Tipping Etiquette Around the World: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first international trip, understanding tipping customs is essential to navigating different cultures with confidence and respect.

Tipping practices vary dramatically around the world — what's expected in the United States might be considered excessive or even offensive in other countries. This comprehensive guide will help you understand when, how, and how much to tip across different regions and services.

North America

United States

In the U.S., tipping is not just customary but often vital to service workers' income:

• Restaurants: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard, with 20% for excellent service.
• Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab.
• Hotel Staff: $2-5 per day for housekeeping (left daily), $1-2 per bag for bellhops.
• Taxis and Rideshares: 15-20% of the fare.
• Food Delivery: 10-15% of the order total, minimum $2-5.
• Tour Guides: 15-20% of the tour cost for a group tour; $10-20 per person for a day tour.

Canada

Canadian tipping customs are similar to the United States, though sometimes slightly lower:

• Restaurants: 15-18% of the total bill.
• Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.
• Hotel Staff: Similar to U.S. practices.

Mexico

Tipping in Mexico is common but generally at lower rates than the U.S.:

• Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill.
• Bars: 10-15% of the total tab.
• Hotels: 20-50 pesos per day for housekeeping, 20-50 pesos per bag for bellhops.
• Taxis: Typically not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

Europe

Tipping customs vary significantly across European countries:

United Kingdom

• Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge isn't included. Check the bill carefully; many establishments add a 12.5% service charge automatically.
• Taxis: 10% or rounding up to the nearest pound.
• Hotel Staff: Not always expected, but £1-2 per bag for porters and £1-2 per day for housekeeping is appreciated.

France

"Service compris" on your bill means the service charge is included, but additional tips for exceptional service are welcomed:

• Restaurants: Service is typically included by law, but leaving an additional 5-10% for exceptional service is common.
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest euro or 5-10%.
• Hotel Staff: €1-2 per bag and per day for housekeeping.

Italy

• Restaurants: Service (coperto) is often included; if not, 10% is generous. Look for "servizio incluso" on the bill.
• Taxis: Rounding up is sufficient.

Germany

• Restaurants: 5-10% is typical, usually by rounding up the bill and telling the server the total amount when paying.
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro or add 5-10%.

Spain

• Restaurants: 5-10% for good service, though locals often leave less or just small change.
• Taxis: Rounding up is common.

Asia

Tipping traditions in Asia vary significantly, with some countries where tipping is uncommon or even considered offensive:

Japan

Tipping is not customary and can sometimes be considered rude. Japanese service culture is built on the concept of hospitality (omotenashi) without the expectation of tips:

• Restaurants: No tipping. A service charge may be added at high-end establishments.
• Taxis: No tipping. Drivers will return change to the last yen.
• Hotels: No tipping for standard service. For exceptional personal service, present a small gift instead of cash.

China

• Restaurants: Tipping is not customary except in high-end or Western-style establishments, which may add a 10-15% service charge.
• Taxis: No tipping expected.
• Hotels: In international hotels, ¥10-20 for bellhops is becoming more common.

Thailand

• Restaurants: Upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge; otherwise, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest 20 baht.
• Hotels: 20-50 baht for bellhops.

India

• Restaurants: 5-10% if no service charge is included.
• Taxis: Rounding up the fare.
• Hotels: ₹20-50 for bellhops and ₹50-100 per day for housekeeping.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

• Restaurants: Many add a 10% service charge, but an additional 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest 5 AED.
• Hotels: 5-10 AED per bag for porters and 10-20 AED per day for housekeeping.

Turkey

• Restaurants: 5-10% is customary if no service charge is included.
• Taxis: Rounding up the fare.
• Hotels: 5-10 TL for porters.

Oceania

Australia

Tipping is not customary in Australia, as minimum wage laws ensure service workers receive fair compensation:

• Restaurants: Not expected, but 10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest dollar is common but not expected.

New Zealand

• Restaurants: Not expected, but 10% for exceptional service.
• Taxis: Similar to Australia, rounding up is optional.

South America

Brazil

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge (serviço) is typically included in the bill.
• Taxis: Not customary, but rounding up is appreciated.

Argentina

• Restaurants: 10% is standard.
• Taxis: Rounding up is appreciated.

Tips for International Travelers

1. Research local customs before your trip. Understanding local tipping practices shows respect for the culture you're visiting.
2. Carry small denominations of local currency. This makes tipping easier, especially in countries where credit cards aren't widely used.
3. Check your bill carefully. Many countries automatically include service charges, which may eliminate the need for an additional tip.
4. When in doubt, ask a local or your hotel concierge about appropriate tipping practices.
5. Remember that tipping expectations can vary within countries, especially between tourist areas and local establishments.

Conclusion

Understanding tipping etiquette is an important part of being a responsible and respectful global traveler. While this guide provides general guidelines, it's always a good idea to research the specific customs of your destination before you travel. Remember that tipping ultimately reflects your appreciation for good service, and a little generosity can go a long way in building positive cross-cultural connections.