Tipping customs vary widely across the globe, influenced by cultural norms, economic structures, and local expectations. While some countries view tipping as a generous gesture, others may see it as unnecessary or even inappropriate. This guide offers a regional breakdown of tipping practices to help travelers navigate gratuity etiquette worldwide.
🇺🇸 North America
United States
Restaurants: Tipping is customary, with 15–20% of the pre-tax bill expected for table service.
Other Services: Tips are common for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and hairdressers. Note: Tipping is considered a significant part of service workers’ income.
Canada
Restaurants: A tip of 15–20% is standard. Other Services: Tipping is customary for various services, including taxis and salons.
Note: While tipping is widespread, there is growing discussion about “tipping fatigue” among consumers.
Mexico
Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary if not already included in the bill.
Other Services: Small tips are appreciated for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.
🇪🇺 Europe
France
Restaurants: A service charge is typically included; however, leaving an additional 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated. Note: Be cautious of establishments that may pressure tourists into tipping more than customary.
Germany
Restaurants: Tipping is customary, usually rounding up the bill or adding 5–10%.
Other Services: Tips are appreciated for services like taxis and hairdressers.
United Kingdom
Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary if a service charge isn’t included.
Other Services: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory for services like taxis and hotel staff.
Italy
Restaurants: A service charge (coperto) is often included; additional tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
Other Services: Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist areas.
Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)
Restaurants: Tipping is not expected; rounding up the bill is sufficient.
Other Services: Tipping is rare due to higher service wages.
🌏 Asia
Japan
Restaurants: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.
Other Services: Exceptional service may be acknowledged with a small gift rather than cash. Note: Tipping is generally discouraged in Japanese culture.
China
Restaurants: Tipping is not customary and may be refused. Other Services: Tipping is uncommon, except in tourist areas where it may be accepted.
India
Restaurants: A 5–10% tip is customary.
Other Services: Tipping is common for services like hotel staff and drivers.
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia)
Restaurants: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; small amounts or rounding up the bill is common.
Other Services: Tipping is appreciated for services like hotel staff and tour guides.
🌍 Africa
South Africa
Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary.
Other Services: Tipping is expected for services like taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Morocco
Restaurants: Tipping is customary; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
Other Services: Tipping is appreciated for services like guides and hotel staff.
🌎 South America
Brazil
Restaurants: A 10% service charge is often included; additional tipping is not expected.
Other Services: Tipping is appreciated for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.
Argentina
Restaurants: A 10% tip is customary.
Other Services: Tipping is common for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.
🌐 Middle East
United Arab Emirates
Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary if a service charge isn’t included.
Other Services: Tipping is expected for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.
Egypt
Restaurants: A 10% tip is customary.
Other Services: Tipping is common for various services, often referred to as “baksheesh.”
🇦🇺 Oceania
Australia
Restaurants: Tipping is not customary; rounding up the bill is appreciated in fine dining establishments.
Other Services: Tipping is not expected due to higher service wages.
New Zealand
Restaurants: Tipping is not customary; appreciated for exceptional service.
Other Services: Tipping is not expected.
Tipping practices can vary within countries and regions. It’s advisable to research local customs or ask locals when in doubt.
