In Reply to: Tipping villa staff... posted by stephjoy on Wednesday, 24. September 2014 at 09:13 Bali Time:
I just love being able to be generous in Bali. I always leave a 50,000 rupiah note on my bed every morning. A friend once said he follows the CIA method. Cash In Advance. Meaning tip as you go along, not just at the end of the stay. I'm from Canada and tipping is the norm here so maybe I just feel more comfortable tipping. It's not a lot of money at the end of the day and I know the staff that are on the receiving end, really appreciate it. I also tip other hotels staff, taxi drivers (if they are good) and serving staff in the restaurants.
For my guide though, I just give him an envelope at the end. I don't look at is as a tip for him, rather my family helping his family out with their kids education and basic needs. We've know him for 23 years now and they are like part of our family.
I did have a question as well. If a hotel, restaurant, spa etc., collects the ++ in advance, do the staff ever see any of that money? Just curious?