Tipping in Tibet: Do I Need to Tip When Traveling in Tibet?

As a part of travel expenses in Tibet, tipping is a common concern for many tourists. We often receive questions like: Do I need to tip when touring Tibet? How much should I tip in Tibet?

In this article, we provide a detailed introduction to the tipping culture and etiquette in Tibet, to help you better plan your Tibet travel budget and show your appreciation in the most proper way.

Tipping in Tibet is a Great Way to Show Your Satisfaction and Support

Although tipping is not customary or required in most places in the mainland of China, it is a good courtesy to tip those in the service industry in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

In the early days, Western tourists would habitually pay tips to local guides and drivers who provided services. Over time, this has become one of the sources of income for locals working in Tibet’s tourism industry.

Since the best time to visit Tibet is relatively short, many tour guides will have no income in the winter months when there are few tourists. Therefore, in addition to the salary for working in the peak season, the tips paid by guests have also become an important source of income for them to support their families in the off-season.

Of course, tipping is not mandatory in Tibet. But if you are satisfied with the people who provide services for you, especially the guides and drivers who accompany you all the time during your trip to Tibet, a small amount of tipping is expected.

This is not only a recognition and support for their professional services, but also a help to their families.

Our professional tour guide will serve you throughout the journey starting from Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

When and How to Tip in Tibet?

According to the travel restrictions in Tibet, all overseas tourists will travel with an organized tour. No matter whether you join a Tibet small group tour or tailor a private trip, you will be served by a local Tibetan guide and a driver arranged by the tour agency.

Our incredible local Tibetan tour guides will not only lead you to every destination of the journey but also take good care of you and help you get out of unexpected troubles. They will explain the attraction you visit, so that you can better understand Tibetan history and culture. Also, they can help you to pick souvenirs, recommend good-value restaurants, and so on.

During your journey in Tibet, the driver always silently contributes and ensures that you arrive at each destination safely and smoothly with professional driving. Although the road conditions in Tibet have improved significantly in recent years, there are still many winding mountain roads in mountainous areas in Tibet. Especially when you travel from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, you need to cross multiple high-altitude passes, which require high driving skills and experience.

Therefore, if you are satisfied with your tour guide and driver about their services during your journey in Tibet, it is highly recommended to give them a tip at the end of your tour in Tibet.

Our professional tour guides provide you with all-round services for your trip to Tibet.

Besides, if you are going to take a Tibet trekking tour, like the Mount Kailash trek or the Tingri to Everest Base Camp trek, you may need to hire a porter to carry your backpack. In addition to the hiring fee, you’re welcome to leave a small tip if you’re happy with their service.

On other occasions, like dining in a local restaurant or during your stay in the hotel, tipping is not common as you are already paying the establishment for the services and they do not depend on tips to survive. However, if you’re really satisfied with their service, you can leave a small tip afterward.

Trekking porter with client at Mt. Kailash trek trail

Tipping Etiquette in Tibet: How Much is Appropriate

Generally, we recommend tipping about 50 RMB (around USD 7) per day for your guide and driver. You can give the total tip at the end of your tour.

Of course, whether to give a tip and how much the tip is depends on your satisfaction with the guide and driver's service. If you’re especially happy with the service and decide to tip more, it will be a great encouragement for them.

As the best Everest tour operator in Tibet, we ensure you a hassle-free lifetime experience to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

Leaving a positive review is the best tip for Tibet Vista!

While tipping is always appreciated by tours and drivers personally, leaving a positive review is truly the best reward you can give to us at Tibet Vista.

As a closely-knit team, from travel consultants and local office staff to tour guides and drivers who accompany you along the way, every member is working hard to bring you an unforgettable journey in Tibet. Your positive comments are not only a recognition of our services, but also the warmest encouragement to the entire team.

Your positive reviews are the biggest driving force for us to keep improving and continuously optimizing our services. At the same time, they can also help future travelers feel more confident in choosing us for their Tibet tours.

Whether it is a few lines or a detailed tour review, your feedback is an honor that we cherish very much. We truly appreciate it if you share your travel stories with us and leave a review on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, or Facebook.

A memorable trip to Tibet with our expert Tibetan local guide.

Conclusion

It is not compulsory to tip in Tibet, but it can show your appreciation and support Y to the guide, driver, and other people who try their best to serve you.

The recommended tipping is around RMB 50 per day for your tour guide and driver together. You’re also welcome to tip more based on the excellent quality of service you receive.

If you enjoyed your trip, we’d be deeply grateful for your support through a positive review. It could be the best reward and tip for us!