China tipping toward new gratuities policy
Print Edition
MANY an American has returned home from a trip to China, telling friends in amazement how tipping in hotels, restaurants and taxis is not only absent but almost something of an insult if attempted.
By the same token, many a Chinese has returned from a trip to the US baffled by the obligation to tip bellboys, waiters and cab drivers even if the quality of service is poor.
Is this often annoying US system creeping into China?
The State Bureau of Tourism has published a new document asking all travel agencies in China to consider a voluntary tipping system that would allow gratuities to reward service beyond the call of duty.
The document, however, doesn’t define a detailed standard for tipping, especially when, where and how much tourists should tip. That has some people worried. What might start out as a purely voluntary system could evolve into a required obligation.
Xu Ziyan, a retired teacher in her 60s, said it will be hard for the Chinese people to accept tipping, a custom outside their culture.
“In Western countries, tipping is an accepted way to express appreciation, respect and recognition of service,” said Xu. “But in China, it will still take a long time to become accepted. The government had better stipulate clearly the amount of tipping acceptable in different situations so that any gratuities system is not abused.”
According to some domestic travel agencies, this is not the first time tipping has been considered in China.
In 2012, Shanghai-based Ctrip implemented a trial tipping system for some of its China tour packages. Tourists were asked to tip tour guides from 20 yuan (US$3) to 50 yuan a day if they were happy with the service provided.
However, no more than 30 percent of tourists acquiesced and tipped on their own initiative.
In October 2013, China’s first tourism law came into effect. No mention of tipping was included, so Ctrip abandoned its trial program.
An official from Ctrip told Shanghai Morning Post that any implementation of tipping requires some policy statement and adequate time for Chinese tourists to adjust to the change.
Many netizens in online forums are expressing concern that tipping might become compulsory. Officials in local travel agencies say that isn’t likely to happen.
Tour guides in China are technically not allowed to charge tips. Tourists can lodge a complaint with the travel agencies if they are forced to pay such gratuities.
In Western countries where tipping on a percentage basis is de rigeur, the tips supplement what are considered to be low-income jobs.
In China, there is already an existing unofficial system that does the same thing. Tour group guides and drivers commonly receive kickbacks from taking busloads of tourists to prearranged stops at retail stores. In April, Chen Chunyan, a tour guide in Yunnan Province, was caught on video berating her tour group for not spending enough at a jewelry shop. Her license was revoked.
Netizens commenting on the incident said they don’t expect much to change. Forced shopping stops are endemic in the group tour industry, and those profiting from the system can be zealous about preserving the practice.
Zhang Rongyang, a retiree, said he and other tourists were threatened by a tour guide during trip to Shangri-la in Yunnan.
“The guide told all of us to spend all our extra money during a forced stop in the town,” Zhang recalled. “He threatened to throw people who didn’t comply off the bus. It was a mountainous area and darkness fell. It wasn’t until we called the travel agent to complain that this tour guide gave up his threats. The landscape in Shangri-la is beautiful, but the trip was a nightmare.”
While some people worry that a tipping system will increase travel costs, others say they favor some change if it leads to improved services.
Max Zheng, an IT worker and travel lover, said he thinks services improve if a tip is on the cards.
“It might save a lot of useless shopping time during group trips,” says Zheng. “But tipping needs to have some strict criteria and effective supervision.”
In Zheng’s opinion, tourists should rate the service of guides at the end of the trip and then tip accordingly.
“I am very willing to tip those who have been especially nice and gone the extra mile in service,” he said. “I think such a system would also delineate ‘star tour guides’ and earn prestige for the travel agencies where they work.”
NETIZEN reaction to voluntary tipping
“Youxihuanle”
In foreign countries, it is common that tour guides, drivers and waiters get tipped for their services. China’s tourism industry is now in line with international practice and norms. It also urges travel agencies and guides to improve their services.
“Chuilian brothers”
I’m afraid that tipping will not be totally voluntary. Those who refuse to tip are very likely to receive poor service in return.
“Lawyer Li Dahe”
Tips, if legalized, would increase the incomes of Chinese tour guides, but that still doesn’t guarantee good service. Domestic tour guides really need more professional training.
“Hong’s low-paced life”
Packaged group tourists usually complain about forced shopping stops and poor service. If tipping can change that, it will attract a lot more tourists.
“Yemen”
I have already paid for the services of the guide as part of the total tour package. Why should I tip? Travel agencies should be the ones to evaluate and reward their best employees.
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