Etiquette 101: When And How Much To Tip In Cambodia

To tip or not to tip – that is the question on many travellers’ minds when they visit a new country. While tipping in Cambodia isn’t expected, it is certainly appreciated. Here’s our guide to tipping in the Kingdom of Wonder.

There are no hard and fast rules about tipping in Cambodia, and travellers who decide not to won’t be frowned upon. However, a small tip can go a long way, considering the average salaries are pretty low.

Restaurants

With the average starting salary for waiting staff sitting at about $100 a month, with employees working six days a week, leaving a small sum of money really can go a long way.

On average, 10% is regarded as fair, with a small but increasing number of more upmarket establishments already slapping a seven percent service charge onto the bill. However, how much of this makes it into employees’ pockets vastly varies.

If eating from street stalls or fast-food joints, no tip is necessary.

Hotels

Tipping at hotels is not expected, but once again, some of the more upmarket places include a service charge in the fee.

However, leaving some of your left-over riels for the cleaner or that extra-helpful lobby staff will be greatly appreciated, as their wages are likely even lower.

Drivers

For tuk tuk and moto drivers, tips again are not expected – especially seeing as you, as a foreigner, are probably already being drastically over-charged.

Of course, you can use your own discretion, but if you’ve hired transport for the day to explore Angkor Wat or Phnom Penh and your driver has impressed you, then feel free to dish out an extra couple of dollars.

And if you’ve hired a private vehicle for the day and paid a set fee to your hotel or a tour operator, a tip at the end of the day will go a long way as the chances are they only receive a very small portion of the cost you’ve paid for the car.

Tipping your driver isn’t expected, but it is appreciated

Tours guides

Yes, you guessed it. Again, tipping is not compulsory but can be given at your discretion, with some guides more than others hinting towards a tip at the end of a trip.

Don’t ever feel obliged to tip for poor service; however, if they have pulled off an impressive performance and made your trip informative and fun – Cambodians’ natural charm and sense of humour mean this is more likely than not – then giving a little extra at the end will go a long way.

And if you’re with a group, then a quick whip round at the end for a good guide will make that smile even wider.

Temples and religious sites

Wats are free to explore, but if someone shows you around or a monk blesses you, it is polite to leave a few thousand riel in the contribution boxes often found at entrances.

It’s polite to leave some money at temples and other religious sites

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.