How to tip in your China tour?

During your private China tour, under most of the cases, tips are not expected. In restaurants, mid-level hotels, taxis and theaters, tips may badly surprise someone. If you go to some finest restaurants, especially those in the luxury hotels, you still don’t need to tip because there is always a 15% service fee included in your bill. You do not need to tip unless you are super satisfied with the services. If this is the case, then you can leave some cash on the table. Therefore, it would be the best if you can prepare some small gifts to express your gratuities.



However, there are some exceptions. If you are following a China tour group, for example, tips are normal and may even be expected by tour guides, coach drivers and bellmen in the hotel. For most tour guides in China, they are receiving only base salary, or sometimes without any salary, so their income is mainly based on two parts, commissioned shopping and tips. I’ve talked in my previous posts that most guides receive at least 30% commissions on the things you buy from the tourist-only shopping malls.

For tips, I would recommend the following:
National guides: US$5-8 per day or $15-20 per day if you are not led to stores
Local guides: US$4-5 per day or $10-15 per day if you are not led to stores
Drivers: US$1-2 per day based on the evening hours and total service hours
Bellman or cruise luggage porter: US$1-2 per piece of luggage depending on size and weight

Remember, they are making most of their money by sending you to commissioned shopping stores. The guides who don't do that can be awarded by more tips because they are doing perfectly to help you experience China more.