Tipping In Malaysia - A Complete Guide For Travelers

Tipping in Malaysia is a result of Western culture's impact. Tipping is frequently included in the cost of a meal or hotel room. If you eat at the hotel restaurant, you may pay an additional charge of 10%. However, there is no exact amount to give some advice. Therefore, you really need to estimate the appropriate tip amount for them.

In five-star hotels, porters typically receive tips ranging from 1-2 ringgit. In lower-class hotels, however, tips are typically not requested.

In Malaysia, it is not common nor mandatory to leave a gratuity. Because most restaurants include an additional fee on your bill that is meant to cover tips, Malaysian employees do not expect to be tipped. You will still be appreciated if you leave your change or an extra tip, though.

Locals often leave change or round up the bill, so you can use this as a guide or add 10–15% if the service is exceptional. So, are you traveling to Malaysia for leisure or business? Check out our guide about Malaysia tipping culture for a better experience.

Do You Tip In Malaysia?

In Malaysia, leaving a tip is not customary. Instead, your bill will normally include a service charge. If you are in a cafe or restaurant, for instance, the service charge will usually be declared on the menu and is paid to the business rather than a specific staff.

Although not all sectors will automatically add a service charge, you can check your bill to determine whether one has been added.

Even if tipping in Malaysia is not customary, a little extra is always appreciated as a thank you for great service.

Tipping in Malaysia is a result of the influence of Western culture

Tipping in Malaysia in restaurants & bars

When it comes to Malaysia tipping culture in restaurants, plan to tip between 10% and 15%. However, the place, occasion, and size of the order all affect how much should be tipped when eating dining out in Malaysia. Since your waiter or waitress is probably splitting their tip with the kitchen staff, it is usual to tip them a little bit more than you would a bartender.

You can round up to the next significant amount at Malaysian bars and cafés, or you can tip a little amount each time you order a drink. You may want to splash out and leave a larger tip if you are in an upscale cocktail bar where creating cocktails is an art form or if your cappuccino is made by a really skilled barista.

When it comes to Malaysia tipping culture in restaurants, plan to tip between 10% and 15%

Tipping in hotels in Malaysia

If you are staying in a hotel in Malaysia, you should typically tip between 10-20%. In upscale hotels with high levels of service, you’ll likely want to tip a range of employees, such as maids, waiters, bellboys, and front desk staff.

It is ultimately up to you to decide who and how much to tip, and it should be determined by the quality of service you receive. However, if your stay was excellent, you can consider leaving RM2 to RM10 tipping in Malaysia hotel for the bellhops, room service, and housekeepers.

If you are staying in a hotel in Malaysia, you should typically tip between 10-20%

Tipping taxi drivers in Malaysia

You can tip the taxi driver or leave extra change. Because tipping your driver isn't really necessary unless you find one who is trustworthy and cautious, please think about doing so.

For a longer journey with Malaysian taxis, tipping is customary at about 10%, particularly if the drivers help you with your bags. However, if the trip is short, rounding up the price or leaving the change to the drivers is the easiest way. Do not forget that you must agree on the fare in advance of your trip if you are using local taxis rather than a ride-hailing service like Uber.

Tipping tour guides in Malaysia

When you find a great tour guide in Malaysia, tip them the standard 10% cause they can make or break your trip experience. Tipping is equally welcome whether you take a private, multi-day, or walking tour.

If you go on a free tour in Malaysia, you should also tip. These kinds of tours frequently operate on a "pay what you like" basis. Your guide's only source of income might be your tips.

Sometimes you may be requested to leave a review on an app if you had a good experience instead of a tip. This can help the tour guide earn a commission - and help other visitors have amazing experiences as well.

When you find a great tour guide in Malaysia, tip them the standard 10%

Tipping at a spa & massage in Malaysia

In Malaysia, you can tip your masseuse around 10-15% of the whole payment; however, certain institutions might charge a fee that covers the tip as well. For example, if the massage cost you 100 Malaysian ringgits, you might think about leaving a 10 ringgit tip if the treatment was only mediocre, or you could say thanks with a 15% tip if the therapist did an exceptionally good job.

Tips For Tipping In Malaysia

In Malaysia, it is not common nor mandatory to leave a gratuity

Tip in the local currency

Whenever you tip during your trip to Malaysia, it is important to use the local currency, which is - Malaysian ringgits. Otherwise, you'll be leaving your carrier with cash they can't use without exchanging it first. Prepare a small amount of change in local currency before leaving the airport if possible to tip the driver and hotel porters.

Your bill may have already included the tip.

In Malaysia, service fees could be automatically added to the bill when you dine at a restaurant, hotel, or bar. Check your bill again before deciding whether or not to leave a tip. While it is less popular in some nations, charging a service charge is a common practice in others.

Tipping on a business trip

Don't get caught up in an embarrassing situation at a business dinner. Since tipping etiquette varies by country, it's critical to familiarize yourself with international tipping standards to prevent confusion and awkward situations!

Use your own judgement

Tipping is a great way to recognize and reward great service. If a service charge has not been added to your bill, tipping is at your discretion, but it is always appreciated. Staff working in restaurants and hotels in Malaysia often have to do difficult jobs for lower wages - think twice before canceling any tip request on their payment terminal.

Conclusion

Malaysia is a friendly multicultural country, surrounded by Thailand and Singapore. Understanding about Malaysia tipping culture is one of the best ways to immerse in the local customs here.

As you plan your trip to Malaysia, ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience by securing your eVisa through our website. The application process is straightforward and user-friendly, offering step-by-step guidance to help you complete it quickly and correctly.