Understanding Tipping Etiquette for Your Babysitter in Bali

One of the most common questions families ask when their holiday ends is: “How much should I tip the nanny?”

In Western countries, tipping culture varies wildly—from mandatory in the US to non-existent in Japan. In Bali, the answer lies somewhere in the middle: It is not mandatory, but it is deeply appreciated and culturally significant.

Here is everything you need to know to navigate the “Thank You” envelope with grace.

1. Is Tipping Expected?

Technically, no. If you hired a nanny through an agency, they are paid a set wage. However, wages in Indonesia can be modest by Western standards. A tip is widely viewed as a gesture of genuine gratitude for good service, especially if the nanny went above and beyond to bond with your children.

The Bottom Line: You won’t offend anyone by not tipping, but you will make someone’s week (or month) if you do.

2. Recommended Tipping Amounts

There is no fixed calculator, but here are the standard benchmarks used by expats and frequent visitors:

For Occasional / Date Night Sitters:

• The Gesture: IDR 50,000 – IDR 100,000 per shift.

• Context: If she stayed late (past midnight) or handled a difficult bedtime, leaning toward 100k is a kind gesture.

For Full-Time Holiday Nannies (1 Week+):

• The “Happy Bonus”: A common rule of thumb is to tip the equivalent of one day’s pay for every week worked.

• Example: If you pay her IDR 350,000 per day, a tip of IDR 300,000 – 500,000 at the end of the week is standard.

• Percentage: Alternatively, consider 10% – 15% of the total bill.

3. Factors That Justify a Higher Tip

Consider increasing the amount if:

• Multiple Children: She looked after 3+ kids or a mix of toddlers and infants.

• Late Nights / Overtime: She stayed flexible when your dinner reservation ran late.

• Public Holidays: She worked during a major holiday like Galungan, Nyepi, or Lebaran (Eid).

• Extra Duties: She cooked meals, cleaned up toys, or hand-washed kids’ clothes without being asked.

4. Non-Monetary “Tips” (Sangat Membantu!)

Sometimes, gestures are just as valuable as cash.

• Meals: Always offer to buy her lunch or dinner if she is with you at a restaurant. If you are eating at the villa, invite her to eat the same food or provide “uang makan” (meal money, usually IDR 30,000 – 50,000).

• Leftover Supplies: If you are leaving Bali, giving her your leftover unopened

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