Tipping to Guide and Driver

If you feel your driver and guide did a good job, then give them a tip. In Tibet, many drivers owning their own vehicles often work freelance, that is, they don't necessarily work for just one agency. Most drivers and guides work for several travel agencies who call them when work is available. Since the tourist season in Tibet is relatively short (June to September are the peak tourism season, but Tibet can be visited all the year around), drivers and guides need to make as much money as possible during the peak season so as to support their family for a whole year. In Tibetan traditional culture, they use their income to support not just their immediate family, but often their extended family as well. Most Tibetans are still quite poor and need as much help as they can get. Drivers are also responsible for the maintenance of their own vehicle. Road condition in Tibet is much inferior to that in other places of China mainland, therefore the drivers have to put more efforts to keep the passengers safe. For tour guides, they do not only lead clients to the destinations, but also have to take good care of tourists and help tourists get out of unexpected troubles.

Therefore, at the end of your tour in Tibet, you are highly recommended to leave them a tip if you feel that your driver and guide did a good job in taking care of you. The amount is going to vary from person to person. In the past, for the driver is between RMB 75 and 125 for each day of the tour. For the tour guide is between RMB 100 and 500 for each day according to how taxing the guide work is, and how many participants in your group. Besides, if you leave more than 100 words on the Service Quality Evaluation to praise your guide, he/she will receive a reasonable reward from CITS Tibettravel.org.