Tipping in Philippines

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Filipinos are gracious and will never expect a tip, but service workers appreciate them.

Tipping mandatory

Leave 5-10% at sit-down restaurants. Some add a service charge; check the bill first.

5-10%

Round up the fare to the nearest 10-20 PHP.

Round up

Small tip for housekeeping at mid-range and luxury resorts.

50-100 PHP/night

Per person for day tours and island-hopping guides.

200-500 PHP

Leave small change or round up at bars.

Round up

General Tipping Guidelines

When visiting Philippines, tipping customs may differ from what you're used to. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

✓Check if a service charge is already included on your bill before tipping extra.
✓When in doubt, observe what locals do or ask your hotel concierge for advice.
✓Keep small bills and coins in the local currency handy for tipping situations.
✓For exceptional service, a small tip is almost universally appreciated even in non-tipping cultures.
✓Tip in local currency whenever possible — foreign coins and small bills are hard for staff to exchange.