Indonesia questions about tipping/gratuities

[Scubagermany]

I almost completely disagree. Local custom sets the base. The service received determined variance on that base.

If you refuse to tip, then do everyone a favor and don't go to places where people's pay is based on tipping. The US minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13 per hour.

There might be something wrong with politics and wages in the US.

I do not think it is the right solution to rely on your customers tipping your employees because you do not pay them properly. There is nothing keeping you from paying them more than minimal wage....

If you refuse to tip

I never said that.

do everyone a favor and don't go to places where people's pay is based on tipping.

Very friendly and thoughtful advice. I am glad it is up to me where I go and how I behave. Of course American tourists are known worldwide for their blending in with local culture....

 

[Seaweed Doc]

For what it's worth, I brought a group to Bali in August/Sept. 2022, staying for two weeks at a land-based site. I asked one of the business partners in the venture (it's a non-profit we worked with, restoring coral) what the appropriate amount to tip.

Her response was US$20 per guest for land-based staff and US$50 per guest for dive guides and shore-support staff. She also indicated paying in US$ was fine, but we paid the equivalent in rupiahs. That was for the whole trip.

Do what you like with that information....

 

[Centrals]

Tips on Tipping Abroad: A Global Gratuity Guide

Do you know the tipping etiquette in the Middle East?

www.westernunion.com

My only experience:
Happened many yrs ago somewhere in SE Asia. I left some tips on the table after a meal and the waitress called me back and told me I had left money behind! I have explained that it was meant to be a tip, luckily she smile and took it.

I tend to ask how the tip is being distributed because there are so many people involved from the front office to the boat boy and technician etc etc. And I suspect some of them never seen a bit of it. But it is not my issue.

 

[lowwall]

There might be something wrong with politics and wages in the US.

I do not think it is the right solution to rely on your customers tipping your employees because you do not pay them properly. There is nothing keeping you from paying them more than minimal wage....

I don't think it is right either. I much prefer the general European approach to wages and tipping (and healthcare). But it is the reality. And competition is what keeps restaurant owners in the US from paying wages high enough to replace tipping. Add 30% to your prices to cover the tip and the additional taxes you have to pay on the extra declared income and you will go out of business.

Very friendly and thoughtful advice. I am glad it is up to me where I go and how I behave. Of course American tourists are known worldwide for their blending in with local culture....

At least we overtip . Besides, the most oblivious of Americans have largely either quit travelling abroad or stick to the handful of places that cater to them.

 

[Madacub]

I almost completely disagree. Local custom sets the base. The service received determined variance on that base.

I agree with you.

The US minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13 per hour.

I'm sure that you are aware that several states have set their minimum wage in the $ 15 range, regardless of occupation. Servers and other tipped workers get tips over and above this.

 

[Madacub]

Just returned from 2 weeks in Sulawesi on Sunday.
Tipping for services/meals/etc. not the norm in SE Asia.

Tipping for dive resort-hotel housekeeping/staff, the boat crew, and your DM/DG is generally expected/appreciated.

We typically do $25-$35 per day for housekeeping/staff, same $ pd for the boat crew, and a little extra pd for the DM/DG, particularly if they are more than a safety diver.

If I'm getting instruction, or I learn a new skill or something that benefits my diving experience, I tip even more. I feel that instructors/guides who help create better divers should be well thanked.

When in doubt about tipping, ask the staff. I've found that if you ask an honest question, you'll get an honest answer.

YEMV

Wow! Your tips are extremely high for Sulawesi (Is that per diver? Pretty high even for a couple). Out of curiosity, how much do you tip housekeeping in the US?

Also, regarding

a little extra pd for the DM/DG, particularly if they are more than a safety diver.

I suggest the differential between the boat crew and dive guides, who are in the water with you on scuba 3-4 times a day, should be more than just "a little extra". In normal circumstances, that is. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

 

[DreadnoughtNH]

Wow! Your tips are extremely high for Sulawesi (Is that per diver? Pretty high even for a couple). Out of curiosity, how much do you tip housekeeping in the US?

Perhaps I am overly generous. I also know that most DMs and dive guides are not paid well (frankly, I believe they are abused). Regardless, I can afford it.
I avoid vacationing in the US, so no data on tipping housekeeping in the US.

I suggest the differential between the boat crew and dive guides, who are in the water with you on scuba 3-4 times a day, should be more than just "a little extra". In normal circumstances, that is. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

A 'little extra' is significantly more in my case. I recognize not everyone is as generous in tipping, so my comment was meant for the greater thread.

 

[Madacub]

Thanks DreadnNH.

 

[tarponchik]

I would politely suggest Americans to stop exporting and imposing their crap and unjust "tipping culture" to other countries.
In many places in Asia tipping is quite offensive, and should be entirely avoided!
In most places it is expected that you contract for paying LESS than the initial request, not that you add a tip...
So it is good to ask in advance, it is wrong to assume that tipping is expected everywhere, being so only in US and in touristic places where a lot of American tourists imposed this bad habit.

However, the crew will be happy if you leave them some gear as a tip.

 

[runsongas]

Tip what you are comfortable with, at the end of the day we all have to remember it is a privilege to go dive in someone else's country and have them provide services so we can have a great vacation.

Europeans complain about tipping because it makes them look cheap when they don't tip too