Tipping isn’t just a national debate—it’s an international one. As more Americans travel abroad, many are surprised to find that tipping practices vary widely across countries—and in many places, they don’t exist at all.
While tipping may feel second nature in the U.S., where it’s expected nearly everywhere, the rules change once you leave the country. Understanding local customs not only helps you be a respectful traveler—it can also reveal how broken the American tipping system truly is.
Tipping Culture Around the World
Europe
In much of Western Europe, tipping is modest and often already included in the bill.
France, Italy, Spain: A “service charge” is usually built into restaurant prices. Leaving small change is appreciated but not expected. Germany, UK: A 5–10% tip is customary if not already included, but it’s not mandatory. Scandinavia: Tipping is minimal or not practiced—workers are paid livable wages.
Asia
Tipping varies widely across Asia, and in many countries, it’s not part of the culture at all.
Japan: Tipping is seen as disrespectful. Good service is the standard, and tips may be refused. China: Tipping is not expected in most places, though it may be accepted in tourist-heavy areas. Thailand and Vietnam: Small tips are appreciated but not obligatory.
Australia & New Zealand
No tipping culture exists. Workers are paid fairly, and prices reflect service costs. Leaving extra is optional and seen as a gesture, not an expectation.
Latin America
Practices vary, but tipping is generally modest:
Mexico and Brazil: 10% is standard at restaurants, but workers are also paid a base wage. Argentina: Tips are common but small.
Tipping on Cruises and at All-Inclusive Resorts
Cruises
Even though you may pay thousands for your cruise, tipping expectations are often layered on top—sometimes in ways that feel confusing or hidden.
Automatic Gratuities: Most cruise lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian) add $14–$20 per person per day in automatic tips to your bill—whether or not you interact with the staff. Additional Tips: You may be encouraged to tip for spa services, bartenders, and shore excursions. Can You Opt Out? In many cases, you can request to have these charges removed at guest services, but it’s often discouraged.
Cruise takeaway: You’re tipping for a service you’ve already paid for—and often without clear communication about where the money is going.
All-Inclusive Resorts
The name suggests it’s all covered—but tipping still creeps in.
Some resorts explicitly include tips in the price, but many staff still expect or subtly request extra cash. Tipping in places like Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic is informal but expected, especially for housekeeping, bartenders, and bell staff. If you don’t tip, service may suffer—creating a two-tier system at a “prepaid” resort.
Resort takeaway: “All-inclusive” often doesn’t mean what it says. And it pressures guests to carry cash and navigate unspoken rules.
What This Tells Us About Tipping in the U.S.
American travelers are often shocked by how little tipping is expected—or accepted—abroad. In many countries, hospitality workers are treated as professionals and paid accordingly. They don’t rely on the generosity of strangers to survive.
The contrast reveals just how deeply flawed our system is:
Tipping inflates costs without transparency. It creates confusion and inconsistency. It unfairly shifts the burden of wages onto the customer.
How to Travel Smarter—and Fairer
Research local customs before tipping abroad. In some places, it’s a compliment. In others, it’s an insult. Be respectful, but don’t overtip based on American guilt. Tip where it makes sense, not where it’s assumed. Let fairness, not fear, guide your decisions.
Tipping culture isn’t global. It’s American. And when we see how the rest of the world does things, it’s clear: there’s a better way.
Join the movement to rethink tipping at EndTippingCulture.org
EndTippingCulture.org 