how much to tip these days

havokgb · #1 8th April 2006, 02:14 PM

visiting bkk and phuket and wondering what is the going rate on tipping a boy from a bar. been a while since i visited and would appreciate any input. thanks

sh88881 · #2 9th April 2006, 05:32 AM

500 to 800 for short time and 1000 to 1500 for all nighters. For superior performers the sky's the limit. Most boys will say "up to you".

icon513 · #3 9th April 2006, 06:47 AM

If you are talking about Bangkok, you are not going to be a popular guy if you're tipping 500-800 baht for short time. That is more the rate for streetwalkers, not bar boys or massage boys.

Most bar boys these days expect 1,500 baht for short time. In the crappier little bars like Alek or Nature Boy, you might get away with 1,000 or 1,200.

But the days of a 500 baht short time left us about 10 years ago.

Johan · #4 9th April 2006, 08:33 AM

I'd suggest to stick to the middle of the two previous posts: 1.000 Baht for short time! (500 Baht is too tight fisted these days, 1.500 Baht for short time definitely too much considering the overall living costs in BKK.)

hotblktrouble · #5 9th April 2006, 06:50 PM

I have never done a short-time.. Hold on! I did do one last year and I tipped 1000 on my last night. for overnight I was tipping 1700 and I am told 1500 is more in line so 200 more was inline and ok.

Gaijin · #6 18th April 2006, 09:47 PM

I personally lean more toward what Johan suggests (1000 short time, 1500+ all night). I usually up these prices by 100 to 150 baht so that they have change for taxi, bus, or food.

Having said this, I think it also depends on your relationship with the boy. Even before I have lived here I had some "regulars". I could get by with only 500 baht when money was tight (earning a Thai salary, it is that way towards the end of every month now), The boys (they can probably be considered casual friends by now) would know that the next time I visit, even just for a drink, they'd get a slightly higher tip from me...guranteed. Or I would help them with a (non-monetary) problem such as needing a place to sleep for a night if they argued with their roommate. Most regulars in Thailand usually have at least one commercial friend like this.