Request for tips on tipping in Myanmar

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luketolucy
luketolucy

I'll admit that I'm guilty: I'm certainly not the best tipper. During my trip to Yangon last year, I encountered three tipping situations: at the place I stayed (I only stayed at one place), the driver who shuttled me to/from the airport, and the guys who took some Burmese guys and me on motorbikes to Dallah/Twante. I tipped in the first two cases (I honestly can't remember how much), but not for the last. Not because they hadn't done a fairly good job, but because I was not impressed with their demands for a tip immediately upon returning to the ferry terminal.

My biggest concern when giving a tip is that I don't want it to be insulting to the receiver. However, I also don't want to give the wrong impression about myself/travelers in general. Frankly speaking, I'm not in a position where I can afford a "generous tip" to everyone who probably deserves one. With that said, I would like any input on tipping in Bagan (in case I take a bike tour or horse/carriage tour to the temples) and at Inle Lake (for taking a boat tour). Do most travelers tip in these cases, and how can I determine what is a reasonable tip? I would also be interested in hearing on how travelers tip at the places they stay.

Thank you for any feedback.

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silverswimmer
silverswimmer

Although I will probably take some flack from a certain poster by doing this (and I have an armoured seat,so no worries) this, from Top Questions, has many interesting comments on tipping in Myanmar.
The original thread is some years old but is still valid and has recent posts and updates, the latest being last month:-
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g294190-i9408-k6248998-Tipping_in_Myanmar-Myanmar.html
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luketolucy
luketolucy

Silverswimmer: Thanks for letting me know about that link. I usually don't use tripadvisor. Lots of comments that I agree/disagree with, but the most important thing is that I found my answer.

Thanks!

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westwood
westwood

Trip Advisor does have its place and can be a useful combination with LP and TT. My son has used the TA app several times to find out things to do in a couple of SEA places.

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sakya
sakya

Nothing wrong with trip advisor particularly as since tony and maureen sold LP it has lost its gloss sadly.
Certainly not what it used to be

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herbie47
herbie47

Tipping is not part of Myanmar culture, so no need to tip, however many recent tourists seem to be tipping, soon everyone will be demanding a tip. I only tip if someone goes out of there way or is really good.

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chris1965
chris1965

Totally agree with what Herbie says. Tipping is not a part of Burmese culture. It's only the recent large increase in tourism that has seen Tipping appear. I can recall several occasions when I first visited the country, when I had left a small tip in a restaurant and the owner followed me down the road when I left and gave me the tip back because they assumed I had accidentally paid too Much! The OP says that a motorbike driver actually asked for a tip. This would of been seen as totally unacceptable only a year or 2 ago.

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silverswimmer
silverswimmer

#5 and #6 +one
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digitalseo
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samnc0
samnc0

I tipped the bag guy at a hotel I stayed at a little bit. Trekking guide (3 day trek) for 5K each. We had two guides. The boat guy on Inle Lake for 5K from me. When I went all day on a taxi, I tipped him 5K. I would have tipped the trekking guide 10K, but we were a large group split up between two guides, and even though I was not technically part of the other guide's group, both were part of our larger group. Did not tip in restaurants. Did not tip for a point to point taxi ride.,

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