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Tipping confusion 10 percent service charge plus or instead of tip

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B
Benji Cohen•3035 rep•2

Every restaurant bill in Colombo has a 10 percent service charge plus 2 percent BT plus VAT What is the actual practice Should I tip on top of the service charge for good service and how much for tour drivers safari rangers Ayurveda therapists hotel porters and tuktuk drivers I want concrete LKR numbers not vague generosity advice

29
colombofoodbudget-traveltransportationaccommodation

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted answer

Concrete numbers based on what staff actually receive Restaurant 10 percent service charge mostly goes to the hotel pool A small direct tip of 200 to 500 LKR to your specific waiter at the end is much appreciated and stays with them Private driver 14 day trip 7000 to 12000 LKR at the end Safari jeep half day 2000 LKR full day 3500 to 4500 LKR Safari tracker (separate person spotting wildlife) 1500 LKR Ayurveda therapist 1000 LKR per session paid at end of program Hotel porter 200 LKR per bag Tuktuk no tip needed agreed fare is the price

29
B
Bandara R.•3240 rep•1

Tip in LKR not USD USD bills mean staff has to go to a bank or money changer losing value Plain LKR is always the right choice

46
C
Callum Murphy•5505 rep•2

For temple shoe minders 100 LKR is appropriate For temple guides who attach themselves to you uninvited 500 LKR if helpful nothing if not (it is your right)

46
A
Astrid Hagen•3580 rep•2

Cooking class hosts cleaning ladies in long term apartments and laundry shop runners do not normally expect tips but a 500 LKR thank you makes their day

40
P
Piotr Nowak•4490 rep•1

Scam Watch: colombo

Broken Meter ScamVerified

Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.

👍 67•by virajperera
Government TukTuk ScamVerified

Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.

👍 52•by virajperera
Milk Powder Beggar ScamVerified

Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.

👍 25•by virajperera
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