
In Cambodia, the art of tipping is as nuanced as the flavors in a bowl of aromatic fish amok. Unlike some of its neighboring countries, Cambodia doesn’t have a deep-rooted tipping culture. However, as tourism flourishes and Western influences seep in, the practice is becoming increasingly common, especially in areas frequented by international visitors.
Deciding if you should tip (and how much) in Cambodia can be influenced by several factors, including where you are, service quality, and type of service. While there are no fixed rules for tipping in Cambodia, understanding these considerations can help visitors make informed decisions when showing appreciation for good service.
Tipping in Cambodia: When/Where to Do it
Tipping is increasingly expected in Cambodia in the same places you would tip in the United States: at hotels, restaurants, cafes, and on tours. Follow this guide to know who you should tip and when.
Who/Where | How Much |
Waiter or waitress in a sit-down restaurant | 10-15% |
Bartender | 2 KHR per drink |
Barista | 1-2 KHR per drink |
Hotel Housekeeping | 10 KHR per day |
Bellhop | 2 KHR per bag |
Concierge | 20 KHR each time they help you |
Taxi Driver | 10-15% depending on length of journey |
Tour Guide (Multi-Day Group Tours) | 17,000 KHR per person, per day |
Tour Guide (Single Day Group Tours) | 15-20% of tour cost |
Temples/Religious Sites | 2,000-3,000 KHR |
Tuk Tuk Drivers | Tips are not expected |
Masseuse | 10-15% of treatment |
In a sit-down restaurant, a tip of 10-15% is expected at the end of a meal. At bars and cafes, you can tip a few KHR each time you get a drink, or round up your bill at the end.
How to Tip in Cambodia
Tipping in Cambodia is best done discretely and in local currency. Simply saying that you don’t need change at a restaurant, or shaking your guide’s hand with a folded bill in your palm, are good ways to leave a tip.
You should tip using clean bills, and avoid tipping with dirty or ripped notes, which can be seen as an insult in Cambodia.