Tipping culture in different countries can be complex. In this guide, we save you the headache of trying to guess. Read on to find out when and how much to tip in every part of the globe.
Tipping culture is an elusive custom that seems to change its rules the world over. What is deemed a generous token of appreciation in some countries, can offend the subtle cultural sensibilities of others.
Each type of service may have its own set of expectations when it comes to tipping. So it’s always wise to stay informed before your travels. This way, you can avoid any awkward or uncertain moments when the bill arrives and confidently navigate the tipping customs of the specific country you’re visiting.
Here are a few service-related things to research.
- restaurants
- hotel staff
- taxi’s
- tour guides
- Spa and resort staff
- Hotel cleaning crew
- Bellhops
- hairdressers and barbers
In this article, we will discuss different tipping styles and norms that are commonly used in different countries of the world.
United States of America (USA)
Tips in the USA are sacred. You tip everyone and everywhere, even in fast food places (up to 5%). In restaurants, the amount you tip is proportional to the amount you spend and can range between 15% and 30%. Sometimes the menu states “tips included”, but if not, it’s still usual to leave 5-10% otherwise. You will risk offending, and the management will be asking you what went wrong!
If you leave less than expected, you can expect to be greeted with harsh words, and not leaving anything at all can be a real cause for conflict. You can either tip in cash or by card.
United Kingdom (UK)
In pricey Scandinavian restaurants, service is usually included, and tipping is unnecessary. In central European countries like France and Germany, even where service is included. You’ll find that a little pourboire or trinkgeld (literally ‘drink money’) is appreciated.
Things are less predictable in southern Europe and resorts, so don’t assume that card payment is the norm. Regular taxis are usually happy to keep the change, but hotel staff will expect something. In Italy specifically, if coperto is written on your bill, it means there’s a cover charge. If you’d like to give your server something special for their stellar service, you can give them a cash tip directly, as that cover charge may not make its way to the wait staff.
Central and South America
For popular destinations such as Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Nicaragua. You’ll often find a service charge added to your restaurant bill. However, if you want to acknowledge excellent service, you can give a tip between 10–15% if you’d like.
As for Chile, Brazil, and Costa Rica, you may see a 10% added charge for dining in. So tips are not expected. But you can give a small additional tip if you’d like to do something a little more.
When it comes to the Caribbean, you’ll want to look over your bill to see if gratuity has been added in the form of a service charge. If it’s not, a 15–20% tip when dining at sit-down restaurants would be very well received.
Asia And the Pacific Tipping Culture
When travelling through Asia, tipping isn’t a big issue, except in tourist hotspots.
China has no tipping culture, while in Japan it can even cause offence. However, a discreet tip is usually appreciated whenever the service has been exceptional and has long been customary in specialist holidays such as when trekking in Nepal.
Some countries, such as India, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia, are catching on to it, but the amounts are modest.
Tipping is not part of the culture in the Pacific islands either, while In Australia and New Zealand, staff are paid well and tips are not expected (though often appreciated).
Turkey
Eastern hospitality dictates that you show generosity if you enjoyed something. In these areas, 10%-15% is normal in bars and cafés and up to 20% in more classy places like Ayar Meyhanesi. This restaurant is located in the very center of Antalya’s Old Town, in the Kaleici district. It specializes in fish and seafood. Prepare yourself for lots of surprises – all on the house – normally in the form of treats like Turkish coffee, strong tea, sweets, fruits, salads, or meze – sometimes all at once.
Middle Eastern tipping culture
Tipping is popular in restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It’s welcome, but not mandatory, to leave 10–15% at the end of your meal.
For Dubai, a 10% service charge is often added to the bill at restaurants, though many still leave an additional tip. Therefore, dining out in Dubai can get quite expensive, so be sure to plan your budget well!
Restaurants in Israel often include a 10% service charge, so there’s no need to leave an additional tip if this fee is already added. Check your bill while there for that service charge so you don’t double tip.
Africa
Tips matter in Africa. Many people work in the hospitality sector, where gratuities make up a large portion of what they take home. Besides, you will want to properly reward the warm hospitality you often meet across this continent. So, keep a decent supply of small bills to hand in case a round up isn’t enough – especially in the more remote areas.
Also, make sure that you hand the money directly to the person who provided the service to make sure they receive it. 8-10% or a few notes of the local currency will cover most needs, perhaps a little more in the better restaurants of South Africa.