Navigating tipping cultures while traveling can be awkward. It is the final moment of transaction that can leave you wondering: Did I give enough? Did I insult her? What is standard here?
When it comes to someone who has cared for your children, the desire to show gratitude is even stronger.
Bali has a unique tipping culture. It is not the mandatory 20%+ seen in the United States, nor is it the “no-tipping” culture of Japan. In Indonesia, tipping is a “soft expectation”—it is not legally required, but it is highly appreciated and heavily relied upon by workers in the service industry.
Here is a guide to the etiquette of tipping your holiday nanny in Bali, ensuring your gesture is both generous and culturally appropriate.
1. The Cultural Context: Why Tip?
Balinese nannies are renowned for the genuine warmth and care they bring to their work; they often treat your children like their own family.
However, the reality is that the minimum wage in Bali is relatively low compared to the cost of living, especially with rising inflation. For many nannies, their base salary covers essentials, while tips provide the “breathing room” for their family budget—extra school supplies for their own kids, a religious ceremony contribution, or savings.
A tip in Bali is more than just extra cash; it is a concrete acknowledgment of a job well done and a sign of respect for the care they provided.
2. The Golden Rules of Tipping in Bali
Before discussing amounts, it is crucial to understand how to give the tip culturally.
- Cash is Queen: Always tip in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) cash. Do not try to add it to a credit card payment through an agency portal, as there is no guarantee the full amount will reach the nanny.
- The Right Hand Rule: In Indonesian culture, the left hand is considered “unclean.” Always hand money (or anything else) to your nanny using your right hand, or both hands for extra respect. Using only your left hand can be seen as offensive.
- Discretion is Key: Do not hand over a wad of loose cash. Place the money inside a small envelope (easily bought at any mini-mart) or fold it neatly in a piece of paper. Present it to her privately at the end of her final shift, accompanied by a sincere “Terima kasih” (thank you).
- Direct to the Source: If you hired through an agency, give the tip directly to the nanny, not to the agency owner or driver to “pass along.”
3. Suggested Tipping Guidelines (The Numbers)
These are general ranges based on current practices in Bali for holiday nannies. Adjust based on your budget and your satisfaction with the service.
Scenario A: The Casual Evening Babysitter
For a one-off evening where the sitter watched sleeping kids while you went to dinner.
- Guideline: Round up significantly or add a flat amount.
- Amount: IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 total is a generous and appropriate tip for a single evening shift.
Scenario B: The Holiday Nanny (Short-Term)
For a nanny who has been with you for several days or weeks during your vacation. There are two ways to calculate this:
- Method 1: The Percentage Approach: A standard guideline is 10% to 20% of the total salary you paid for her services. If she was exceptional, aim closer to 20%.
- Method 2: The Daily Top-Up Approach: Calculate a bonus equivalent of roughly IDR 50,000 to IDR 75,000 for every full day she worked. For a 10-day booking, this would mean a tip of IDR 500,000 to IDR 750,000 at the end.
4. Beyond Cash: Non-Monetary Bonuses
In Bali, generosity isn’t only measured in money. Nannies highly value useful items, especially in quieter areas like Amed where goods are harder to come by.
If you are leaving Bali and have supplies left over, offering them to your nanny is a wonderful bonus (in addition to a cash tip, not instead of).
Appreciated items include:
- Unopened packets of diapers or wipes.
- Unopened dry food goods (snacks, formula, cereal).
- Children’s clothing or toys that your kids have outgrown or you don’t want to pack home.
- Sunscreen or toiletries.
A note on meals: Providing lunch and drinks for your nanny while she is working is not a bonus; it is a basic expectation when hiring staff in Indonesia.
If your nanny kept your children safe, happy, and allowed you to have a relaxing holiday, a generous tip is the best way to say thank you. In the Balinese economy, your gesture of gratitude goes a very long way.