How much do you tip tuk drivers and day guides without making it weird — round up, percent, or nothing?
First week. Metered PickMe feels clear; street tuks and a half-day walking guide feel foggy. I do not want temple tip-box scam energy — just ordinary thanks for good rides and guiding. What do locals and repeat travelers actually do so it does not turn into an awkward negotiation?
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5 Answers from travellers
For ordinary tuk hops, many visitors simply round up a little when the ride was fair, or leave nothing extra on a clear app fare already accepted by both sides. For a hired day driver or walking guide, a separate thank-you at the end is common when service was good — agree the day rate first so the tip is gratitude, not a repair for underpayment. There is no single sacred percentage. Avoid making the tip a long bargaining scene; hand it briefly with thanks. Temple tip-box pressure is a different problem — you already said you are not doing that. I will not invent mandatory amounts.
Round up tuks when the quote was honest. Day guide got a clear envelope thank-you. No speeches.
Rounding up short hops; planning a separate thank-you for tomorrow's guide. Feels cleaner already.
Clarity up front beats tip anxiety. Agree the fare or day price, then tip only if you want to.
Kept small notes for this reason. Digging for change at the curb is the awkward part.
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