Thai consumers are the most generous when it comes to tipping, overtaking Bangladesh and claiming the top spot in Asia, reveals MasterCard’s survey.

The credit card giant’s survey found four in 10 consumers across Asia are accustomed to leaving a tip behind after a good meal in a restaurant, while in Thailand tipping is common among eight in 10 consumers.

People in Bangladesh, last year’s top tippers, appeared more frugal this year with 80 per cent saying they generally tipped compared with a high 88 per cent at the same time last year.

Tipping appeared least common in Japan where a mere four per cent of respondents said they tipped.

South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand joined Japan in propping up the table with 10 per cent of South Koreans, and 12 per cent of Taiwanese and New Zealanders each claiming they tip regularly.

Men (43 per cent) are more inclined to tip than women (36 per cent).

“Tipping in Asia can be confusing because the region holds diverse views towards the practice. Cultural nuances can make tipping a rule of thumb in some Asian markets, while in others it can be discouraged or even considered rude,” said Georgette Tan, group head, communications, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard.