Thai Consumers the Top Tippers in Asia Pacific

Thai consumers are the most generous when it comes to tipping, according to research conducted across 14 Asia Pacific markets by MasterCard Worldwide.

The research is based on a survey conducted between 24 April 2012 and 10 June 2012 with 6904 respondents aged 18 – 64 in 14 Asia Pacific countries.

Interviews were conducted via internet surveys, personal, telephone and Computer Aided Telephone interviews, with the questionnaire translated to the local language wherever appropriate and necessary.

The main findings of the survey are:

• Thailand topped the region overall with 89% of respondents claiming they would tip in a restaurant or bar, with more women (89%) and men (90%) than its regional counterparts.

• Philippines was a distant second with 75% overall (W: 78%, M: 71%) ahead of Hong Kong with 71% (W: 69%, M: 73%).

• Japan, South Korea and Taiwan propped up the table with only 3% of Japanese respondents happy to tip in restaurants, 13% of South Koreans and 17% of Taiwanese respondents.

“The research indicates what a diverse set of markets make up the Asia Pacific region; it is a truly remarkable mix of cultures and understanding them is a big challenge for global businesses. As a company we’re always looking to better understand our customers and their habits: this does give a useful look at how different these markets are,” said Georgette Tan, group head, Communications, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.

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