Tipping isn't expected in Cambodia, but it is always appreciated. Many service workers in Cambodia earn a low wage, so if you are happy with the services provided by waiters, drivers, guides or others, leaving a small tip depending on the service is a good way to show your appreciation. Higher-end establishments, like upmarket restaurants and hotels, are beginning to include a service charge of 7–10% on travellers' bills. At cheaper eateries, like streetside food stalls or fast food outlets, a tip is not expected.
In terms of transport, it's not usually necessary to tip for short trips on a tuk-tuk or moto as you will likely be charged a tourist rate; however, if you book a driver for a day or two and are happy with the service, a tip would go a long way. Tipping also encourages excellent service in the future and is an entrenched element of the tourism industry in many Intrepid destinations.
Many temples and religious sites in Cambodia are free to visit, but some will have contribution boxes at entrances to cover the upkeep of these sacred places. Here, you may like to donate a few thousand riel at the beginning or end of your visit.
Cambodian locals are a very humble people, so if you do wish to leave a tip, please do so in a discrete manner – perhaps when shaking your guide's hand at the end of your time together. Carrying small notes in the local currency will make tipping easier. It is best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult.
Participate in a tipping kitty
On the first day of your trip your local leader may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty, which everybody contributes an equal amount to at the start of the tour. Your leader then uses this to tip drivers, local guides and hotel staff on your behalf. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time, and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassle of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is optional, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader.
Tipping your local leader in Cambodia
You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however the equivalent of USD 2–4 per person, per day, is a commonly used guideline. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Click here to return to Cambodia FAQs
Our tours in Cambodia
18 Days
From
2793
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia....
9 Days
From
1348
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
13 Days
From
5814
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
13 Days
From
4043
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
30 Days
From
6019
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Thailand, Laos,...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
12 Days
From
1339
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...
6 Days
From
1587
Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...
14 Days
From
2261
See the Best of Cambodia from capital Phnom Penh via the ancient temples of Angkor Wat...
20 Days
From
1772
On this epic trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll bounce from Hanoi to the...
6 Days
From
1875
Uncover the mysteries of incredible Angkor Wat on a Premium tour of Cambodia. Travel...
20 Days
From
7403
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
20 Days
From
5259
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
8 Days
From
1425
Encounter Cambodia's complex history and welcoming culture on a small-group family...
18 Days
From
2808
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
8 Days
From
1785
See the best of Cambodia, learning about its history and customs as you cycle, trek and...
13 Days
From
3321
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this adventure from Ho Chi Minh...
8 Days
From
1715
Munch your way through Cambodia on this mouth-watering food adventure from Phnom Penh...
8 Days
From
1056
Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Cambodia, starting in Thailand and ending in...
10 Days
From
923
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
23 Days
From
3308
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
23 Days
From
1976
See Cambodia and Vietnam on a whirlwind trip that visits Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phonm Penh...
9 Days
From
918
Travel to Cambodia on an adventure from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem...
26 Days
From
2885
Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...
9 Days
From
757
From Bangkok, you'll hit the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get rural in Banteay...
19 Days
From
2135
Explore South East Asia on a19-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia – Hanoi, Ho...
32 Days
From
3715
Take an epic journey to Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang,...
27 Days
From
6775
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
24 Days
From
11420
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
20 Days
From
4937
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
19 Days
From
4937
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
19 Days
From
4937
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
