do you tip cab drivers in China?

Answer 1

Tipping cab drivers is definitely not the norm in China's major cities, even in Hong Kong.

If you attempt to tip a cab driver, you're likely to get the following responses:

1. The driver looks at you strangely and assumes you don't know how to count.

2. You insist that you didn't make a mistake and he will half-heartedly refuse the money or try to return it to you.

3. You still insist or just exit the cab and he will of course just take it (who would turn down free money?)

The reason for this is simple - it's against cab company regulations and most drivers are unwilling to risk stepping outside the boundaries set for them.

Why would they be afraid to do so?

1. Job security - Although driving taxis is a tough gig, it certainly beats doing the countless other crappy jobs available to lower class and migrant workers. Thus, the competition for these spots is extremely fierce and drivers work hard to get and keep them.

2. Regulations - There are only a few legal cab companies operating in the cities and they usually keep a tight leash on their drivers. It would take only one phone call from a dissatisfied passenger (who doesn't want to tip) to get a driver fired.

3. Cultural - Whether at home, in school or at work ... conformity and running with the pack is always at back of everyone's minds. This cultural aspect is rapidly changing as the country opens up to the West, but it still remains true for people from older generations.


A note on taxis:

All legal taxies that you would normally flag down on the streets are METERED. If you find yourself "negotiating" with a taxi that you just flagged on the street, it means you're riding in an illegal "black cab". Needless to say, you're likely to get ripped off or worse.

Answer 2

Well, there's a couple of schools of thought on this...

The 1st is that there is no tipping in China. You agree a price for services and that's the price you pay. .Even if there were any tradition of tipping in China, which there isn't, it would not be appropriate in most cases.

The 2nd is today, attitudes towards tipping are changing. Although the practice is not officially recognised, tips are now frequently offered to and accepted by travel guides, tour bus drivers, porters and waiters in top-class hotels and restaurants.

However, tipping is still not expected in most restaurants and hotels. So ask the guide whether a tip is necessary and how much when you are uncertain.

Frankly, I don't tip cab drivers when I've traveled there, but I have given small gifts to hotel staff for excellent service.

Answer 3

depending on which part of china

i heard in the prc, some cab drivers demanded tips even though the passengers hadn't the intention to tip them;
in hong kong, cab drivers don't expect you to tip them

Answer 4

don't know