Tipping

The norm for the locals is to NOT tip for food, taxi, bar drinks, etc.  I typically leave the coins from the change I get back for food/drinks and taxi though.  Some of the workers will see a foreigner and expect a tip or try to keep the change, dont feel weird asking for your change back.  A tip is not a moral standard here as it is in other countries.

-Ryan

At the moment there is 16% added to basic prices (called ++). Sometimes if a business has a lower turnover, they don't have to pay 10% government tax, and only charge 6% service charge. Sometimes prices are "all-in" so don't show a breakdown and just a final figure.

So in effect, the tip is already included in the price. However, if the service has been exceptional, it is good to reward this.

However, I am always unsure if you add a tip to a credit card bill that the staff will ever see it. I would not add it to the bill, but either find the staff gratuity box, usually close to the till (ask if you can't see it) or hand a tip discretely to the person  who has made your event an enjoyable occasion. A "thank you" handshake is useful to pass on some notes.

Because the wages are very low in the hospitality industry, I have no problem tipping for good service.

If a waiter makes it clear s/he expects to get the change by handing the me an open bill-book and hanging around. I NEVER tip that sort of behaviour.

Some waiting staff can be terrible bullies - so don't feel intimidated. In fact I only go back to places where the staff are good, otherwise their behaviour can ruin a good occasion.

I always leave a tip for the runners of KFC and Macdonalds when they deliver, usually anything between RM1 - 2.5 as long as they haven't got the order wrong, which is about 50% of the time. That way the runner keeps the tip.