Tipping in a foreign land is always a conundrum: While it is not necessary in Japan or Korea, the customis slowly taking hold in China in international standard hotels frequented by foreigners Tipping in Hong Kong is a com plex problem because you only tip certain services. while it is not customary to tip taxi drivers, they may take the liberty of rounding up the fare to the nearest dollar figure. Some how ever, will round the figure down wards and make you pay a few less than the actual fare You should also remember that there are road and tunnel charges and HKs5 is charged for each piece of luggage putin the trunk.
Although most restaurants usually put on the bill a10 per cent service charge, this sum does not go to the waiting staff the restaurant keeps it. Therefore, is custom ary to leave some tip on top of the 10 per cent: even a small sum is appreciated, Tips for waiting staff should be given in cash Any extra amount put on the credit card payment go to the restaurant and staff will not benefit.
The money should be given when paying the bill Leaving on the table customary some European countries -is not nice way to tip here
The situation is differentin small restaurants and cha chaan ten where you pay at a counter at the door Here you are not expected to leave any tips.
At the hairdresser a tip of rough HK$20 to 50 is expected by every person who took care of you, whether it is cutting, shampooing or colouring. All these employ ees usually line up at the door to say goodbye to you in the hope of, getting a tip, but some places have introduced boxes or envelopes with their employees' names and you just put some money in atyour own discretion and with no pressure
Bellboys should also get about the same amount per luggage they help to take to the room, and room service staff will also appreciate a little change, although it is not obligatory