How much do you tip tuk drivers and day guides without making it weird — round up, percent, or nothing?

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J
Jake Tuk Tip241 rep

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

Accepted Answer

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.

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Ruwan Guide Pay1880 rep

Round up tuks when the quote was honest. Day guide got a clear envelope thank-you. No speeches.

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Rounding up short hops; planning a separate thank-you for tomorrow's guide. Feels cleaner already.

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J
Jake Tuk Tip241 rep

Clarity up front beats tip anxiety. Agree the fare or day price, then tip only if you want to.

5
T
Thili North Desk1730 rep

Kept small notes for this reason. Digging for change at the curb is the awkward part.

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