🇸🇬 Tipping in Singapore
Tipping not customaryIn Singapore, most restaurants add 10% service and GST, so the bill already carries a service component. Tipping is not a social norm and can even be turned down. Hawker culture is about fast, self-service value—no extra on top. If someone goes far beyond expectations, a discreet gesture is a personal matter, not an obligation. The system is designed so that prices speak for themselves.
Service charge is already included in Singapore
Singapore restaurants add a mandatory 10% service charge and 9% GST to all bills — making tipping largely unnecessary. Additional tipping is not expected and some establishments actively discourage it.
When to tip
Generally not, beyond mandatory charges—optional small appreciation for an individual is rare. Hawkers and most cafés: pay and go.
Where & how much
| Venue / service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Included | 10% service charge on all bills. |
| Hawker centres | Nothing | No tipping expected. |
| Taxis / Grab | Via app | Optional in-app tip only. |
| Hotels | Optional | Service charge already included. |
Work out a tip in Singapore dollars
Enter the bill in S$ — the local currency for Singapore.
Service quality
People
Travelling soon?
Wise gives you the real exchange rate with no hidden fees.
Get Wise free →Frequently asked questions about tipping in Singapore
Can I tip in Singapore even though service charge is included?
You can, but most locals don't and staff don't expect it. The mandatory 10% service charge is already on your bill. If you want to personally thank an exceptional server, a small cash gesture is fine but completely optional.
Should I tip at hawker centres in Singapore?
No — hawker centres are self-service, no-frills dining and tipping is neither expected nor customary. Simply clear your own tray and thank the stall owner. Tipping here would actually seem unusual.
Do I need to tip Grab drivers in Singapore?
There is an in-app tip option for Grab, but it's rarely used. Singapore's ride-hailing fares are transparent and drivers are fairly paid. Tipping is not expected, but a small in-app tip for an especially helpful driver is a kind gesture.