Tipping Guidelines

As a recognized way of showing appreciation for service received, tipping has become more customary in China's burgeoning tourist industry. You may consider that your tour guide and/or your driver has gone that extra mile to make your visit that much more enjoyable and wish to know what is considered an appropriate gratuity. Following many requests we, TravelChinaGuide.com offer the following advice on tipping.

Tour Guides & Drivers

1. Suggested Tip Amounts

The following are suggested daily tip amounts for each traveler to give to both the guide and driver. It is customary that tips should be given in an envelope at the end of each guide/driver's segment of the overall tour.

For the group with a national guide accompanied during the whole tour:

2. A suggestion for calculating tips

For a full day tour in a city, clients know how much they will tip the guide and driver per day according to the above suggestions. For partial days with a guide/driver, it is practical for clients to divide the day into two half days, and then the gratuity should be prorated accordingly.

Yangtze River Cruises

Hotels

If you require the hotel bellboy's assistance with your luggage(s), the customary tip is CNY10.00 per suitcase. For groups of ten travelers or more, the tour group leader should collect the money and leave the tip to the concierge.

Restaurant

Tipping is not necessary in Chinese restaurants.

Taxies

Tipping is not necessary for taxi drivers in China.

Conclusion
Tipping amount is discretionary, but not knowing the proper tip or gratuity for a service can be very unsettling. TravelChinaGuide does not endorse poor service. However, on the other hand, if you are quite satisfied with the guide or driver's service or their services are beyond your expectation, you could also tip more than we suggest. We hope this is helpful for you.