Whether you’re a frequent traveler or exploring a new culture, understanding the rules for tipping service providers in different countries can save you from any awkward faux pas. Tipping practices vary greatly around the world, from the expected gratuities in the United States to the strict no-tipping culture in Japan. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the diverse customs across countries, providing you with valuable insights on how to navigate tipping etiquette gracefully during your international adventures.
Table of Contents
North America
United States
In the United States, tipping is a common practice and is generally expected in most service industries. It is customary to tip waitstaff at restaurants around 15-20% of the total bill. In bars, it is typical to leave a dollar or two per drink or around 15% of the total bill. Other service providers, such as taxi drivers, hairstylists, and hotel staff, also expect to be tipped. The general guideline for tipping in these cases is around 15-20% of the cost of the service provided.
Canada
Similar to the United States, tipping is a common practice in Canada. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill. In bars, leaving a dollar or two per drink is considered appropriate. Tipping taxi drivers, hairstylists, and hotel staff is also expected, with a standard tip amount of around 15-20% of the service cost.
Mexico
Tipping in Mexico varies depending on the region and type of service. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is generally expected. Some restaurants may automatically add a service charge, so it’s wise to check the bill before leaving an additional tip. For bar service, it is common to leave a small tip per drink or around 10% of the total bill. Tipping taxi drivers around 10% of the fare is customary, and hotel staff usually receive tips of 10-15% of the room cost.
Europe
United Kingdom
Tipping practices in the United Kingdom differ from those in North America. In restaurants, a service charge may already be included in the bill. However, if it is not included, a tip of 10-12.5% is generally appreciated. It is not common to tip bartenders, but leaving a small tip for exceptional service is a nice gesture. Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. Hotel staff usually receive a tip of £1-£2 per night or more for outstanding service.
France
In France, a service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants. However, if you received exceptional service, it is customary to leave an additional 5-10% tip. It is not expected to tip bartenders, but leaving some loose change is a kind gesture. Taxi drivers in France do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. Tip hotel staff, such as bellboys or housekeeping, around €1-€2 per service.
Germany
In Germany, service charges are usually included in restaurant bills. However, rounding up the total amount is a common practice to show appreciation for the service. Tipping bartenders is not mandatory, but some people leave small change. Taxi drivers do not typically expect tips, but rounding up the fare is common. For hotel staff, leaving €1-€2 per night or more for exceptional service is considered polite.
Asia
China
Tipping in China is not a common practice and can even be seen as disrespectful in some cases. In high-end hotels and restaurants, a service charge may already be included. If you wish to show appreciation for excellent service, a small tip or rounding up the bill is acceptable. Generally, tipping other service providers like taxi drivers, hairstylists, or tour guides is not expected.
Japan
In Japan, tipping is not a part of the culture and can be considered rude. Instead of tipping, the focus is on providing excellent service. In restaurants and taxis, no tips are expected or accepted. Trying to tip may cause confusion or embarrassment, so it’s best to show gratitude by saying “arigato” (thank you) instead.
India
In India, tipping is a customary practice. In restaurants, leaving around 10% of the total bill as a tip is appreciated. Some higher-end restaurants may automatically add a service charge, so it’s important to check the bill before leaving an additional tip. Tipping taxi drivers around 10% of the fare is common, and hotel staff usually receive tips of around 5-10% of the room cost.
Oceania
Australia
Tipping in Australia is not as common as in North America. In restaurants, if a service charge is not included, leaving a tip of around 10% is seen as generous. It is not expected to tip bartenders, but some people may round up the bill for exceptional service. Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare can be done. Hotel staff generally do not expect tips, but leaving a small amount for exceptional service is appreciated.
New Zealand
Similar to Australia, tipping in New Zealand is not a common practice, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas. In restaurants, tipping 10% of the total bill is appreciated if a service charge is not included. It is not customary to tip bartenders, but rounding up the bill can be done for exceptional service. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Hotel staff usually do not receive tips unless the service provided is exceptional.
South America
Brazil
In Brazil, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill, but it is customary to leave an additional tip of 5-10%. Tipping bartenders is not expected, but rounding up the bill for exceptional service is appreciated. Taxi drivers may round up the fare or receive a small tip, especially if they assist with luggage. Hotel staff usually receive a small tip of a few Brazilian Reais for their services.
Argentina
In Argentina, tipping is customary but varies depending on the region. In restaurants, it is common to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill. Tipping bartenders is not mandatory, but leaving small change is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a polite gesture. Hotel staff usually receive small tips, especially for assistance with luggage or exceptional service.
Chile
Tipping practices in Chile are similar to Argentina. In restaurants, leaving a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is customary. Tipping bartenders is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a kind gesture. For hotel staff, a small tip for luggage assistance or exceptional service is appreciated.
