Planning a trip to Bali and wondering if tipping in Bali is normal? You’re not alone. While tipping isn’t a traditional part of Balinese culture, it has become a common practice among tourists.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from restaurants and taxis to spas, villas, and even tour guides—helping you navigate when and how much to tip in Bali.
Also read: Bali Travel Guide: Complete Tips for Tourists
Is Tipping in Bali Necessary?
Tipping in Bali isn’t mandatory. In fact, many locals don’t expect tips since it isn’t a native custom. However, in tourist areas, leaving a tip is a kind way to show appreciation for exceptional service. Always check your bill first—many establishments already add a service charge (usually around 5-10%) which means extra tipping isn’t necessary unless you feel the service was truly outstanding.
For more information about the currencies used in Bali and their rates to AUD, USD and others, check out this article: Bali Currency: A Guide for Travelers
Dining Out: Restaurants and Cafés
When eating out, tipping practices can vary:
- With Service Charge: If the restaurant bill already includes a service charge, your tip is automatically taken care of.
- Without Service Charge: A common approach is to round up your bill or leave around 10% as a tip. For example, if your meal costs IDR 150,000, rounding up to IDR 160,000 or leaving an extra 15,000–20,000 IDR is perfectly acceptable.
Also read: 20 Best Food in Bali: A Guide to Exquisite Balinese Cuisine
Transportation: Taxis, Private Drivers, and More
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
For taxi drivers or Grab rides, tipping is not compulsory. However, rounding up the fare to the nearest 10,000 IDR is a nice gesture. So if your fare is IDR 45,000, rounding it up to IDR 50,000 shows your appreciation.
Private Drivers
If you hire a private driver for the day, a tip between 50,000 to 100,000 IDR is generally expected. This extra amount not only thanks them for their service but sometimes covers small extras like lunch or snacks along the way.
Also read: 25 Things to Do in Bali: Best Activities for Tourists
Accommodation: Hotels, Villas, and Guesthouses
Hotel Staff
Although many hotels include a service charge in the room rate, individual staff members such as bellhops and housekeeping often appreciate a little extra. A tip of IDR 20,000 to 50,000 for bellhops is common, while a similar amount at the end of your stay for housekeeping is a courteous nod to their hard work.
Villas and Guesthouses
For villa stays, tipping villa staff can vary by service level. For a week-long stay, consider tipping anywhere from IDR 50,000 to 100,000 per day, depending on the service provided. Do note that in smaller guesthouses or family-run establishments, tipping might not be expected and could even be seen as unnecessary.
Also read: 11 Best Places to Stay in Bali with Kids
Relaxation and Wellness: Spas and Massages
Bali is famous for its luxurious spas and massage services. Here’s what you should remember:
- Check for Service Charges: Many high-end spas include a 10% service charge. If there isn’t one, tipping around 10% of the total bill is customary.
- Example: For a massage costing IDR 300,000, a tip of about 30,000 IDR is considered generous.
Tour Guides: Enhancing Your Bali Experience
Tour guides play a crucial role in making your trip memorable. A tip of around 50,000 to 100,000 IDR per day is typical if you feel they provided excellent service. This not only supports their income but also reflects your satisfaction with their expertise—especially if they went out of their way to enhance your experience.
While tipping in Bali isn’t a local custom, it’s appreciated by service workers across the tourism industry. Whether you’re dining out, catching a taxi, enjoying a relaxing massage, or exploring the island with a knowledgeable tour guide, your tip can make a significant difference. Remember to check if a service charge has already been applied and adjust your tip accordingly. Enjoy your stay and share a smile along with that extra IDR!
If you want to visit Bali, be sure to know the details about Bali Entry Requirements 2025 and Bali Customs Declaration Guide.
For visa purposes, you can enter using the Bali visa on arrival which is valid for a 30-day stay. Meanwhile, if you want to stay longer, you can extend the Bali visa on arrival or apply for another type of Bali visa.
For a simpler visa application, you can rely on InvestinAsia’s Bali Visa service. Our professional team is ready to help you through the process to the end.
Contact us today for a FREE Consultation and special package!
Also check our complete guide for Bali Visa Extension 2025.
Common FAQs
Is 100,000 Rupiah a Good Tip in Bali?
Yes, 100,000 IDR is generous and suitable for services like private drivers or tour guides, especially if you received exceptional service.
Is 5,000 Rupiah a Good Tip?
Generally, 5,000 IDR is too low to make an impact. It’s better to round up or leave a slightly larger amount to express genuine gratitude.
Is 20,000 IDR a Good Tip?
For minor services, such as a quick taxi ride or small service tasks, 20,000 IDR can be acceptable, but for more involved services, consider a higher tip.
How Much to Tip in Bali for a Taxi?
Rounding up your fare is the most common practice. For example, if your fare is IDR 45,000, a tip to round it up to IDR 50,000 is appropriate.
How Much to Tip for a Villa Stay?
For villa staff, a daily tip between 50,000 to 100,000 IDR is customary. Over a week, you might consider tipping proportionally based on the level of service received.
