The default is no tip
In most restaurants, taxis, shops and hotels, staff do not expect a tip. Service charges may be included at high-end hotels or large parties; check the bill. Leaving coins on the table is not customary and can confuse staff.
When a tip is appreciated
Private guides, drivers for multi-day trips, hotel luggage porters and spa staff may appreciate a small tip for exceptional service. For a private guide, 50–100 RMB per day is a reasonable range; for a porter, 10–20 RMB. It is discretionary, not obligatory.
How to tip politely
Hand it directly to the person, in an envelope or with a thank-you, rather than leaving it on the table. Do not make a show of it. If a service charge is already on the bill, you do not need to add more.
Reality check
Tipping is not expected; over-tipping can be more awkward than appreciated.
Local tip: Check the bill for a service charge before adding anything.
Step by step
- Check the bill for a service charge.
- Tip only for personal, exceptional service.
- Use cash or mobile transfer.
- Keep it discreet.
- Do not tip in government offices or hospitals.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Usually 0; service charge may apply |
| Private guide | 50–100 RMB/day, optional |
| Porter | 10–20 RMB, optional |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Cash for small tips
- Bill/receipt
Common mistakes
- Leaving a tip on the table
- Tipping when service is already charged
- Over-tipping to show off
- Tipping officials
If things go wrong
- If staff chase you with change, accept it; it is not a tip.
- If a guide expects a tip, agree the amount before the tour.
FAQ
Do taxi drivers expect a tip?
No. Rounding up is optional; most passengers pay the meter.
Is a service charge the same as a tip?
Usually yes; it goes to the establishment, not necessarily the staff. Check the bill.
Money in China: the field guide
China is a mobile-payment economy with a cash safety net. The goal is not to find the one perfect app; it is to have two working payment paths and a small cash reserve.
Build a payment stack
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay as primary, the other as backup, a physical bank card as third, and a few hundred RMB as fourth. Test each before you depend on it. A card that works in a hotel may fail at a noodle shop; that is normal, not a crisis.
Understand the fees
Foreign cards can carry a 1–3% foreign-transaction fee, and ATMs add their own charges. When a terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and pay in RMB; the conversion is usually worse. Keep receipts for refunds and tax claims.
Fraud and mistakes
Never share a payment QR code, SMS code or password. Do not let a stranger “help” you pay and then keep your phone. If a payment fails, stop after two attempts and switch method; repeated retries can lock the card. If you are overcharged, ask for the bill and dispute through the app or your bank.
Quick checks
- Two payment apps tested
- One physical card plus cash
- Bank told about travel dates
- No shared QR codes or SMS codes
- Receipts kept for refunds
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Cash for small tips
- Bill/receipt
- Check the bill for a service charge.
- Tip only for personal, exceptional service.
- Use cash or mobile transfer.
- Keep it discreet.
- Do not tip in government offices or hospitals.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.