| Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 | ![]() |
Request for tips on tipping in MyanmarCountry forums / South-East Asia Mainland / Myanmar | ||
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. | ||
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. | 1 | |
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! | 2 | |
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. | 3 | |
Nothing wrong with trip advisor particularly as since tony and maureen sold LP it has lost its gloss sadly. | 4 | |
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. | 5 | |
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. | 6 | |
#5 and #6 +one | 7 | |
This post has been removed because it may not have met our community guidelines. | 8 | |
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., | 9 | |
This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you. | 10 | |