How Much to Tip in the Philippines
Tipping in the Philippines is voluntary, but in tourism it is common and appreciated. Guides, drivers, boat crews and spa therapists often rely on it. Below are typical amounts in Philippine pesos (PHP).
Is tipping expected in the Philippines?
Tipping is voluntary but customary in tourism. Taxis and Grab do not require a tip.
Tipping is not expected at local eateries (carinderias), fast-food counters, or on jeepneys and tricycles, which charge fixed fares.
Practical tip
Keep a supply of PHP 50 and PHP 100 notes. Small foreign notes and coins are hard for staff to exchange, and on smaller islands cash is what works.
Hotels and resorts
- Porters and bellhops: PHP 50 to 100 per bag when they carry luggage to or from your room.
- Housekeeping: PHP 50 to 100 per night, or PHP 100 to 200 at upscale resorts. Leave it daily, since the same person may not clean your room every day.
- Hotel restaurants and bars: many add a service charge to the bill. If it is there, an extra tip is optional.
Drivers and tour guides
For a private driver, PHP 200 to 500 per day is typical. For a private guide, plan on PHP 200 to 500 for a half day and PHP 500 to 1,000 for a full day, from your group rather than per person. A common rule of thumb is about 10% of the tour cost, shared between guide and driver.
On a multi-day trip with the same team, many guests tip once at the end, adding up the daily amounts. Hand it over in person, ideally in an envelope.
Island hopping and boat crews
Island-hopping days in El Nido, Coron, Bohol or Siargao depend on a captain and crew who run the boat, the stops and your safety on the water. PHP 200 to 500 per guest for a full day is a fair tip. Give it to the captain at the end of the day to share with the crew.
Restaurants, bars and service charges
Check the bill first. Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge, usually 10%. Under Philippine labor law, service charges collected by hotels, restaurants and similar establishments must be distributed in full to covered staff, excluding managers. If a service charge is on the bill, you do not need to add more.
If there is no service charge, about 10% is customary in sit-down restaurants when the service was good. In cafes and casual places, leaving the small change is a kind gesture.
Spas and massage
About 10% is usual, often PHP 100 to 200 for a standard massage. Hand it to your therapist directly rather than adding it at reception, unless the spa already includes a service charge.
Airports, taxis and Grab
- Airport porters: optional. If a porter carries your bags, about PHP 50 per bag is fair.
- Taxis: not required. Round up the fare, or add PHP 20 to 50 if the driver helps with luggage or takes an honest, efficient route.
- Grab: not required. After a cashless ride you can add a tip in the app.
- Jeepneys and tricycles: no tip. Pay the fare.
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Frequently asked questions
Is tipping mandatory in the Philippines?
No. Tipping is voluntary. It is common in tourism, especially for guides, drivers, boat crews and spa therapists, and not expected at local eateries or on jeepneys and tricycles.
Do I need to tip if the bill already includes a service charge?
No. By law, service charges collected by hotels and restaurants go in full to covered staff. A small extra for outstanding service is optional.
How much should I tip a private guide and driver?
For a full day, about PHP 500 to 1,000 for the guide and PHP 200 to 500 for the driver, per group. Many guests simply give about 10% of the tour cost, shared between them.
Should I tip in pesos or in US dollars?
In pesos. Small foreign notes and coins are hard for staff to exchange.
Do I tip Grab drivers?
It is not required. After a cashless ride, you can add a tip in the Grab app.
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