Bali Q&A

How much should you tip in Bali?

Answered by Alex M., our Bali-based editor · July 28, 2026

Short answerTipping is not compulsory in Bali, but it is warmly received. Rough amounts: 20,000-50,000 IDR for a one-hour massage, 5,000-10,000 for a Grab or Gojek ride, 50,000-100,000 for a full-day private driver, and 5-10 percent at a restaurant only if no service charge is already on the bill. The one firm rule: always tip in rupiah, never in foreign coins or worn notes.

The amounts, service by service

Massage or spa: 20,000-50,000 IDR for an hour, closer to 100,000 at a high-end place or for a long package; 10,000-20,000 for a quick foot massage. Ride apps: 5,000-10,000 IDR is a genuinely good tip for a Grab or Gojek driver. Private driver for a 8-10 hour day: 50,000-100,000, up to 150,000 if they went out of their way. Tour guide: 50,000-150,000 per day for real effort. These match what current Bali tipping guides report (Finns, Bali Holiday Secrets).

Restaurants: check the bill first

Most hotels and mid-to-upper restaurants already add a 10 percent service charge plus 11 percent government tax - look for it before adding anything. If it is there, rounding up is plenty. If there is no service charge (common at small warungs), 5-10 percent is generous. At a tiny local warung a tip is not expected at all, and can even confuse - so read the room rather than the rule.

The rule that actually matters

Tip in Indonesian rupiah, always. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged and small or torn foreign notes get rejected at money changers, so a well-meant dollar can be worthless to the person you gave it to. Hand cash directly with a small smile rather than leaving it on a table where it is unclear who it is for. Tipping here is a thank-you, not an obligation - which is exactly why a little, given kindly, lands well.

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