Tipping in the Philippines: how much and when

Is tipping expected?

Tipping in the Philippines is appreciated but not as rigid as in the US. Service charge (usually 10%) is already added in many sit-down restaurants, and when it is, no extra tip is required. When there is no service charge, rounding up or leaving 10% is common and appreciated.

Restaurants

• Sit-down restaurants with service charge: nothing more needed (check the bill for 'service charge').
• Sit-down without service charge: 10% or rounding up is normal.
• Fast food and cafés: no expectation; a tip jar exists but is optional.
• Buffets: 10% is common.

Transport

• Taxi: rounding up to the nearest peso or 10–20 pesos is common; apps like Grab include a tip option in the app (not expected but appreciated).
• Tricycles and jeepneys: no tip expected for short rides; for charter rides, rounding up is fine.
• Private drivers (weekly hire): a small cash gift or top-up around holidays is customary.

Hotels and services

• Hotel staff (bellhop, housekeeping): 20–50 pesos per service is appreciated.
• Spa and salon: 10–15% is common.
• Tour guides and boat crew: 100–300 pesos per day depending on the trip; dive guides often receive a tip or a drink.
• Security guards: generally not tipped, but a small token at Christmas (aguinaldo) is a tradition.

Practical notes

Cash tips are the safest — many small businesses do not accept card tips. When in doubt, round up rather than overthink; Filipinos rarely expect a specific percentage. During December, 'aguinaldo' (year-end gifts) for regular service people — guards, cleaners, drivers — is a well-established custom.

¿Algo incorrecto o desactualizado? Reporta un error · Revisado por última vez: 11 agosto 2026. ¿Algo incorrecto o desactualizado? Report an error · Last reviewed: 11 August 2026.