Tipping Etiquette in Bali: A Fair Guide for Rewarding Your Nanny’s Hard Work
While the agreed-upon hourly or daily rate covers the job, a tip in Bali is often viewed as uang lelah—literally translated as “fatigue money” or appreciation for the extra energy expended.
It is important to remember that while Balinese wages are rising, they are still low relative to Western costs of living. For many nannies, especially those supporting extended families in villages, tips make up a vital part of their disposable income. A generous tip can mean the difference between just covering bills and being able to afford extra schooling supplies for their own children or a contribution to a family ceremony.
The Golden Rule: Tipping is discretionary, but highly recommended for good service. It should always be based on satisfaction, not obligation.
Suggested Tipping Guidelines by Scenario
There is no single fixed percentage, but these ranges are considered current, fair, and generous standards for tourism-based childcare in Bali.
(Note: All figures are in Indonesian Rupiah – IDR)
1. The Occasional Babysitter (Date Night)
If you hire a babysitter for 4–6 hours so you can have dinner out, the interaction is brief but valuable.
- Guideline: Round up the fare significantly, or add a flat amount.
- The Amount: IDR 50,000 is a standard, polite tip for a smooth evening. If they stayed very late (past midnight) or managed a difficult bedtime, IDR 100,000 is generous.
2. The Daily Holiday Nanny (Short-Term)
This is the most common scenario: hiring a nanny to help for 8–10 hours a day for a few days during a vacation.
- Guideline: A daily tip is usually best here, given at the end of each day.
- The Amount: IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 per day.
- Why the range? IDR 50k is lovely for a standard day. IDR 100k is appropriate if they took the kids on a big excursion, managed multiple children, or dealt with tantrums/sickness with exceptional grace.
3. The Week-Long Nanny (The “Holiday Raven”)
If you have the same nanny for a full week or two, they become part of the family dynamic.
- Guideline: Instead of daily tipping, give a lump sum at the very end of their service. This feels more significant and less transactional.
- The Formula: A popular method is to tip the equivalent of one full day’s wage. Alternatively, aim for roughly 10% to 15% of the total final bill.
- Example: If you paid IDR 3,500,000 for a week of service, a tip between IDR 350,000 and IDR 500,000 is excellent.
4. The Long-Term Live-in Nanny (Expats)
This is a completely different dynamic. Long-term staff are generally not tipped daily or weekly.
- Guideline: Appreciation is shown through bonuses.
- THR (Religious Holiday Allowance): By Indonesian law, long-term staff are entitled to an annual bonus equivalent to one month’s salary before their major religious holiday (usually Galungan for Hindu staff, or Lebaran for Muslim staff).
- Performance Bonuses: Small, spontaneous cash gifts for exceptional effort (e.g., caring for the kids while parents travel) are appreciated throughout the year.
Factors That Justify a Higher Tip
When deciding where to land on the tipping scale, consider these variables. Did the nanny really go “above and beyond”?
- Number of Children: Caring for three active toddlers is significantly harder than watching one sleeping baby.
- Special Needs: If your child has behavioral challenges or medical needs that required extra patience and skill.
- Swimming Supervision: This is high-stress work requiring constant vigilance.
- Extra Duties: Did they genuinely help with light housekeeping, meal prep for the kids, or washing swimsuits without being asked?
- Flexibility: Did they stay two hours later than planned because your tour ran over, without complaint?
The Etiquette of Giving the Tip
How you give the money matters almost as much as how much you give in Balinese culture, which values politeness and discretion.
- Cash is Queen: Always tip in Indonesian Rupiah cash. Do not try to add it to a credit card payment if paying an agency, as it rarely gets to the nanny fully.
- Use an Envelope: It is considered polite to put the cash in a small envelope. Handing over crumpled bills from your pocket feels undignified.
- The Right Hand: In many parts of Indonesia, offering something with your left hand is considered impolite. Use your right hand, perhaps supported lightly at the elbow by your left.
- The Words: Look them in the eye, smile warmly, and say, “Terima kasih banyak untuk bantuannya. Ini sedikit untuk Anda.” (Thank you very much for your help. This is a little something for you.)
Non-Monetary Appreciation
Sometimes the best rewards aren’t just cash. These gestures go a long way in building rapport, especially if you hope to hire them again on a future trip:
- Meals: Always ensure your nanny is well-fed during her shift. If you go to a restaurant, buy her a meal (don’t just offer her leftovers).
- Snacks and Drinks: Ensure she has free access to water and coffee/tea throughout the day.
- Gifts from Home: Small gifts from your home country (chocolates, a nice hand cream) are seen as thoughtful souvenirs.
- A Glowing Review: If they work for an agency or get work via word-of-mouth, writing a detailed, positive testimonial is incredible for their future employment prospects.