Tipping in Laos
LAK
Last reviewed · Jul 2026Sources & methodology
Tipping is not expected in Laos, but it is appreciated in tourist areas like Luang Prabang. In restaurants, rounding up is common, and around 10% is mostly for upscale places with no service charge.
Tipping not expectedQuick answer
Restaurant
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:10%
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+Check the bill for service charge before tipping extra
+Upscale restaurants in Luang Prabang may get around 10%
−Local places usually only need rounding up
Bar
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:Small extra
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+Small change is enough in most bars
−Percentage tipping is not the default
Taxi
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:10000-20000 LAK
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+Airport runs or luggage help may justify more
−Most rides only need rounding up
How to tip in Laos
•Review the bill before adding any extra tip
•Use small LAK notes for casual tips
•Guides and drivers are tipped more often than restaurant staff
Quick tips
Luang Prabang is more tip-oriented than most of Laos
Restaurants usually just round up unless they are upscale
Guides and drivers often get fixed cash tips
More tipping situations (8)
DeliveryRound up
Hairdresser / BarberRound up
Spa & Massage10-15%
Hotel Staff10000-20000 LAK
Tour guides100000-200000 LAK per day
Valet ParkingNot expected
Airport Services10000-20000 LAK
Car Services / Uber50000-100000 LAK per hire
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Tipping questions in Laos
Sources & methodology
We cross-check tipping guidance across multiple independent sources, with local and official sources prioritized where available.
Sources reviewed for Laos
