Tipping in Singapore: 2026 Guide for Travelers

Understanding “++” Pricing

When a Singapore menu shows a price like “$28++”, the two plus signs mean two charges will be added at the end: a 10% service charge and 9% GST (goods and services tax). GST is calculated on the subtotal plus the service charge, so the total comes out around 19.9% above menu prices.

If a menu says “nett” instead, the prices already include service and GST, and what you see is what you pay. Since the service charge is your tip, there’s no need to add anything. Leaving a few dollars for a server who went out of their way is fine, but uncommon. This works much like auto-gratuity in the US.

Hawker Centres and Casual Eating

Hawker centres are where much of Singapore eats, and the prices are all-in. You order at the stall, pay, and often collect your own tray. No service charge, no tip. Return your tray to the rack when you’re done — that’s the local etiquette that matters here. Kopitiams (coffee shops) and food courts work the same way.

A packet of tissues sitting on an empty hawker table means someone has reserved it — locals call this “chope”. Find another seat rather than moving it.

Taxis, Grab, and the Airport

Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, and fares often include surcharges for peak hours, late nights, or airport pickups — those aren’t tips either. You can round up to the nearest dollar if you’re paying cash, but most rides are paid by card or app. Grab has an optional in-app tip.

Hotels and Tours

Hotel room rates usually include a service charge, so no one at the front desk or housekeeping expects a tip. At luxury hotels, some guests hand porters S$2–5 per bag; it’s appreciated but optional. Tour guides on group tours generally don’t expect tips either, though a small amount for a private guide who did an excellent job is welcome. Our hotel tipping guide explains how this compares with the US.

Paying Your Bill

Food delivery apps let you add an optional rider tip; it isn’t expected, but it’s a nice gesture in heavy rain or for a large order. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, including many hawker stalls via QR codes. Bills don’t normally include a tip line on the terminal. Not every sit-down place uses “++” pricing — some casual cafés and counter-service restaurants charge only GST, or nothing extra at all — but even there, tipping isn’t expected. If you do want to leave extra, cash is best. S$1 is roughly $0.75; check the current rate with our currency converter.