Taiwan is genuinely a non-tipping culture. Service workers earn fair wages, a 10% service charge is already included at most mid-range and upscale restaurants, and some establishments explicitly post “Tips Not Accepted” signs. If you leave money on the table thinking you’re being generous, there’s a real chance your server will chase you down the street to return what they assume is forgotten change. A sincere “xièxiè” (thank you) is genuinely the most appreciated gesture here.
Restaurants and Cafes
Most sit-down restaurants in Taiwan automatically include a 10% service charge in the bill. Check your receipt — if it’s there, you’ve already paid for service and no additional tip is expected or necessary. At casual local eateries, noodle shops, and street food stalls, no charge is added and no tip is expected. Pay exactly what’s on the bill and you’re done.
Night market stalls are a strict no-tip zone. These are usually owner-operated food businesses where a tip would be unusual and potentially confusing.
One specific exception worth noting: Taipei has a growing number of speakeasy-style craft cocktail bars where bartenders custom-craft drinks for each customer without a menu. If you’re genuinely impressed by this level of personalized service, a small tip is a nice gesture — but even here, it’s not expected.
Hotels
Hotel tipping isn’t expected in Taiwan. The one exception is bellhops and porters at upscale international hotels — NT$50–100 per bag is a small and appreciated gesture if someone carries your luggage. Housekeeping tips are not customary, though leaving a small amount with a thank-you note is a kind gesture for multi-night stays. Concierge staff don’t expect tips for standard assistance.
Taxis
Taxi drivers in Taiwan don’t expect tips and some may even be confused by extra money. Paying the exact fare shown on the meter is completely normal. Rounding up to the nearest convenient NT$10 is a natural gesture, but it’s genuinely optional — drivers will readily return the correct change without any expectation of keeping it.
Uber and rideshare apps operate in Taiwan with in-app tipping available. Leaving a small tip on the app is slightly more common than tipping a street taxi, partly because the app makes it easy and partly because international app culture has normalized it slightly. Still entirely optional.
Tour Guides
Private tour guides, particularly those catering to international visitors, have grown more accustomed to receiving tips. A tip of 10% of the tour cost for the guide and 5% for a separate driver is a generous gesture that will be genuinely appreciated, though local Taiwanese visitors wouldn’t typically tip. For group tours, a smaller flat amount per person is appropriate.
Spas and Salons
A 10% tip for spa therapists is a reasonable gesture at higher-end spas, particularly if no service charge is already included. At local massage parlors and budget salons, tipping isn’t expected.
Cultural Notes
Taiwan’s no-tipping culture reflects the same broader East Asian service philosophy seen in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore — excellent service is considered a professional standard, not something requiring extra payment. Unlike Japan where tipping can cause mild embarrassment, in Taiwan the reaction to an unexpected tip is more likely to be genuine confusion than offense. Most service workers will simply assume you miscounted your change.
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ or TWD). Cash remains essential for night markets, street food, and smaller local businesses, while cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted in Taipei and major cities. The EasyCard, Taiwan’s transit card, is also accepted at many convenience stores and smaller venues.
| Situation | Typical Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (10% service charge included) | Not necessary |
| Restaurant (no service charge) | Not expected; paying exact bill is normal |
| Night market stall | Never tip |
| Craft cocktail bar | Small tip optional for exceptional custom service |
| Hotel bellhop/porter | NT$50–100 per bag (upscale hotels) |
| Hotel housekeeping | Not expected; small note optional for multi-night stay |
| Taxi | Not expected; rounding up optional |
| Uber/rideshare | Small in-app tip optional |
| Private tour guide | 10% of tour cost (optional; appreciated) |
| Spa therapist | 10% (optional; if no service charge included) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping rude in Taiwan?
Not rude exactly, but it can cause genuine confusion. Some restaurants post “Tips Not Accepted” signs, and servers at local eateries may chase you down to return what they think is forgotten change. A warm “xièxiè” is a more natural expression of thanks.
Is the 10% service charge a tip in Taiwan?
It’s a service charge included by the restaurant, not a tip in the Western sense. It’s distributed among staff, so it functions similarly to a tip but is built into the bill automatically. No additional tip is expected on top of it.
Do taxi drivers in Taiwan expect tips?
No. Paying the exact meter fare is completely normal. Rounding up is a natural optional gesture but drivers won’t expect or wait for it.
How do I say thank you in Taiwanese?
“Xièxiè” (pronounced syeh-syeh) is the standard Mandarin thank you used throughout Taiwan. A smile alongside it goes a long way.
More Asia Tipping Guides
Traveling elsewhere in Asia? Check out our other tipping guides: