Module 12: The ASEAN World of Catering
Table of Contents
Resources
ASEAN Cultures
ASEAN Currency
Brunei Darussalam Currency:
B$ (Brunei Dollar)
Cambodia Currency: Riel
Indonesia Currency: Rupiah
Lao PDR Currency: Kip
Malaysia Currency: Ringgit
Myanmar Currency: Kyat
Philippines Currency: Peso
Singapore Currency: S$
(Singapore Dollar)
Thailand Currency: Baht
Vietnam Currency: Dong
(Source: www.uasean.com
retrieved 30/1/2014)
To tip, or not to tip?
Tips culture can be varied and it depends on the person and tradition of the countries compared with western culture and some of ASEAN nations’ culture. For example:
In the United States, waiters usually rely on tips, so a 15-20% tip is standard. Paying 25% would indicate that you received great service, but even if you weren’t particularly happy, a 10% tip is still expected. If you don’t tip at all, you risk being followed out of the restaurant by an unhappy waiter.
Tips are factored into workers’ wages.
Restaurant: 15-20%.
Bar: $1 for every drink.
Hotel: $1 for every bag or box that is carried by staff.
In Singapore, tips are discouraged in hotels and at many tourist attractions. Even in restaurants, it would be controversial to tip. It is not customary for locals, but tourists are believed to have more money. Particularly good service could mean a 10% tip, but do not feel obliged.
(Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/tip-guide-tipping-culture-countries retrieved 30/1/2014)
In Thailand
As a tipping guide, we've put together this table, but it's only our opinion and should be used as a general rule of thumb for tipping in Bangkok and around Thailand. Normally, the standard 10% is subjective.
| Cost in Baht < 500 500 - 1000 1,000 - 2,000 2,000 - 5,000 > 5,000 |
Tip Given in Baht 20 - 30 30 - 50 50 - 100 100 - 200 no more than 300 baht |
However, it depends on each case, you don’t have to keep strictly to those guidelines above. For example:
HOTEL STAFF, tipping at hotels is welcome. If the bell boy delivers your bags to your room, then give a tip. 50 baht is fine but no more than 100 baht.
In a restaurant if you have a meal with a group of people and the bill comes to 5,000 baht, it will be too much to leave 500 baht as a tip. Leaving 100 baht is acceptable and probably considered quite generous, but be careful not to over tip.
For other countries, traditions seem alike, but it may not be traditionally expected for some. In a country as poor as Cambodia, tips can go a long way, as salaries, wages and incomes remain extremely low, and if the service and hospitality is good, US$1 might be make their day. It might be half a day’s wages for some!
Therefore, the final golden rule for tipping, regardless of where you are, is that you must never ask for change back if it is just small amount of money. Please say, “Keep the change.”