Tipping the Shower Gumby

[DinkumDave]

Last time I took a shower in T3/SKL I noticed that somebody had left a tip behind for the shower attendant - you know, the guy that comes round and changes the towels.

Now I come from a country that is well renowned for being poor tippers. If you ask one of my fellow countrymen for a tip, they will most likely tell you to be nice to your mother

So maybe some of the Singaporeans, or other more worldly-wise travellers on this forum can help to educate me.

Is tipping the shower attendant a common practice? Is it expected, or just a nice gesture?

What sort of amount would usually be left as a tip?

In the last few years I have only used Changi as a transit point, so I don't carry any Singaporean Dollars. Would the guy welcome a tip in another currency, or would that be about as much use to him as a collar on a dingo?

[SQflyergirl]

or would that be about as much use to him as a collar on a dingo?

Singapore's actually pretty advanced. They have internet, electricity, running water and last I checked, there were even money changers there.... so I'm not sure the foreign currency'd be entirely useless to the lads in the loo

[kapitan]

ignorant aussie??

[phaleesy]

Singapore's actually pretty advanced.

That's an understatement. Singapore is in many ways more advanced than some so-called first world countries.

[Kyo]

I've seen this practice before, and also thought it was a 'nice' but not 'expected' gesture from the Loo Lads, but having said that, they definitely have the know-how to make the money disappear almost immediately as soon as they step inside to clean the shower.

I saw a $10 (USD) vanish the other day sooo fast, I did a double-take...

That's an understatement. Singapore is in many ways more advanced than some so-called first world countries.

I agree, the only thing lacking in Singapore are social graces (and only in some situations)

[sqdazz]

ignorant aussie??

Harsh?

he is just asking

[trekkie]

deleted

[SQJunkie]

I seem to recall that tipping is strongly discouraged in Singapore by the powers that be.

[cscs1956]

I seem to recall that tipping is strongly discouraged in Singapore by the powers that be.

Yes you are right. No tipping is required in Singapore.

[DinkumDave]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses.

From what I gather, very few people would leave a gratuity, so I shouldn't feel obliged to do so.

I kinda ruled out using the currency changers in Changi because of the terrible rates they pay, particularly for small transactions. Their commisions, handling fees, taxes, etc would put most airlines' YQ charges to shame

I guess that if the guy regularly receives foreign currency, and it sounds as though he does, then he would probably have worked out a more efficient way of dealing with it by now.

[Pinkfloyd]

I guess that if the guy regularly receives foreign currency, and it sounds as though he does, then he would probably have worked out a more efficient way of dealing with it by now.

Or maybe start up his own little money-changing kiosk in the restrooms... Direct service while his customers are taking a dump...

[hsf]

I thought I read somewhere that tipping is discouraged at Changi Airport?

[SQ238]

Last time I took a shower in T3/SKL I noticed that somebody had left a tip behind for the shower attendant - you know, the guy that comes round and changes the towels.

Now I come from a country that is well renowned for being poor tippers. If you ask one of my fellow countrymen for a tip, they will most likely tell you to be nice to your mother

So maybe some of the Singaporeans, or other more worldly-wise travellers on this forum can help to educate me.

Is tipping the shower attendant a common practice? Is it expected, or just a nice gesture?

What sort of amount would usually be left as a tip?

In the last few years I have only used Changi as a transit point, so I don't carry any Singaporean Dollars. Would the guy welcome a tip in another currency, or would that be about as much use to him as a collar on a dingo?

I would not say we are "poor" tippers Dave, it is just not the way our system works at home, so we are not use to tipping for services, unlike other countries. When I travel, depending on which country, I tend to tip service staff on a much more regular basis.

The times I have used the showers in the T3 lounge I have handed the attendant a tip, and they appreciate it.

SQ238.

[kapitan]

talking about tipping shower assistants.... I have been to the showers in LH Lounge at Frankfurt many times..... at times, only 10 Euro notes in pocket, maybe a few one euro coins,....... so, the question is, what is the customary tip for Frankfurt?

[Lobster]

talking about tipping shower assistants.... I have been to the showers in LH Lounge at Frankfurt many times..... at times, only 10 Euro notes in pocket, maybe a few one euro coins,....... so, the question is, what is the customary tip for Frankfurt?

No need to tip the shower attendants in Europe