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Tipping in Indonesia: service charges, taxes (++), how to calculate and how much to tip
Tipping in Indonesia is optional and is a way to show appreciation for good service. “++” on a restaurant menu means a service charge and tax are added to the listed price. At tourist-oriented restaurants in Bali, these two charges commonly total around 15–21%. Check whether the receipt includes a service charge; if it does not, you can round up the bill or optionally leave 5–10% of the total.
At a glance
- Tipping is generally not mandatory. It is optional when you are satisfied with the service.
- “++” on a menu means a service charge and tax are added to the listed price.
- At tourist-oriented restaurants in Bali, the service charge and food and beverage tax commonly total around 15–21%.
- The 10% PBJT rate is a legal maximum, not a fixed nationwide rate.
- If you plan to tip, carry small rupiah notes such as Rp10,000, Rp20,000, and Rp50,000.
What does “++” mean on a restaurant menu?
“++” means a service charge and tax will be added to the price shown on the menu. The exact rates vary by business, so check the menu or receipt.
At tourist-oriented restaurants in Bali, these two charges commonly total around 15–21%. Indonesian law sets a maximum PBJT rate of 10%; that does not mean 10% is automatically applied in every region or at every business.
How much should I leave as a restaurant tip?
First, check whether the receipt includes a service charge. If it does, an extra tip is not required; you can add a small amount only if you were especially pleased with the service.
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant with a service charge | An extra tip is not required. If you were especially pleased, you can optionally add a small amount. |
| Restaurant without a service charge | You can round up the bill or optionally leave 5–10% of the total. |
| Warung or street food stall | Tips are generally not expected. Rounding up the change is optional. |
| Bar or pub | You can optionally leave Rp10,000–20,000 per round of drinks. |
How much should I tip a taxi, driver, or guide?
Tipping app-based and regular taxis is not required. You can show your appreciation by rounding up the fare.
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| App-based or regular taxi | No tip is required. You can round up a small amount of change. |
| Full-day private driver in Bali | If you were satisfied, an optional tip of Rp50,000–100,000 is a suggested range to hand over directly. |
| Half-day or short tour guide | Rp50,000–100,000 per group is a suggested range. |
| Private guide accompanying you all day | Rp100,000–200,000 per group is a common suggested range. |
How much should I tip at a hotel or spa?
At a hotel or resort spa, check whether the bill includes tax and a service charge. If they are already included, an extra tip is optional.
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Hotel porter | You can give Rp10,000–20,000 per bag if they help carry your luggage. |
| Hotel housekeeping staff | A suggested amount is Rp20,000–50,000 per day. |
| Villa staff team | If you would like to show your appreciation, you can give Rp50,000–100,000 per day to the team. |
| Massage or spa without a service charge | Rp20,000–50,000 in cash, handed directly to the therapist, is a suggested range. |
| Hotel or resort spa with a service charge | An extra tip is optional. |
How should I give a tip in cash?
It is recommended to tip in cash in rupiah. Foreign coins and small foreign banknotes can be difficult to exchange.
Carrying small denominations such as Rp10,000, Rp20,000, and Rp50,000 notes can help when change is hard to come by.
- Check the receipt
At restaurants and spas, first check whether a service charge has already been added.
- Choose an amount based on the service
Tip within the suggested ranges only when there is no service charge or you were especially pleased.
- Give the tip in small rupiah notes
Round up the change or hand over an appropriate amount in cash.
What to do in these situations
- When the menu shows “++”
Before ordering, check the menu or receipt for the exact service charge and tax rates.
- When the receipt includes a service charge
The charge is already included, so treat any extra tip as optional.
- When visiting a warung or street food stall
You do not need to prepare a separate tip. If you like, round up the change.
- When you are pleased with a private driver or guide
After the trip or tour, hand over rupiah cash directly, using the suggested range as a guide.
- When you need change for tipping
Keep Rp10,000, Rp20,000, and Rp50,000 notes handy.
Before-you-go checklist
- Check whether “++” on a restaurant menu means a service charge and tax will be added to the listed price.
- Before paying, check the receipt to see whether a service charge is included.
- Only if there is no service charge, consider rounding up or tipping 5–10% of the total.
- At hotels and spas, check whether the bill includes a service charge.
- If you plan to tip, carry rupiah cash in small denominations.
FAQ
Do I have to tip in Indonesia?
No. Tipping is generally not mandatory; it is an optional way to show appreciation for good service.
What does “++” mean on a restaurant menu?
It means a service charge and tax will be added to the listed price. Check the menu or receipt for the exact rates.
Is restaurant tax always 10% in Indonesia?
No. The 10% PBJT rate set by law is a maximum, not a fixed rate automatically applied at every business nationwide.
Do I need to tip extra if a service charge has been added?
An extra tip is not required. You can optionally add a small amount if you were especially pleased with the service.
How much should I tip a full-day private driver in Bali?
If you were satisfied with the service, Rp50,000–100,000 is a suggested range for an optional tip to hand over directly.
What currency should I use for tips?
Cash in rupiah is recommended. It is handy to carry small denominations such as Rp10,000, Rp20,000, and Rp50,000.
Official sources & check dates
- Tipping in Bali: drivers, guides, spas and restaurants · 2026-10-31
- Tipping in Bali: How Much to Tip and When · 2026-10-31
- Law Number 1 of 2022 on Financial Relations between the Central Government and Regional Governments · 2026-10-31
- Tipping in Indonesia: How Much Should You Tip? · 2026-10-31
- Tipping in Indonesia & Bali: Is 50,000 IDR a Good Tip? · 2026-10-31
- Tipping in Bali - How Much and When · 2026-10-31
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- Indonesia Entry, Visa on Arrival (VOA) and Bali Tourist Levy: A Complete Guide
- How to get from the airport to the city: Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, and Yogyakarta
- Indonesia Currency Exchange, Travel Cards, and ATM Fees at a Glance
- How to choose an Indonesian SIM or eSIM: prices and where to buy
- Grab and Gojek: How to Use Them and Bali Taxi Zones at a Glance
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- How to order at a warung · A few words in Indonesian
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- Bali Belly, Water, and Mosquito Precautions
- Nightlife safety and methanol alcohol precautions in Bali
- Indonesia Weather by Region: Dry and Rainy Seasons, and the Best Time to Visit
- Flight Delays, Cancellations, and Baggage Problems
Site updated: 2026-11-01