Is it customary to tip in Seoul?

In South Korea tipping is not customary. If you insist on leaving a tip this may be seen as rude - and can cause acute embarrassment even if you think someone should be rewarded extra for their work. Instead, thank your hosts politely, and be respectful.



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How much is customary? Some of the high-end restaurants in the city might expect at least a 10% tip and some places even automatically add the gratuity. In Western-style restaurants it is advised to leave between 5 and 10%, it is not recommended to tip at Korean restaurants.

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Traveling to South Korea? Don't forget your plastic. South Korea is a modern and cosmopolitan country, with exciting culture and food. Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all accepted without issue in South Korea, with cash becoming less common.

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Tissues and water are free in all restaurants. However, in some restaurants, you will see “??self” posters. This Konglish term means that you have to help yourSELF to water (and tissues). Don't tell them to serve them for you! FYI, there is no service charge in Korea.

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Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted types, with some high-end hotels and restaurants accepting American Express. For smaller restaurants, outdoor markets, and bus fare, cash is necessary. However, don't carry excessive amounts of cash.

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All major credit cards are accepted in South Korea, but if you're venturing into the rural areas or would like to dine at smaller restaurants, it is best to still have some cash on you.

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Tipping is not considered etiquette by French people in French restaurants, but if you enjoyed your meal, it's nice to leave 5 - 10%. If you really enjoyed the meal, or plan on returning to the restaurant and want the wait staff to like you, 15% is a generous tip.

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At least the SIM cards for foreigners that you can expensively buy in the airport work. But you won't be able to pay by credit card via the app. Only option for non Koreans is pay to the taxi driver...

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Most bus maps are not translated into English, and most bus drivers speak only Korean. To ride the bus, you can pay the bus fare in cash on the bus or use a T-money card, which decreases the bus fare by 100 won for adult travelers.

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Train (AREX) Express Trains depart every 20 to 40 minutes from Incheon Int'l Airport and take approximately 40 minutes. All Stop Trains leave every 5 to 10 minutes and take just under 60 minutes to get to Seoul Station. The Express Train costs KRW 9,500 each way, while the All Stop Train is KRW 4,150 - 4,750.

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