How Much To Tip When Traveling In These 10 Countries

Tipping is a practice of gratitude and recognition to those who have provided you with excellent service. In Singapore, they automatically have service charges in restaurants but you can still leave about 5% for great service.

Not all countries welcome tipping. In fact, some parts of China and Japan may be offended when you give them tips. Before leaving your hotel, it is important to research on the country’s tipping practices. Here are 10 countries you can start with

1. AUSTRALIA

Tipping of 10-15% of your bill is appreciated for waiters and waitresses especially those who are serving you from expensive restaurants. It is customary to tip the hotel bellman at least AU$1 per bag.

2. FRANCE

A service charge of 15% is always included in your restaurant or bar tab. So, typing beyond that is not a must. For taxi drivers, you may tip at least 1 Euro and the hotel bellman should get at least 1 Euro per bag.

3. GERMANY

Like France, a service charge is included but, you may leave at least 5-10% of tip for good service. At least 1 Euro should be left for the hotel’s bellman per bag and the hotel’s maid per day.

4. HONG KONG

Tipping is certainly acceptable in Hong Kong. Offer your bellman at least HK$2-3 per bag.

5. ARGENTINA

You may tip at least 10% in restaurants but, do not tip your taxi drivers. Your bellman should get at least 2 Pesos per bag.

6. SOUTH AFRICA

Tip at least 10% in restaurants and taxis for gratitude. Group tours should receive at least R 10/tour guide while private tours should receive R 50/guide for half-day tours and R 100/guide for whole day tours. Hotel maids should get R 50 per day while the hotel bellman should get about R 5 per bag.

7. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Consider at least 10% of tip for restaurants. Your bellman should get at least 5 Dirhams per bag.

8. UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND MEXICO

It is common to tip the person who assisted you with your baggage in the airport or the hotel with at least US$1 per bag. Bellman should receive about US$1 per bag too. And, the hotel maid should be tipped at least US$2-5 per day.

Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr

Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr

Since some hospitality workers are paid less, they will truly appreciate a tip. Tipping per day will not only be a gesture of gratitude but it will help you to receive continued shower of good service.

Source: Fodors

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4 Unexpectedly Inexpensive Places to Travel (Asia Edition)

4 Unexpectedly Inexpensive Places to Travel

It is fair to say that travelling is one of the most soul-satisfying experiences that one can encounter. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if you’re in your twenties or forties, travelling can burn quite a hole in the bank account.

Where money spent transcribes to priceless experiences, it may be worth the wads of cash – but most of us don’t have that luxury.

Despite the tight budget some of us have to work with, there are 193 countries available to choose from – of which, even on a tight budget, definitely ample to travel a lifetime! But since time is of the essence, some might prefer not to travel too far – thus Asia would suffice.

Majority of these countries offer a variety of well-priced accommodations that aren’t too shabby, leaving you with enough spare cash to explore your surroundings. From the adventurous spirit to those who prefer to unwind, there’s unquestionably a place for you.

READ ALSO: How to save money when booking your hotel

So where would you satiate your wanderlust?

Here’s a list of five unexpectedly inexpensive places to travel in Asia.

1. Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe, Thailand

(Image credit: shin–k, via Flickr)

If you enjoy the sun, sand and sea – this is your ultimate paradise. Gaining popularity in recent years, it is the perfect getaway for couples, friends and even families. Known as the Maldives of Thailand, it is a small island in the Southern part of the Thai Andaman Sea. Crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and an abundant of marine life, it is part of a nature reserve and is also known as Thailand’s second National Park.

Activities such as snorkelling, diving and hiking are all reasonably priced, but if you want to spend less (or none at all), sunbathing at any of the three beaches will definitely keep the wallet fat and happy.

Generally priced a little higher than the mainland, it’s still thoroughly affordable.

2. Bali, Indonesia

Bali Tanah Lot

Bali Tanah Lot (Image credit: Fabio Gismondi, via Flickr)

For travellers of all walks of life, Bali has something install for everyone – from the tranquil quiet getaway to party animals ready to get hammered, this is a must go destination if you’re ever in South East Asia.

Savour their local food and ride a bike like the locals do there. Not only do you save quite a bit, it’ll be a more enjoyable than renting a car. If you’re staying in Seminyak or Kuta, majority of the things are within walking distance – beaches, eateries, shops and massage parlours. Various packages and tours are also available for those who prefer to explore temples, rice terraces and the famous monkey caves or even white water rafting and ATV rides through the lush forestry.

Without the tours, $50 a day is more than enough to spend.

READ ALSO: 4 Useful and Money-Saving Travel Tips for Memorable Adventures

3. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Safari

(Image credit: maria ioveva, via Flickr)

Filled with interesting historical sites and national parks, Sri Lanka, is one destination that aren’t on majority of travellers “top lists”. One of the cheapest places to travel to on this list, there are plethora of things to do in Sri Lanka such as visiting wild safaris, whale watching, rock climbing and even hot air ballooning.

Try a popular local beverage that you can buy off the streets,Thambili. Made from fresh coconut water and is very refreshing, and it’s also a cheaper option compared to bottled water.

Their staples are often made with rice and curry and can be very spicy. Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine eats for under a dollar, but there are also more touristy places where you might pay upwards of ten U.S. dollars.

Lastly it’s best to go around in a tri-shaw, or three-wheeler, which is comparable to a tuk tuk in most nearby countries. While they’re fun to ride in, there are some safety concerns.

Overall, $15 a day would suffice.

4. Yemen

Haraz Mountains, Yemen

Haraz Mountains, Yemen (Image credit: Rod Waddington, via Flickr)

Known as Arabia’s undiscovered gem, Yemen is where you can find the world’s oldest skyscrapers, spectacular mountaintop villages, pristine coral reefs, and stunningly gorgeous trees unseen anywhere else on earth. Dubbed as one of the dangerous holiday destinations, that’s the appeal to most who travel there.

Stepping out of your comfort zone, Yemen has a long list of eco-activities, camel and horse riding as well as paragliding tours which will definitely make it a unique holiday. Visit their local fish markets and try the popular Arabic coffee.

Ladies, note that you don’t have to dress definitely the Yemeni way but dress modestly in the public places – bare shoulders and miniskirts are not appreciated. The same goes for kissing in public.

* Singapore Airlines is having a two-to-fly fares sale until 31 Mar 15. Fares starts from SGD 358 for Bali and SGD558 to Colombo when you book with your MasterCard®. More info here: Singapore Airline's Sale. If you want to get to Koh Lipe, the easiest way would be to travel to Langkawi, grab a 10 minute taxi ride to Telaga Habour and then take the 60 minute ferry across to Koh Lipe. For Yemen, travelers are advised to defer travelling plans due to civil unrest until further notice.
For hotels booking, use our hotels search engine here: http://hotels.moneydigest.sg where we search thousands of travel sites to get you a best-price guaranteed hotel

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Cathay Pacific: Two-to-travel deal (till 24 Feb 2015)

Cathay Pacific

We know you guys love travelling, so how about a two-to-travel deal from Cathay Pacific?

From now till 24 February 2015, enjoy discounted fares to Taipei, Beijing, Seoul, Okinawa, Vancouver and Paris.

You need a partner to travel with you, so share this post to your friends and family members!

Don’t forget to like Facebook_like_thumb us on Facebook so you don’t miss any deals like this!

Check out the fares below.

Cathay Pacific Promotion 020215

That’s not all. If you owned a Maybank Card, enjoy special fares to the following countries.

Cathay Pacific Promo 020215

 

Check out the official Cathay Pacific Airway site for more details and booking: http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG.html

 

If you need hotels, check out our hotels comparison page (http://hotels.moneydigest.sg) where we compare thousands of travel sites (including aggregators like Hotel.com, Expedia, Venere and more) and you could save up to 80%!

* Best price guaranteed. Find any cheaper and get refunded on the difference within 30 days.

Travel Quote Cathay

 

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4 Useful and Money-Saving Travel Tips for Memorable Adventures

1. PRIORITIZE AND BE MINDFUL OF YOUR EXPENSES

Rather than spending more money on high-end accommodation, why don’t you spend more on fun activities such as skydiving? Spend it on once in a lifetime experiences that can only happen on the place you are at.

Save up to 58% on your travel expenses though HomeExchange.com. It is a popular website where people rent out their own home and find a place to stay while they travel. With this system, you will get a local feel and get to be toured to places that you will have never visited if you travelled by tour packages.

2. BLEND IN

Do what locals usually do and you will find yourself immersed in interesting conversations with them. Do not be afraid to try the cheap street foods that the locals are queuing for (unless you have an upset stomach).

Image Credits: Simon & His Camera via Flickr

Image Credits: Simon & His Camera via Flickr

I have a friend from Serbia who wants to bargain in Hong Kong flea but her district features can be a prey to vendors who want to take advantage of their customers. So, she let her Chinese friend help her bargain in the local language. It worked.

3. TAKE THE LOCAL TRANSPORT

Instead of flushing your money by taking taxis all around town, try to ride the local buses or trains. It will not only allow you to save a great deal of money but it will also give you memorable experiences. It is not everyday that you get to sit to locals carrying their fresh produce from their harvest.

4. INITIATE A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS

Converse with your fellow travelers and the locals to get credible information on which places to go to or which places do they enjoy the most. Chances are, you may find yourself in untouched places of beauty where only a few people go.

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Scoot: Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Flash Sale Ends 12pm 27/1/15)

Scoot Promo 270115

Scoot is having a flash 1 for 1 sale (ends at 12 noon 27/1/15) to the following countries:

Bangkok / Hong Kong / Perth / Sydney / Gold Coast
Tianjin / Nanjing / Shengyang / Qingdao / Taipei / Seoul / Tokyo

Travel by 28 May 2015

Fares indicated is for one-way, excluding Tax and Surcharges.

Visit Scoot’s official site for more info: http://bit.ly/1yTREg7

Hit ‘Share‘ and let your travel partner know about it!

scooty

 

For hotels, check out our hotels comparison site: http://hotels.moneydigest.sg (Best price guaranteed – if not refund you the difference within 30 days)

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