Tipping in Bali is appreciated, but it is not compulsory. Check the bill before adding anything. If a service charge is already included, you do not need to leave another tip.
Bali Tipping Guide at a Glance
| Service | What to do |
|---|---|
| Tourist restaurants | Tip 5% to 10% if no service charge is included |
| Local warungs and street food | No tip is expected; rounding up is polite |
| Private driver | Give around IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 for a good full day |
| Tour guide | Tip in cash based on the tour's length and quality |
| Spa or massage therapist | Give around IDR 20,000 to IDR 50,000 if no service charge applies |
| Grab, Gojek or taxi | Rounding up or adding a small in-app tip is optional |
| Hotel porter or housekeeping | A small cash tip is appreciated but not required |
Do You Tip at Restaurants in Bali?
Check the bill first. Restaurants in tourist areas often add a service charge of around 5% to 10%, usually alongside a government tax. If the service charge is listed, paying the bill total is enough.
If there is no service charge, leave 5% to 10% for good service, or round up a small bill. Look for "service charge," "service," or "++" on the menu or receipt.
At a local warung, market stall or street-food vendor, tipping is generally not expected. Leaving the small change or rounding up is a friendly gesture, not a requirement.
How Much Should You Tip a Bali Driver?
Give a private driver around IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 for a full day of good service. Hand over the tip at the end of the day. You can give more for unusually long hours, helpful recommendations or service that goes beyond what you expected.
For a short taxi or ride-hailing journey, tipping is optional. Round up the fare or use the in-app tip function if you want to show your appreciation.
Should You Tip at a Bali Spa?
Yes, a small tip is appreciated when no service charge is included. IDR 20,000 to IDR 50,000 is a reasonable amount for a treatment from a particular therapist. Check the receipt or ask whether gratuity is already covered before paying extra.
What Is the Best Way to Tip in Bali?
Use small rupiah notes and give the money directly to the person who provided the service when appropriate.
- Use Indonesian rupiah rather than foreign currency.
- Do not feel pressured to tip if the service was poor or a service charge is already included.
- Do not tip twice because a card machine displays a gratuity prompt.
- For a group tour, ask whether tips are pooled or already included in the tour price.
Indonesia's official tourism guidance tells foreign visitors to use rupiah for transactions, making local cash the simplest option for small tips.
Treat tipping in Bali as a thank-you, not a requirement. Check the bill, avoid paying a service charge twice, and use your judgment when someone has provided personal or especially helpful service.