Korean Job Discussion Forums

[aloysha]

I am just curious as to your tipping behavior when you are in the
Phillipines.

Does anyone have definate exclusions or standards that they apply ?

I think I tip too often and too much.

[ttompatz]

[Tiger Beer]

ttompatz is a very thorough guide to it.

For myself, I feel like 20 pesos is sufficient for just about anything. Whatevfer it is, I just toss a 20 peso bill. That is for some restaurants (where tax isn't already included and they have a wait staff), checking out of a hotel, taxi drivers who use the meter, and other miscellaneous situations where it seems like someone wants a tip for some reason and its appropriate.

NEVER give tips to taxi drivers who don't use the meter, and never let anyone touch your bags (they'll want a tip for it), and never let any random person guide you to your bus (they'll also want a tip for that). If you let them touch your bag even for a moment or follow them to a bus, you'll be in that awkward position of a guy demanding a tip, and a situation where you might not have even needed or wanted his 'service'. If you cant carry your bags and you did want him to carry it, then definetely tip him though.

[ttompatz]

There is a common mistake many foreigners all too often make, upon arriving in the Philippines. I know some of you are going to think of this as me being cheap, but I am not. Others, hopefully anyway, will realize what I'm about to say here. That is, you aren't in your country anymore. Once you are in Cebu, or elsewhere in the Philippines, do your best to get out of the western mindset of thinking in terms of USD, or your local currency. If you do, you will save yourself tons of money over the course of your trip.

Once you get off the plane, do your best to think only in terms of Philippine Pesos. I know it is very difficult at first. However, in time, it becomes much easier to do. As far as conversions go, to make it easier for visitors, roughly estimate Php 400 for every $10.00 USD. The Piso to USD changes often, but this is close enough for government work.

Now, no matter how much money you bring with you, if you have that "it's only a dollar" attitude, you are going to spend a lot more money than you should after arriving here. Just because you are here on vacation doesn't mean you should not care about the value you get for your dollar, or in this case Piso. Too many foreigners go on vacation with the thought that, "We're on vacation honey! Let's live it up!"

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with wanting to spend more money on a vacation somewhere, especially after working a year (or several), to save to fly here. However, instead of being taken advantage of by paying far too much for a product or service, why not get the best value for your hard earned money?

Besides, when buying something from Filipinos, especially in the market or from other 'older' businesses, vendors expect you to negotiate with them. It's the Filipino way to do business. In fact, they will look at you as though you are a fool if you don't at least try to negotiate with them.

Many things here are typically cheaper than in the states, especially with the exchange rate being what it is presently (Php 40 / $1 USD). But, upon flying in to Cebu (and it being a good chance that it's your first trip here), you may see something for Php 40. You then may say, "Well, that's only a dollar, I'll take it!" Of course, after purchasing it and walking away, you aren't the only one smiling. Why? Because that vendor just sold you something which would normally have been sold to a Filipino for Php 10 - 15, not Php 40. So, do enjoy your smile. I have a tube of K-Y jelly to go along with it. They sell K-Y for about Php 370 at Mercury Drugstores, locally.

My primary concern here, is that you have an enjoyable trip while visiting this wonderful country. However, at the same time you can have a lot more to go back home with (goods, gifts, or extra cash), if you do spend wisely.

So, while visiting the Philippines, please do your best to make sure you get a good deal on the service or goods that you buy. If you have a Filipino you can trust, you will be well looked after. However, if you have one that you only 'think' you can trust... well, that tube of K-Y is still available.

[aloysha]

I follow similar guidelines, as noted by Tom, but I just feel that at times have been unnecessarily generous. Perhaps because of the abundance of good help/service I received on my last trip I just felt it warranted a good tip.

I even tried to tip the laundry lady at our beach house in El Nido, but she would not take it. I thought I had breached some tipping code. I was just curious what others do in general.

And it is so true about the bag thing. Now, I just carry my own luggage or I will be tipping like a madman.

With respect to taxi drivers, i am hardcore when they try to scam me.