Tipping culture in Indonesia can be a bit tricky. Unlike in Western countries, where tipping is almost mandatory, in Indonesia, it’s more of a gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation. Some places expect it, while others see it as an unexpected bonus. If you’re traveling to Indonesia or just want to blend in like a local, here’s a guide to tipping in different situations—so you don’t overdo it or come across as rude.
A Guide to Indonesia tipping
Do You Need to Tip in Indonesia?
Short answer: It depends.
Long answer: Tipping isn’t ingrained in Indonesian culture the way it is in the U.S. or Europe. Many places already include a service charge, especially in major cities like Jakarta and Bali. However, for personal services like food delivery, massages, or luggage handling, a small tip goes a long way in showing appreciation.
In general, tipping is more common in tourist-heavy areas. If you’re in Bali, Lombok, or Yogyakarta, people in the service industry may subtly expect tips. But in smaller towns and less touristy regions, tipping is often met with surprise rather than expectation.
Now, let’s break it down by category.
Restaurants and Cafés
If you’re dining at a restaurant or chilling in a café, check your bill first. Many mid-range to high-end restaurants automatically add a service charge (usually 5-10%) and government tax (around 10%). If that’s the case, there’s no need to tip unless the service was exceptional.
But if you're in a warung (small local eatery) or a budget-friendly café, tipping isn’t expected. If you want to leave something, rounding up the bill is the way to go. For example, if your meal costs IDR 47,000, you can just give IDR 50,000 and tell them to keep the change.
Quick Tipping Guide for Restaurants & Cafés
- Fancy Restaurants: 5-10% if no service charge is included.
- Mid-range restaurants: Round up to the nearest IDR 10,000 if no service charge is added.
- Street food & warungs: Not expected, but leaving small change (IDR 2,000-5,000) is appreciated.
Hotel Tipping Etiquette
Hotels are one of the few places in Indonesia where tipping is more common. While most high-end hotels include a service charge, some staff still appreciate small tips for personal services.
Who to Tip in a Hotel?
- Bellboys/Porters: IDR 10,000-20,000 per bag.
- Housekeeping: IDR 10,000-30,000 per night, depending on the hotel level.
- Concierge: If they go out of their way to arrange something special for you, IDR 20,000-50,000 is generous.
- Room Service: Check if a service charge is included; if not, a tip of IDR 10,000-20,000 is fine.
If you’re staying at a budget hotel or a guesthouse, tipping isn’t expected, but a little extra for housekeeping at the end of your stay is a nice gesture.
Transportation: Should You Tip Drivers?
For transportation, tipping depends on the mode you’re using.
Taxi Drivers
- Most taxi apps (like Grab and Gojek) allow tipping through the app. 5-10% of your fare is a good rule of thumb.
- For regular taxis, rounding up the fare is the norm. If the meter says IDR 48,000, just give IDR 50,000.
Private Drivers & Tour Guides
- If you hire a private driver for a day, tipping IDR 50,000-100,000 is fair, depending on the length of the trip.
- For a tour guide, IDR 50,000-150,000 per day is appreciated, especially if they’re engaging and knowledgeable.
Ojek (Motorbike Taxis)
- No tipping is expected, but rounding up the fare is nice. If your ride costs IDR 18,000, giving IDR 20,000 is totally fine.
Salon & Spa: Show Some Love for Good Service
Going for a massage or getting your nails done? Tipping at spas, salons, and wellness centers is a great way to show appreciation, especially if the service was top-notch.
How Much to Tip?
- Massages & Spas: IDR 20,000-50,000, depending on the place. If you’re at a luxury spa, you can go up to IDR 100,000.
- Hair Salons & Barbers: IDR 10,000-30,000, especially if you’re happy with the cut.
- Nail Salons: A small tip of IDR 10,000-20,000 is polite but not required.
Some high-end salons already charge a service fee, so always check your bill before tipping.
Porter di Bandara/Stasiun: Helping Hands Deserve Tips
If you’re at an airport or train station and use a porter service, tipping is expected. These workers rely heavily on tips, so it’s good to be generous.
Tipping Guide for Porters
- Airports: IDR 20,000-50,000 per bag, depending on weight and distance.
- Train Stations: Around IDR 10,000-30,000 per bag.
At smaller stations where porters aren’t as common, tipping is less structured, but a little extra won’t hurt.
What If You Don’t Want to Tip?
If tipping feels awkward or unnecessary in a certain situation, a simple “terima kasih” (thank you) with a smile goes a long way. Indonesians appreciate politeness more than forced tipping.
Also, if a service charge is included in your bill, it’s perfectly fine not to tip extra. Just pay your bill and go.
Final Thoughts: Tip Like a Local
Tipping in Indonesia is flexible and situational. It’s not a must, but in many cases, it’s a kind gesture that helps out service workers. If in doubt, follow these general rules:
- Check if a service charge is included. If yes, no need to tip unless the service was amazing.
- In restaurants and cafés, rounding up is usually enough.
- In hotels, salons, and spas, a small tip is appreciated.
- For transportation, rounding up or app-based tipping is fine.
- Porters at airports & stations expect tips, so don’t skip them.
And most importantly—don’t stress too much about it! Tipping should feel natural, not forced. Now go enjoy Indonesia without overthinking your tip game! 🚀
Tipping culture in Indonesia can be a bit tricky. Unlike in Western countries, where tipping is almost mandatory, in Indonesia, it’s more of a gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation. Some places expect it, while others see it as an unexpected bonus. If you’re traveling to Indonesia or just want to blend in like a local, here’s a guide to tipping in different situations—so you don’t overdo it or come across as rude.
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