Singapore is one of the few destinations in the world where tipping isn’t just unnecessary, it’s actively discouraged. Some restaurants even post signs stating that tips aren’t accepted. The reason comes down to pricing structure: most bills already include a service charge and tax, so an additional tip is considered redundant rather than expected.
Restaurants
Look for “++” next to prices on a menu, this means the listed price will have a 10% service charge and 9% GST (goods and services tax) added at checkout, totaling roughly 19-21% above the menu price. Since the service charge already covers the tipping obligation, no additional tip is necessary, even at Michelin-starred restaurants.
One important nuance: the service charge typically goes to the restaurant rather than being distributed directly to your server. If you’d like to reward a specific server for excellent service, leaving a small cash amount (SGD 2-5) directly is appropriate, though entirely optional.
Hawker Centres
Singapore’s famous open-air food courts, known as hawker centres, are a firm no-tipping zone. These are self-service or counter-service venues, and offering a tip here would be unusual and could even cause confusion or mild embarrassment for the vendor.
Hotels
Most hotels in Singapore add a service charge to your bill, similar to restaurants, which covers general service expectations. Tipping individual staff isn’t required, with one common exception: hotel porters. S$1-2 per bag is a reasonable and appreciated tip for help with luggage. If a concierge goes out of their way to organize something special for you, a S$5-10 note as a thank-you is a nice gesture.
Taxis
Tipping taxi drivers isn’t expected in Singapore, and drivers genuinely don’t anticipate it. Fares are metered, and it’s common for drivers to instinctively start counting out your exact change even if you don’t ask for it. If a driver has gone well out of their way to help you, a small tip is allowed, but this is a rare exception rather than the norm.
Tour Guides
Tour guides aren’t traditionally tipped in Singapore, but if you’ve had an exceptional, free, or informal walking tour experience, a small tip is an appropriate way to show appreciation. For paid tours, check whether gratuity is already factored into the cost before adding anything extra.
Cultural Notes
Tipping in Singapore can occasionally be seen as awkward or even slightly insulting, since it can be mistaken for either overpayment or, in rare extreme interpretations, something resembling a bribe. This is a holdover from a broader cultural pattern across much of Asia, where service is expected to be excellent as a baseline rather than something requiring extra payment.
If you do want to leave something extra, doing so quietly and directly to the individual, rather than adding it to a bill or being showy about it, is the most culturally appropriate approach.
| Situation | Typical Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Not needed (10% service charge + 9% GST included) |
| Hawker Centre | Never tip |
| Hotel Porter | S$1–2 per bag |
| Hotel Concierge | S$5–10 (only for exceptional help) |
| Taxi | Not expected |
| Tour Guide | Not expected; optional for free/informal tours |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to tip in Singapore?
Not rude exactly, but it can come across as unnecessary or slightly confusing. Some establishments explicitly discourage it, and taxi drivers will often try to return what they assume is overpayment.
What does “++” mean on a Singapore menu?
It means the listed price doesn’t include the 10% service charge and 9% GST, which will both be added to your final bill, totaling roughly 19-21% above the menu price.
Does the service charge go to my server?
Generally no, it typically goes to the restaurant rather than being distributed directly to staff. If you want to specifically reward your server, a small cash tip directly to them is the way to do it.
Should I tip at a hawker centre?
No. Hawker centres are self-service or counter-service venues where tipping isn’t part of the culture and may come across as unusual.
More Asia Tipping Guides
Traveling elsewhere in Asia? Check out our other tipping guides: