Tipping in Thailand: Read the Bill First, 10% and 7%
Read the bill before you tip. A Bangkok menu adds a 10% service charge and a 7% value-added tax to its prices, while a Pattaya hotel spa menu includes both in the price. A Grab tip is optional, GrabPay only, and open for 72 hours after the ride.
On this page
A menu price is not the amount you pay. One Bangkok menu adds a 10% service charge and a 7% value-added tax on top of its prices. Read that footnote first.
A Pattaya hotel spa does the opposite: its prices are inclusive of both. The wording decides what is left to add.
The bill: service charge and VAT
Three operators, three wordings. Each states the same two numbers in its own terms.
| Where | The operator’s wording | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok restaurant menu, March 2026 | Prices subject to a 10% service charge and a 7% value-added tax | Added on top |
| Bangkok hotel offer page | Rates subject to a 10% service charge and 7% VAT | Added on top |
| Pattaya hotel spa menu | Prices inclusive of 10% service charge and 7% government tax | Already in the price |
A THB 950 dish, step by step
The seafood tom kha on that Bangkok menu is listed at THB 950. The service charge on it is THB 95.
VAT then applies. If VAT is charged on the price plus the service charge, it comes to THB 73.15. The bill is THB 1,118.15.
On the same basis a menu price of one thousand baht lands at THB 1,177.
Where the 7% comes from
The general VAT rate is 7 percent. The Revenue Department defines the base as the total value received, and that value includes service fees. That is why a service charge sits inside the VAT calculation.
A person who supplies goods or services regularly with annual turnover exceeding THB 1.8 million is subject to VAT. A small entrepreneur with turnover under THB 1.8 million is exempt. A small stall may therefore show no VAT line.
What the rules say about the menu
The Department of Internal Trade requires restaurants and all operators to follow the Central Committee notification on prices. Its display guideline includes stating the service charge and VAT in full. The displayed price has to match the actual selling price.
Failing to display prices, or charging a price different from the one shown, carries a fine of up to THB 10,000 under section 40. The Department’s hotline is 1569.
If the bill does not match the menu
- Compare each line with the menu footnote: service charge and VAT are stated there.
- Compare the dish prices with the menu: the displayed price has to match.
- Call 1569 about a mismatch.
Spa and massage prices
A hotel spa can state one all-in price. Prices at the Tea Tree Spa, Holiday Inn Pattaya, are inclusive of 10% service charge and 7% government tax.
| Massage, 60 minutes | Price, inclusive |
|---|---|
| Traditional Thai massage | THB 1,400 |
| Signature aromatherapy massage | THB 1,700 |
| Deep tissue massage | THB 1,800 |
At Wat Pho the massage school lists Thai massage at THB 340 for 30 minutes, THB 520 for 60 minutes and THB 1,040 for 120 minutes. The service runs daily from 08:00 to 19:30.
Taxi extras that are not tips
Some taxi extras look like tips and are fixed charges. Suvarnabhumi public taxis carry an additional charge of THB 50 for taxi drivers, as announced by the Ministry of Transport.
Toll fees are paid by the passenger. At Don Mueang the metered fare adds THB 50 as additional money for taxi drivers. Luggage larger than 26 inches is charged a service fee of no more than THB 21.
The meter itself starts at THB 35 or THB 40, plus metered fares at Department of Land Transport rates.
| Distance on the meter | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 km to 10 km | THB 6.50 per km |
| 10 km to 20 km | THB 7.00 per km |
Street rides: agree the price first
Tuk-tuk rides to the Grand Palace may cost more than a taxi unless you are used to bargaining. Give the driver exact instructions on where you want to be taken.
Decline offers of a sight-seeing route for a few extra baht: you may be taken to a gems store instead.
Tipping a Grab driver
Tipping a driver is not necessary, but it is always appreciated, especially if the driver has gone out of their way to help you. The tip happens in the app.
- Pay with GrabPay. The in-app tip is only applicable for rides using GrabPay.
- Rate the trip. The option is only available if you picked the cashless payment method.
- Select a preset amount for your tip.
- Do it within 72 hours: you have up to 72 hours after the ride ends to rate and tip in your ride history.
Polymer baht notes
The polymer 20 baht note was issued in 2022. The 50 baht and 100 baht polymer notes follow from 21 November 2025 through all banks and ATMs. The existing and the previous series remain legal tender.
Before you pay
- A footnote that says “subject to” means the service charge and VAT come on top.
- A footnote that says “inclusive” means they are already in the price.
- Airport taxis add THB 50 for drivers, and tolls are on you.
- A Grab tip needs GrabPay and fits inside 72 hours.
- A bill that does not match the menu goes to 1569.
Step by step
- Read the footnote on the menu or offerLook for 'subject to' or 'inclusive of' next to the service charge and VAT.
- Work out the totalA 10% service charge and 7% VAT turn one thousand baht on the menu into THB 1,177 when VAT is charged on the price plus the service charge.
- Check the bill against the menuThe displayed price has to match the actual selling price; call 1569 about a mismatch.
- Separate fixed charges from tipsAirport taxis add THB 50 for drivers and passengers pay tolls.
- Tip on Grab in the appPay with GrabPay, rate the trip, pick a preset amount, within 72 hours.
Not confirmed: No Thai government body or operator page read sets a tipping scale for massage, hotel staff, guides or restaurants, so no amount is stated here. Whether a venue passes its service charge to staff is not stated on the pages read. Ask the venue if it matters to you.
Common questions
Is there a service charge on Thai restaurant bills?
A menu can add one. One Bangkok menu states its prices are subject to a 10% service charge and a 7% value-added tax. Read the footnote on the menu.
What is VAT in Thailand?
The general VAT rate is 7 percent. The tax base includes service fees.
Are hotel rates quoted with service charge and VAT?
A hotel offer can state that rates are subject to a 10% service charge and 7% VAT. A spa menu can state that prices are inclusive of both.
Do I have to tip a Grab driver?
No. Tipping drivers is not necessary but always appreciated, especially if they have gone out of their way to help you.
Can I tip a Grab driver in cash?
The in-app tip is only applicable for rides using GrabPay. The option is only available if you picked the cashless payment method.
How long do I have to tip on Grab?
Up to 72 hours after the ride ends, in your ride history.
Who do I call about a bill that does not match the menu?
The Department of Internal Trade hotline, 1569. Failing to display prices, or charging a different price, carries a fine of up to THB 10,000.
Is the THB 50 airport taxi charge a tip?
No. Suvarnabhumi public taxis carry an additional charge of THB 50 for taxi drivers as announced by the Ministry of Transport. Tolls are paid by the passenger.
Does a small street stall charge VAT?
A business with annual turnover under THB 1.8 million is exempt from VAT.
Are polymer baht notes in use?
The Bank of Thailand issues polymer 50 and 100 baht notes from 21 November 2025, after the polymer 20 baht note in 2022.
Read next
General information checked against the sources listed above, not financial or tax advice for your situation. Rules and fees change; confirm with your bank, the Revenue Department or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
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