China. Taxi drivers (and DiDi drivers) do not expect tips. If you have a lot of small change, you can round up the fare, but it is not expected. Drivers may even refuse the tip as a matter of pride.

Should I tip at restaurants in China?

Generally no. Most restaurants in mainland China do not have a tipping line on the receipt. In tourist areas (Wangfujing in Beijing, Yu Garden in Shanghai), some upscale restaurants add 10-15% service charge — look for "服务费" (fúwùfèi) on the bill.

Should I tip tour guides?

Yes, this is one case where tipping is expected. Private guides: ¥100-200 per day. Group tour guides: ¥50-100 per day per person. Drivers: ¥50-100 per day. The tip is usually collected at the end of the tour and given to the guide in cash.

Should I tip hotel staff?

For bellhops who help with luggage: ¥20-50. For housekeeping: not expected but appreciated (¥20-30 per night, left on the nightstand). For concierge who books restaurants or shows you around: ¥50-100. International chain hotels (Marriott, Hilton) have tip envelopes at reception.

Should I tip in cash or via Alipay/WeChat Pay?

Cash is the universal form. Tips via mobile pay are becoming acceptable but cash is still preferred. Have small bills ready (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100). ATMs dispense ¥100 notes; break them at convenience stores for smaller bills.

Is tipping expected in Hong Kong?

Yes — 10% service charge is standard at most restaurants (often auto-added). Restaurants that don't add service charge will have a "tip appreciated" sign. Tipping taxi drivers: round up to the nearest HK$5-10.

What about Macau?

Macau follows Portuguese-Hong Kong hybrid norms. 10% service charge is standard at most restaurants in casinos and hotels. Smaller local restaurants don't expect tips.

Are there apps to tip tour guides in China?

Not commonly. Cash is the norm. Some travel agencies accept tips via WeChat Pay, but it is not the standard practice. Talk to your tour operator ahead of time about the tipping expectation.

What happens if I over-tip in China?

The server may chase you down to return the change. This is common in smaller restaurants. Take it back gracefully — refusing change is actually considered rude in Chinese culture.

Frequently asked questions

Do I tip at Chinese restaurants?
No in mainland China. The bill usually does not have a tipping line. In tourist areas and upscale restaurants, a 10-15% service charge may be auto-added. In Hong Kong and Macau, 10% is standard.
Do I tip taxi drivers in China?
No. Tipping is not expected and may be refused. Round up the fare to the nearest ¥1-5 if you have a lot of small change.
How much do you tip a tour guide in China?
¥100-200 per day for a private guide. ¥50-100 per day per person for a group tour guide. Drivers: ¥50-100 per day. Cash, in a single envelope, at the end of the tour.
Is there a service charge in mainland China?
Sometimes — in tourist areas, upscale restaurants, and international hotel restaurants. Look for "服务费" (fúwùfèi) on the bill. If it is there, the 10-15% is already included and you don't need to tip extra.
Do I tip in cash or mobile pay?
Cash is the universal form. Have small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) ready. Tipping via Alipay/WeChat Pay is not yet standard.
What about housekeeping at hotels?
Not expected in mainland China. If you want to leave a tip, ¥20-30 per night on the nightstand with a "thank you" note is appreciated. International chain hotels have envelopes.
Do I tip the bellhop?
Yes — ¥20-50 for helping with luggage, especially at international chain hotels. Cash.
Do I tip private drivers?
Yes — ¥50-100 per day for a private driver. Cash, at the end of the trip.
Do I tip in Hong Kong restaurants?
Yes — 10% service charge is standard. Most restaurants add it automatically; some leave it to the customer. Check the bill.
What if I have only big bills?
Break them at your hotel, a convenience store, or a bank. Most locals will not have change for ¥100 when you buy a ¥15 street snack. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are the easiest place to break large bills.
Is tipping required at high-end restaurants in Shanghai?
Usually no tipping line, but a 10-15% service charge may be added for groups of 6+. Smaller upscale restaurants don't expect a tip.
Should I tip the hotel concierge?
Yes, if they have helped you significantly (booking restaurants, arranging transport, etc.). ¥50-100 is appropriate. International hotels in Beijing and Shanghai often have tip envelopes at the front desk.

References

  1. Wikipedia: Tipping in China
  2. Wikipedia: Hong Kong cuisine
  3. Macau Government Tourism Office

Written by

Wei Zhang

Travel writer, 12 years covering China · Specializes in off-the-beaten-path

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