Short answer: Not expected. Tipping is not expected in Singapore, including in taxis. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge, and hawker centres and food courts never expect tips. Leaving something extra for great service is appreciated but entirely optional.
Is service included?
Restaurants and cafes usually include a 10% service charge in the bill. Hawker centres and food courts do not add one.
How much to tip in Singapore
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | Not expected | 10% service charge is usually on the bill; extra is optional. Some places have a tip box. |
| Cafes and bars | Not expected | Service charge often included; no tip at hawker centres. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Not expected | Not expected; one source suggests about S$1 if you want to give something. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Not expected | Not expected; a small tip for exceptional service is optional. |
| Hotel porters | Optional | Not expected; a small tip if you like, no firm custom. |
| Tour guides | About 10% | Around 10% of the tour cost, split between guide and driver, is considered fair. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Optional | Not expected; small tip only if you like. No firm custom. |
| Food delivery | Optional | Small tip in the app if you like; no firm custom. |
Amounts are in the local currency (SGD). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Most of the time you just pay the bill, which already includes service. If you want to add more, leave cash with the bill, use a tip box where there is one, or add it in a ride-hailing or delivery app. Card machines rarely prompt for a tip.
What to avoid
Do not try to tip at a hawker centre or food court stall; it is not the custom.
Tipping by card
Card terminals in Singapore do not usually have a tip step. Payment apps and QR codes (PayNow) are common, and neither adds a tip.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Singapore 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.
Street performers
Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:
Sources
- Lonely Planet: Things to know before visiting Singapore
- Lonely Planet: The ultimate guide to tipping in Asia
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Singapore?
Not expected. Tipping is not expected in Singapore, including in taxis. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge, and hawker centres and food courts never expect tips. Leaving something extra for great service is appreciated but entirely optional.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Singapore?
Not expected. 10% service charge is usually on the bill; extra is optional. Some places have a tip box.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Singapore?
Restaurants and cafes usually include a 10% service charge in the bill. Hawker centres and food courts do not add one.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Singapore?
Not expected.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Singapore?
Not expected.
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