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Tag: Travel

  • Tipping in Top Travel Destinations for Americans: What You Should Know Before You Go

    Tipping in Top Travel Destinations for Americans: What You Should Know Before You Go

    Tipping Abroad: What Americans Get Wrong

    Many U.S. travelers carry their tipping habits overseas—leaving 20% tips in countries where it’s unnecessary or even awkward. But tipping norms around the world differ greatly. In some places, tipping is welcome. In others, it’s included—or considered unnecessary. Here’s what to expect in the most popular international travel spots for Americans.

    🇲🇽 Mexico

    Tipping Expected: Yes Restaurants: 10–20%, especially in tourist areas Resorts: Tips appreciated—even at all-inclusives Hotel Staff: $1–$3 per service

    🇨🇦 Canada

    Tipping Expected: Yes Restaurants: 15–20% Taxis: 10% or round up Hotels: $2–$5 per service

    🇫🇷 France

    Tipping Expected: No (Service Included) Restaurants: 15% is already on the bill Cafés & Casual Dining: Round up or leave change Taxis/Hotels: Not required, but €1–€2 is polite

    🇮🇹 Italy

    Tipping Expected: No Restaurants: A coperto (cover charge) is often added Leave: €1–€2 only if service was exceptional Taxis/Hotels: Rounding up is fine

    🇯🇵 Japan

    Tipping Expected: No Restaurants/Hotels: Tipping is seen as confusing or even rude Alternative: Show appreciation with a bow or a small gift

    🇬🇧 United Kingdom

    Tipping Expected: Sometimes Restaurants: 10–12.5% if not already included Pubs: No tipping Hotels/Taxis: Rounding up is polite

    🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

    Tipping Expected: Yes (especially in resorts) Restaurants: 10% service charge is added, but more is expected Hotels/Resorts: $1–$5 per service Tours: $5–$10 per person

    🇯🇲 Jamaica

    Tipping Expected: Yes Resorts/Hotels: Bring $1 bills; tips expected throughout Restaurants: 10–15% Tours: $5+ per guest

    🇹🇭 Thailand

    Tipping Expected: Sometimes Restaurants: Round up or leave loose change Hotels/Drivers: $1–$2 for good service Tours: $5–$10 per person

    Why This Matters

    When Americans overtip abroad, they can unintentionally contribute to tip creep—raising expectations in cultures where tips were once symbolic or nonexistent. Knowing the local customs protects both your wallet and cultural balance.

    Traveler Tip: When in doubt, ask your hotel concierge or a local guide what’s appropriate—and always check if service is already included on your bill.

    Related Articles:

    Tipping While Traveling Internationally

  • Tipping in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean: Expectations, Exceptions, and Tourist Traps

    Tipping in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean: Expectations, Exceptions, and Tourist Traps

    North American Neighbors, Different Expectations

    Tipping norms shift quickly across borders. In Canada, tipping culture mirrors the U.S.—though not as intense. Mexico blends local hospitality with tourist expectations, while the Caribbean often includes automatic service charges that visitors still end up tipping on top of.

    🇨🇦 Canada: U.S.-Lite Tipping Culture

    Restaurants: Tipping 15–20% is expected. Servers rely on tips as part of their income. Cafés/Takeout: 10% or spare change is common. Digital tip prompts are now widespread. Taxis: Round up or 10%. Hotels: $2–$5 per service (bellhops, cleaning staff). Salons/Spas: 15–20% is standard.

    💡 Canadians are polite—but that doesn’t mean they like tip creep. Tip fatigue is growing, especially with pre-set digital options.

    🇲🇽 Mexico: Blending Tradition with Tourist Tipping

    Restaurants: Locals typically tip 10–15%. In tourist areas, staff expect up to 20%. All-Inclusive Resorts: Tips may be “included” but are still heavily expected in practice. Taxis: Not expected. Round up if they help with luggage. Hotels: Tip bellhops and housekeeping ($1–$3 USD). Street Vendors: No tipping expected.

    💡 Tipping in U.S. dollars is widely accepted and often preferred, especially in tourist zones.

    🇧🇸🇯🇲🇩🇴 The Caribbean: Built-In Gratuities and Double-Tipping Pressure

    Restaurants: A 10–15% service charge is often included—but many guests don’t notice. Additional tips may be expected on top. All-Inclusive Resorts: Tipping is technically optional, but heavily encouraged for bartenders, servers, and bellhops. Many tourists bring stacks of $1 bills. Tours & Activities: Tip $5–$10 per person for guides or boat crews. Taxis: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated. Hotels: Expectation for $1–$5 per service.

    💡 Workers often rely on tourist tips, but resort marketing may mislead guests into thinking “all-inclusive” means no gratuities.

    Takeaway: Know Before You Go

    Travelers often over-tip out of habit or guilt. But understanding local tipping customs ensures you don’t contribute to global tip creep or double-tipping scams. Ask if gratuity is included—and don’t feel pressured to tip twice unless you truly want to.

    Related Article:

    Tipping While Traveling Internationally

  • Tipping in Australia and New Zealand: No Expectations, Just Fair Wages

    Tipping in Australia and New Zealand: No Expectations, Just Fair Wages

    Tipping Down Under: Australia and New Zealand Say No Thanks

    In both Australia and New Zealand, tipping culture is almost non-existent. While it’s not illegal or offensive, tips are neither expected nor relied upon by workers. Instead, fair wages, transparent pricing, and a strong work ethic shape service in both countries. If you’re used to being nudged by pre-set tip screens in the U.S., these countries offer a refreshing contrast.

    🇦🇺 Australia

    Restaurants & Cafés: Tipping is rare. Upscale venues may accept 5–10%, but locals don’t expect it. Coffee Shops: Spare change is appreciated but not assumed. Taxis & Ubers: Rounding up is nice but unnecessary. Hotels: $2–$5 tips for porters at luxury hotels only. Salons: Tipping is not part of the culture.

    🇳🇿 New Zealand

    Restaurants & Cafés: Tipping is not expected. At high-end places, you may leave 5–10% for exceptional service, but staff are paid full wages. Coffee Shops: No expectation to tip. Rounding up is fine but rare. Taxis & Ubers: Rounding up is courteous but uncommon. Hotels: Luxury hotels might accept a small tip ($2–$5), but it’s not standard practice. Salons & Spas: No tipping expectation. A thank-you goes a long way.

    Why Tipping Isn’t a Thing Here

    Living Wages: Both countries have strong labor laws and minimum wages that eliminate reliance on tips. Cultural Norms: Tipping can feel awkward or unnecessary in a culture that values equality and fairness. Simple, Transparent Pricing: The price you see is the price you pay—no math, no pressure.

    Related Article:

    Tipping While Traveling Internationally