Do You Tip in Malaysia? A Traveler’s Guide to Tipping Etiquette
If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, you’ve probably wondered: Should I tip? How much is enough? And what do Malaysians actually do?
After spending years traveling around Malaysia, chatting with locals, and comparing experiences in different parts of the country, here’s a practical look at how tipping works here — and when you can safely skip it.
Is Tipping a Thing in Malaysia?
The quick answer: not really. Tipping isn’t part of daily culture in Malaysia, and most locals don’t do it.
At restaurants, if a tip is expected, it’s usually included as a 10% service charge right on the bill. For everything else, paying exactly what’s listed is totally normal.
So if you’re used to tipping back home, you’ll likely find it refreshing here — no need to calculate percentages after every meal.
Why You Don’t Have to Stress About Tipping
- Locals don’t tip in everyday life. At hawker stalls or night markets, the idea of tipping doesn’t exist.
- Service charge covers it. Sit-down restaurants often add it automatically.
- It can be awkward. Handing over extra change at a roadside stall may confuse the vendor — they’ll probably chase you to give it back!
Times When a Small Tip is Welcome
While it’s never mandatory, here are situations where leaving something small is appreciated:
- Hotels: RM 5–10 for bellhops or housekeeping staff.
- Private tours and drivers: 5–10% if you loved the experience.
- Spas and massages: RM 5–10 if no service charge is added.
- Food delivery riders (GrabFood, Foodpanda): A small in-app tip, especially in bad weather.
How to Say Thanks Without Money
Not sure if tipping is right for the situation? Try one of these instead:
- Say terima kasih (“thank you” in Malay) with a smile.
- Leave a good review online — locals really value it.
- Be polite and patient; kindness is highly respected.
Where You Definitely Don’t Tip in Malaysia
- Street food stalls and hawker centers — you’ll just pay the exact price.
- Casual restaurants and cafés — no need to round up.
- Taxis and Grab rides — just pay the fare; rounding up is optional but not expected.
Quick Look at Malaysia’s Currency
Malaysia uses the Ringgit (RM or MYR). Notes are RM 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100, while coins go from 5 sen to 50 sen.
Even RM 5 (about USD 1) is a decent tip when you choose to give one.
Tipping in Malaysia at a Glance
| Situation | Do You Tip? | Suggested Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street food / hawker stalls | ❌ No | None | Locals never tip here. Just pay exact change. |
| Casual restaurants & cafés | ❌ No | None | Sometimes a 10% service charge is already added. |
| Mid-range & upscale dining | ✔ Sometimes | Already included (10%) | Check your bill — if service charge is added, no extra tip needed. |
| Hotels – bellhop/porter | ✔ Optional | RM 5–10 per bag | Appreciated but not expected. |
| Hotels – housekeeping | ✔ Optional | RM 5–10 per night | Leave in the room if you want. |
| Tour guides / private drivers | ✔ Optional | 5–10% of total tour cost | Only if service was excellent. |
| Grab/taxi rides | ❌ No | Round up to nearest RM if you want | Not required; locals usually don’t. |
| Food delivery riders | ✔ Optional | RM 2–5 (via app) | Especially in rain or late at night. |
| Spas & massage centers | ✔ Optional | RM 5–10 | If no service charge is added. |
Final Word: Should You Tip in Malaysia?
For the most part, no, you don’t need to tip in Malaysia. Locals don’t expect it, and you’ll never look cheap for not doing so.
But if you want to show a little extra appreciation — at hotels, on tours, or for great service — a small tip is always welcome. Keep it simple, and enjoy the warm Malaysian hospitality that shines with or without tipping.
