Tipping Customs Around the World
Tipping is one of the most culturally sensitive things you'll do as a traveler. Get it right and you show respect. Get it wrong — tipping too much in Japan or too little in the US — and you can inadvertently cause offense. Here's the complete breakdown.
North America — Tipping is Expected
USA: Tipping is not optional — it's built into the service economy. Servers earn below minimum wage with tips making up the difference. Tip 18–22% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $1–5/night for hotel housekeeping, 15–20% for taxis/rideshare.
Canada: Very similar to the US. 15–20% at restaurants is standard. Tipping is widely expected in service contexts.
Mexico: 10–15% at restaurants is appreciated. Tour guides, taxi drivers, and hotel staff generally expect tips.
Europe — Mixed and Changing
UK: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10–15% at restaurants if service isn't included. Check the bill — a 'service charge' is already a tip.
France: Service is legally included in restaurant bills ('service compris'). Leaving 1–2€ extra for good service is appreciated but not required.
Germany: Round up the bill or leave 5–10%. Hand the tip directly to the server — don't leave it on the table.
Spain, Italy, Portugal: Tipping is not expected but welcomed. Round up or leave 5–10% at restaurants. Cafes: spare change is fine.
Eastern Europe: Generally lower expectations. 10% at restaurants in cities is appreciated.
Asia — Often Not Expected
Japan: Tipping is considered rude. Exceptional service is simply what's offered. Never tip in restaurants, taxis, or hotels — it can embarrass or confuse.
South Korea: Similar to Japan — tipping is not a local custom. Some tourist-facing businesses in Seoul are becoming more tip-aware.
Thailand: Tipping is appreciated, not required. 20–50 baht at restaurants, rounding up taxi fares is common.
Vietnam: Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas. 10–15% at tourist restaurants, small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.
Singapore: Most restaurants add a 10% service charge — additional tipping is not expected.
Middle East — Varies Widely
UAE (Dubai): 10–15% at restaurants if service isn't included. Tips for drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.
Egypt: Tipping ('baksheesh') is very common and expected, even for small services. Keep small bills handy — 10–50 EGP for guides, 5–20 EGP for other services.
Turkey: 10–15% at restaurants is appreciated. Guides and drivers: 50–100 TRY is a good gesture.
Australia & New Zealand — Not Expected
Minimum wage is high and service is not dependent on tips. Tipping is always optional and welcome but never expected. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated.
Latin America
Brazil: 10% service is often included in the bill. If not, leaving 10% is appreciated.
Argentina: 10% at restaurants is standard. Tour guides and drivers appreciate tips.
Generally: In most of Latin America, small tips are appreciated. Ask locals at your hotel for guidance on local norms.