Inside Thailand: Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping
Tipping in customary in Thailand, although perhaps not to the extent or magnitude that is practised in many western countries. All public taxi rates are metered, and both Thais and local expats commonly round off the fare upwards as a tip. High-end tourist oriented restaurants and major hotels may include a ten percent service charge in the bill. For hotels in busy tourist areas, it is customary to tip hotel staff. Ucountry hotel staff may not expect tips, but of course they always appreciate a few baht in appreciation of their efforts. For example, it is customary to tip the bellboy 10 or 20 baht for carrying a load of heavy baggage up to your room, and this is practised by Thai guests even at the smaller upcountry hotels and resorts.
In all restaurants except for soup shops and roadside food stalls, Thai people will leave a tip of coins left over from paying a bill, unless a restaurant is more upscale with professional wait staff, and then a cash tip - perhaps less than 10% - is usually offered.
Bear in mind that the majority of workers in the hospitality and service industries in Thailand earn very little, soa small tip goes a long way. Of course, if the service is unacceptable (which is unlikely) then don't tip. Residents in urban areas like Bangkok have grown accustomed to tipping.In fact, many a taxi driver has given their blessing and hope for eternal riches on the back of an unexpected tip.It doesn't hurt to give a little. And the smile of appreciation will light up your day.
Etiquette
When hailing taxis, it is common to keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing down. Holding your hand with fingers up is considered rude.
When visiting temples, dress conservatively - women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers, have their shoulders covered, and should not wear sandals. Many temples state as you enter that photography is not allowed. Even if there is no sign, please be respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to be taking flash photography of a place of worship. Even more so if monks are present worshipping!
Always remove your shoes when entering temples, and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha - sit either cross-legged, or with your feet tucked behind you. In many Asian cultures the feet are considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body, and the head the highest. Hence do not point to things with your feet, hold doors open with your feet, point your feet to the Buddha images, point at or touch peoples' heads, or under any circumstance, touch monks.
The King is very highly regarded, almost universally, as evidenced by the pictures displayed everywhere. Do not say anything disrespectful of the King or the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a coin which has been dropped and is rolling away (it bears an image of the King's head, and is insulting to Thais to be touched by your feet.)
Perhaps one of the most basics of etiquette, that is often over looked, by budget travelers is personal hygiene. The Thai people try to be personally spotless and clean. As Thailand is a tropical country and it seems that many synthetic fabrics from home tend to promote odor building bacteria, so showering often is essential and not just every couple of days and no point putting on yesterdays T-shirt. So show respect and consideration, as no Thai will dare mention it to you personally as that is not their way.
|
