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Though widely practiced in the United States and other
Western countries, the social custom of tipping isn't as widely practiced in
Indonesia. Some feel that “Tips” is derived from the acronym “To Insure Prompt
Service” however there is mixed opinion about the truth behind that claim. Tipping
is a personal act to begin with and often dependent on the service received.
In general, most expats normally tip at too high a rate, until
they have in Indonesia here for a while and realize the actual amount of money that
people are making, who is expecting a tip, and who is expecting a “bribe”. Not to
mention that no matter where you go, there are always willing
"helpers" who will offer to rent you their umbrella, carry your bags
through the market or stop oncoming traffic so your car can get in ... even if
you don't need the assistance! They expect a “tip” too.
There are situations where tipping will be expected. These
commonly involve service personnel such as manicurists, taxi drivers, and
waiters and should be calculated according to three conditions: the level of
service provided, the rupiah value of the tip to the person (not to yourself) and
the relationship you have with the person (if any).
The amount given is commonly perceived as your satisfaction
with the service provided and your impression of the provider, so please
remember this before walking away without tipping! In many businesses the
employees are paid a low wage by the employer with the expectation that the
generosity of the customers through tips will make up the difference in their
salaries. Although this is more common
in western countries, such is also the case in some of the service industries in
Indonesia.
When a gratuity is already added to your bill, such as at a
restaurant, no additional tip is necessary (but still highly appreciated by the
wait staff). Be aware that if you want the waiter who served you to receive the
tip, it is best to hand it to that person directly. If you leave the tip in the folder or on the table,
most times the person who clears the folder from the table, or the maître d’
who has given you the bill, will pocket the money.
The main consideration for tipping is the widespread
underpayment of labor in Indonesia. To an expatriate, a few thousand rupiah may not be very much money, but it can
make a world of difference to an Indonesian struggling to make ends meet. It's
also nice to not have your car scratched up or your hub caps stolen over a few
cents :)
The following table* shows what surveyed American expats are tipping for
typical services:
|
High |
Low |
Average |
Mode |
Salon: |
|
|
|
|
Stylist |
Rp. 50,000 |
Rp. 20,000 |
Rp. 40,000 |
Rp. 50,000 |
Colorist |
Rp. 50,000 |
Rp. 40,000 |
Rp. 45,000 |
Rp. 50,000 |
Shampoo boy/girl |
Rp. 20,000 |
Rp. 5,000 |
Rp. 15,000 |
Rp. 20,000 |
|
|
|
|
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Spa: |
|
|
|
|
Manicure |
Rp. 30,000 |
Rp. 10,000 |
Rp. 22,000 |
Rp. 20,000 |
Pedicure |
Rp. 30,000 |
Rp. 15,000 |
Rp. 27,500 |
Rp. 30,000 |
Massage (1 hr) |
Rp. 75,000 |
Rp. 20,000 |
Rp. 35,000 |
Rp. 30,000 |
Cream bath |
Rp. 30,000 |
Rp. 20,000 |
Rp. 27,500 |
Rp. 30,000 |
Facial |
Rp. 30,000 |
Rp. 15,000 |
Rp. 27,500 |
Rp. 25,000 |
Eyebrows |
Rp. 20,000 |
Rp. 15,000 |
Rp. 17,000 |
Rp. 15,000 |
Leg waxing |
Rp. 30,000 |
Rp. 20,000 |
Rp. 23,000 |
Rp. 20,000 |
|
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|
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Golf Course: |
|
|
|
|
Caddy |
Rp. 120,000 |
Rp. 100,000 |
Rp. 110,000 |
Rp. 100,000 |
Caddy, special request |
Rp. 200,000 |
Rp. 130,000 |
Rp. 160,000 |
N/A |
Locker room attendant |
Rp. 15,000 |
Rp. 5,000 |
Rp. 12,000 |
Rp. 10,000 |
Bag boys |
Rp. 10,000 |
Rp. 5,000 |
Rp. 7,500 |
Rp. 5,000 |
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Tennis Ball Boys: |
Rp. 10,000/set or Rp. 10,000/15,000 per
hour |
Others: |
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Taxis |
Round up to nearest |
Rp. 5,000 |
|
Bellboys |
Rp. 20,000 |
|
Traffic directors |
Rp. 1,000 |
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*Reproduced from the AWA Kayon Magazine. |
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