Africa
South Africa
In South Africa, tipping is a common practice and plays an important role in the service industry. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is expected. Some restaurants may automatically add a service charge, so it’s recommended to check the bill. Tipping bartenders around 10% of the total bill or leaving small change is customary. Taxi drivers typically receive a tip of 10-15% of the fare, and hotel staff usually receive tips of around 10% of the room cost.
Morocco
In Morocco, tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the total bill is expected. Tipping bartenders or leaving small change is not mandatory but is seen as a kind gesture. Taxi drivers generally expect a small tip, especially if they provide assistance with luggage or have provided exceptional service. Hotel staff usually receive a tip of a few Moroccan Dirhams for their services.
Egypt
Tipping is a common practice in Egypt, and service providers rely on tips to supplement their income. In restaurants, a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill is expected. Tipping bartenders around 10% of the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. Taxi drivers usually receive a small tip or rounding up the fare. Hotel staff generally expect tips, with a few Egyptian Pounds per night or more for exceptional service.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, a service charge is typically included in the bill in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. However, it is customary to leave an additional 10-15% tip to show appreciation for the service. The same applies to taxi drivers, with rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip being common practice.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, tipping is not a common practice as it is considered unnecessary. Restaurants and hotels often include a service charge in the bill. However, if you receive exceptional service, leaving a small tip is appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture.
Turkey
In Turkey, tipping is a customary practice to show gratitude for good service. In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill is expected. Some higher-end restaurants may automatically add a service charge, so it’s important to check the bill. Tipping bartenders or leaving small change is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is customary. Hotel staff usually receive a tip of a few Turkish Lira per night or more for exceptional service.
Caribbean
Jamaica
In Jamaica, tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by service providers. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is expected. Tipping bartenders is common, with rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip appreciated. Taxi drivers expect a small tip of around 10% of the fare. Hotel staff usually receive tips of a few Jamaican Dollars per night or more for excellent service.
Bahamas
In the Bahamas, tipping is expected and plays a significant role in the service industry. In restaurants, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is common. Tipping bartenders is customary, and leaving a small tip per drink or rounding up the bill is appreciated. Taxi drivers generally expect a tip of around 15% of the fare. Hotel staff usually receive tips of a few Bahamian Dollars per night or more for exceptional service.
Dominican Republic
Tipping is an important part of the service industry in the Dominican Republic. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is expected. It is common to tip bartenders, with leaving a small tip per drink or rounding up the bill appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers around 10% of the fare is customary. Hotel staff typically receive tips of a few Dominican Pesos per night or more for their services.
Central America
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, tipping is a common practice, and service providers rely on tips as part of their income. In restaurants, a tip of 10% is commonly given, but some establishments may add a service charge. Tipping bartenders or leaving small change is appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is customary. Hotel staff usually receive tips of a few Costa Rican Colones or more per night for their services.
Panama
In Panama, tipping is expected in the service industry. In restaurants, a tip of 10% of the total bill is customary, and some establishments may add a service charge. Tipping bartenders or leaving small change is appreciated. Taxi drivers generally receive a tip of around 10% of the fare. Hotel staff usually receive tips of a few Panamanian Balboas per night or more for their services.
Belize
In Belize, tipping is customary to show appreciation for good service. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is expected, and some establishments may add a service charge. Tipping bartenders or leaving small change is appreciated. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is common practice. Hotel staff usually receive tips of a few Belizean Dollars per night or more for their services.
South Pacific
Fiji
In Fiji, tipping is not a universal practice, but it is greatly appreciated by service providers. In restaurants, a service charge may already be included, but leaving a small tip on top of that is appreciated. Tipping bartenders is not common, but rounding up the bill can be done. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but a small tip can be given for exceptional service. Hotel staff generally receive tips of a few Fijian Dollars per night or more for their services.
Tahiti
In Tahiti, tipping is not customary as a service charge is typically included in the bill at restaurants. However, leaving a small tip for excellent service is appreciated. Tipping bartenders is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving some small change is seen as a kind gesture. Taxi drivers do not typically receive tips, but rounding up the fare can be done. Hotel staff usually receive tips of a few Tahitian Francs per night or more for exceptional service.
Samoa
In Samoa, tipping is not a common practice, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% of the total bill is appreciated if service was exceptional. Bartenders do not typically receive tips, but rounding up the bill can be done. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is a kind gesture. Hotel staff generally receive tips of a few Samoan Tala per night or more for exceptional service.
With a greater understanding of tipping customs around the world, you can confidently navigate these different cultural norms and show appreciation for the excellent service you receive during your travels. Remember, tipping is ultimately a personal choice, so consider the local customs and your own budget when deciding how much to tip.
