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Tipping In Singapore: A Guide to Singaporean Tipping Customs
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Jarrod Suda
Guide
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A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.
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Read moreOne aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Singapore to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get SGD in cash in Singapore, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.
We highly recommend opening a Wise account for free to access 10 foreign account details, 40+ foreign currency pots, and fee-free ATM withdrawals up to $100 per month.
You'll be able to hold local currency just like a local and spend it with the Wise travel debit card, which has zero foreign transaction fees. Without fail, I use Wise for all of my travels abroad.
Is Tipping Expected in Singapore?
Tipping in Singapore is not customary. Leaving a small tip of any amount will certainly be appreciated, but there's no expectation.
Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes
When dining out in Singapore, you won't need to tip your wait staff. Restaurant add a 10% service charge to your bill so staff will not expect tips.
When visiting bars and cafes, tipping is generally not expected. Feel free to round up the bill or tip 5% to 10% if the service was excellent.
Nafinia Putra on Unsplash
Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Singapore?
For hotel staff in Singapore, tipping is not mandatory but much appreciated. It is a nice gesture to tip porters S$2 per bag, S$5 for concierge, and €3 for cleaning staff.
Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Singapore
For taxi drivers in Singapore, tipping is also not customary. If you experience good service, you can round up to the nearest dollar.
Tour guides in Singapore will expect a tip for tours, especially if the tour was informative and enjoyable. Depending on the quality and duration of the service, you can tip S$5 to S$10.
Practical Tips for Tipping in Singapore
By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Singapore, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:
- Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Singapore.
- Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
- Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Singapore, you'll be prompted to pay in SGD or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (SGD) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
- Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.
Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad
Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Singapore:
Wise Multi-Currency Account
With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.
The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.
Wise Multi-Currency Account | Switzerland |
N26
Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.
Starling Bank
The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.
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