Should I tip in China?

No tip expected at the table, even at higher-end places — though some upscale restaurants and set banquet menus build a service charge into the printed bill. Check the bill before adding anything on top of what's listed.

Drivers don't expect a tip. Rounding up to the nearest note is common purely for convenience with cash, not as a gratuity — it won't be read as one either way.

Bellhops, housekeeping, and concierge staff generally don't expect tips at domestic hotels. International chain hotels catering heavily to Western guests can be a partial exception in practice, but it's still not the local norm.

This is the one scenario where a tip is more commonly reported as appreciated, especially for private, multi-day tours aimed at foreign visitors — many tour operators addressing international travelers do mention it as optional. It's still not legally or culturally mandatory.