Guides
== 2022 Singapore KTV Tipping Guide ==
Here’s a handy guide to current rates for tipping in Singapore so you don’t pay more than you should:
Tips for “butterfly”
$100
This is the rate for girls running multiple rooms. Girls usually run a maximum of 4-5 rooms. If you want to tip more ($150) because you have an excellent experience, that’s usually welcome. Otherwise, stick to $100 and don’t be fleeced.
Pro tip: Ask the mummy for girls with less rooms (1-2), you might get to sit with her for a longer time. But there might be reasons why these girls have less rooms. Ultimately, you need to be comfortable with what you’re paying for.
Tips for “Booking”
$400 - $500
This amount is for the girl to sit with you exclusively for each session. She should not run to other rooms, except for going to the toilet. If you can afford it and want a popular girl all to yourself, go with this.
Pro tip: Some KTVs allow girls to run to 1 other room even with a booking. Make sure this doesn’t happen and clarify it with your manager before deciding. This could be accepted before with lower rates ($200-$250), but it really doesn’t make sense with the astronomical prices right now.
Tips for mummy/papa
$100 - you can haggle for less if you did not get satisfactory assistance during your session
These are pretty much standard tips. You don’t have to give more even if you get good management for their assistance and service because that’s expected. We don’t think it’s worth it, but that’s the market rate right now.
Tips for waiters (given during room billing)
$20 - $30 for the whole room
You will get 2 waiters serving your room. They will periodically check in with you to make sure your cups are filled, and if you need additional drinks, during billing time, and if you need to call anyone. The general idea is to tip $10 per waiter. You do not have to go above $30, but there’s no rule against tipping more if you liked their service.
Tips are usually given at the end of the session (30 mins before it ends). Tips for mummy/papa can be given at any time if you are familiar with them, or at the end. Keep girl tips to the end because you want them to come back more times. If you are their last room to collect, all the better.
Last note: All tips are usually given in cash. Unless you have a local bank account and would like to make a Paynow transfer to the manager, or put it in the bill (we don’t recommend it as you will incur an additional 17% tax)
Once all tips are given, it’s time to head home, or to your next KTV session!