Tipping in Sri Lanka

Tipping in Sri Lanka is a way of life. Visitors are expected to offer some kind of tip for most services. In fact, you will be expected to tip even on top of agreed fees. Even more, the whole business of what to give and to whom, can be a bit confusing. Many hotels and restaurants add a ten percent service charge to the bill, which should be sufficient, unless of course, service was bad. If a service charge has been added, a tip will not automatically be expected– of course it is always appreciated.

The suggested amount of tip you give the hotel staff depends on the type of job responsibilities. For example, room boys, porters and personal services, should get a tip of bout 30-60 Rupees. However, daily room cleaning, maybe a bit less, unless you are overwhelmed by the services — many leave about Rs 10-20 a day in the room, although it is not required. Although if you do, you may find your room to be extra clean.

If you tour the beautiful island of Sri Lanka by car, your driver will expect a tip of, lets say US $5 – 10 per day, depending on their level of expertise, though you should not feel obligated to give anything unless you are genuinely pleased with the service you received. For the most part, the salary of a driver is around 200-250 rupees a day. Many tourist suggest that you provide a tip so as to double the salary. For example, you should give 7 x 250 rupees, which is about 1500 – 2000 rupees. It is a good idea to tip at the end of the trip. Of course, if you are not happy with the service you receive, you should explain why. If touring a site with an official guide, you should always agree upon a fee in advance. Additional tips should only be offered if you are predominantly pleased with the service.

When visiting temples, you will probably be shown around by a resident monk or priest; it is polite to offer them something at the end of the tour. Some will take this money themselves (despite Buddhist strictures against clergy handling money), however it would be better if you place the money in a donation box. A dollar or two should be good enough.

Tipping in Sri Lanka also includes the unofficial guides (usually bored teenagers or local hangers on) who will materialize to show you around temples. Some of these unofficial guides can be very knowledgeable and also quite adept. They will probably expect a tip for their troubles. Again, a dollar or two is almost certainly sufficient. Anyone else who assist you will without a doubt welcome some kind of tip, though of course, it is impossible to generalize and visitors will have to make (sometimes difficult decisions) about whether to offer tip or not, while traveling in Sri Lanka.