Short answer: Not expected. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and hotels in mainland China, and not tipping is perfectly acceptable. Upscale hotels and some restaurants add a service charge instead. Guides on private tours are the main place where a tip is welcome.
Is service included?
Restaurants and bars in hotels, and some upscale restaurants outside hotels, may add a service charge of 10 to 15%. Ordinary local restaurants do not.
How much to tip in China
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | Not expected | Not expected; some high-end restaurants in big cities accept small tips. |
| Cafes and bars | Not expected | No tipping custom. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Not expected | Drivers do not expect tips. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Not expected | Not expected in most hotels. |
| Hotel porters | Optional, about ¥5 per bag | Only in luxury hotels, around ¥5 per bag. |
| Tour guides | Optional | Varies: some sources say guides do not expect tips; others suggest about ¥80 to 150 per day for a private guide and ¥40 to 75 for a driver. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Not expected | No tip needed for massages. |
| Food delivery | Optional | No firm custom; sources do not cover it, and tipping is generally not expected. |
Amounts are in the local currency (CNY). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Usually you do not tip. If you want to thank a private guide or driver, hand them cash at the end of the tour. If someone declines a tip, do not insist.
What to avoid
Do not leave money on the table at an ordinary restaurant; it is not the custom and may be returned.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to China and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything.
Sources
- Shanghai Municipal People's Government: Is tipping necessary when dining in Shanghai?
- Lonely Planet: The ultimate guide to tipping in Asia
- China Travel: How to tip in China
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in China?
Not expected. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and hotels in mainland China, and not tipping is perfectly acceptable. Upscale hotels and some restaurants add a service charge instead. Guides on private tours are the main place where a tip is welcome.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in China?
Not expected. Not expected; some high-end restaurants in big cities accept small tips.
Is a service charge added to the bill in China?
Restaurants and bars in hotels, and some upscale restaurants outside hotels, may add a service charge of 10 to 15%. Ordinary local restaurants do not.
Do you tip taxi drivers in China?
Not expected.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in China?
Not expected.
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