When it comes to tipping, the Japanese are the worst in the Asia Pacific region.
A MasterCard survey conducted with 7932 respondents aged 18 – 64 in 14 Asia/Pacific countries found only 4% of Japanese said they were accustomed to leaving a tip behind.
Thai consumers came out on top – 84% said they leave a tip – while South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand joined Japan in propping up the table with only 10% of South Koreans, and 12% of Taiwanese and New Zealanders each claiming they tip regularly.
Other good tippers are from India (78%) and the Philippines (73%).
Forty-six percent of Australian claim they tip.
Among other countries, Myanmar (42%), Indonesia (33%), Malaysia (31%), Singapore (20%) and Vietnam (20%) were not the biggest tippers.
On average, across the region, four in 10 consumers are accustomed to leaving a tip behind after a good meal in a restaurant, while in Thailand tipping is common among 8 in 10 consumers.
Across the region, men (43%) appeared more inclined to leave behind a gratuity for service compared to women (36%).
Older consumers (above the age of 45) were generally quicker to reach for their wallets with 42% of people leaving tips behind. This was compared with 37% of people between the ages of 18 and 29.
"Tipping in Asia can be confusing because the region holds diverse views towards the practice.
"Cultural nuances can make tipping a rule of thumb in some Asian markets, while in others it can be discouraged or even considered rude," said Georgette Tan, group head, Communications, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard.
The survey findings are part of MasterCard’s suite of research into Consumer Purchasing Priorities in the Asia/Pacific region.
