In Reply to: Tipping at resort properties posted by Canadian Girl on Wednesday, 30. January 2008 at 13:19 Bali Time:
As already mentioned, some restaurants do include a service charge on your bill. Just look at the bottom of the bill and you'll see if it's added or not.
My advise is that if you want to feel like you are making abit of difference in the life of the Balinese, be generous. I feel like a queen when in Bali because I tip generously and they really appreciate it. I always leave money daily in my room for the room staff. Being a fellow Canuck, I can guarantee that you will probably tip more than a Starbucks coffee at any given time and the smiles that you'll get back will warm your heart (and we need warm right now - very cold here!!!)
I don't tip if the service has been poor but that's not usually an issue. The Balinese don't expect a tip so when they bring the bill to your table they will often stand and wait for you to pay up. Then when they bring you the change they also will wait until you have taken the money off the tray. At first I thought they were waiting for their tip but that's not the case...they are just waiting to get the tray back. If you intend to tip, do it at that point because otherwise they will usually stand and wait.
I also take lots of soap, t-shirts, lipstick, pens, baseball caps etc., and give to hotel staff, beach sellers etc. I always get asked for my sandals so be prepared. Now I take ones that I don't mind giving away.
Have fun!!!