Tipping (Sri Lanka)

Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka as recognition of exceptional service.

Escorted Group Tours

Many passengers are often uncertain of how much to tip, so we have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount (in US Dollars) to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately throughout your trip. On multi-country trips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. All group tour passengers are expected to contribute to the tipping kitty. (If there is no National Escort, please give the money directly to your Local Guides).

The amount for the kitty is calculated for each tour depending on the length, group size and services used during the trip. Your final documents will specify the exact tipping amount for your group. The tipping kitty will cover local guides and drivers in each city/province, local and/or site guides and your National Escort. Porterage to your room is not included.

Do not be surprised that you are constantly asked for tips or money, even if you know it has been paid. Your tips that you provide to the National Escort cover tips which should be paid on your behalf. Any others, such as tips for the toilet attendant or for someone who minds your shoes outside of a temple, are your responsibility but NOT necessary to be paid. Such tips are not included in our tipping kitty because these people are actually trying to sell this service to you as a way of making a living. Luggage porterage to your rooms is also at your discretion.

For Private Tours, Short Stay/Extensions, or group passengers with pre/post tour arrangements

The following table gives suggested tipping amounts per person per day:

For restaurants, if no service charge has been applied to the bill, we recommend 10-15%.