Tipping customs vary widely around the world. In some places, tipping is expected and built into wages, while in others, it can be seen as unnecessary or even rude.

This ultimate tipping guide will help you navigate gratuity etiquette for different services, countries, and situations. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, traveling abroad, or hiring a service professional, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Tipping can be tricky, but following these general rules can help:

• Check if gratuity is included: Some places add a service charge to your bill.
• Cash is king: Many workers prefer cash tips over credit.
• Follow local norms: Tipping customs vary; some cultures expect it, others don’t.
• When in doubt, tip 10-20%: This range is usually safe for most services.

These guidelines are based on insights from The Washington Post.

Tipping in Restaurants & Bars

United States & Canada

• Restaurants: 15-20% of the bill (pre-tax)
• Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab
• Buffet: 10% for service staff
• Takeout Orders: Optional, 5-10% for large orders
• Delivery: 15-20%, or at least $3-5 per order

Europe

• Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain): 5-10% if service is not included
• UK & Ireland: 10-15% in restaurants; not expected in pubs
• Eastern Europe: 10-15%, cash preferred

Asia

• Japan & South Korea: No tipping, considered rude
• China: Not expected, except in tourist-heavy areas
• Thailand & Vietnam: Small tips (5-10%) appreciated in restaurants

Australia & New Zealand

• Tipping not expected, but rounding up or 5-10% for excellent service

Latin America

• Mexico: 10-15% in restaurants
• Brazil & Argentina: 10% is common
• Caribbean: Service charge often included, but an extra 5-10% is welcomed

Tipping in Travel & Hospitality

Hotels

• Bellhops: $1-2 per bag
• Housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left daily
• Concierge: $5-20 for special requests
• Valet: $2-5 when retrieving the car

Transportation

• Taxis & Rideshares (Uber, Lyft):
  • US & Canada: 15-20%
  • Europe: Round up to the nearest euro
  • Asia: Not expected
  • Latin America: 5-10%
• Tour Guides: 10-20% for group tours, $5-10 for private tours

Tipping in Personal Services

• Hairdressers & Barbers: 10-20%
• Spa & Massage Therapists: 10-20%
• Tattoo Artists: 15-20%
• House Cleaners: $10-20 per visit
• Pet Groomers: 10-20%

Tipping for Events & Weddings

Tipping at events and weddings depends on local customs and service expectations. While some vendors include gratuity in their pricing, others rely on tips to supplement their earnings.

• Wedding Planners: Optional, but 10-20% for exceptional service
• Caterers & Waitstaff: 15-20% of the total catering bill (if not included)
• Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab
• Photographers & Videographers: $50-200 if they go above and beyond
• DJs & Live Bands: $50-150 per performer
• Officiants: $50-100 (if they don’t charge a fee)
• Florists & Decorators: Not expected, but $20-50 for extraordinary service
• Transportation (Limos, Shuttles): 15-20% if gratuity isn’t included

Tipping in Home Services

For home service professionals, tipping varies based on the nature of the job and whether they are self-employed.

• Plumbers & Electricians: Not expected, but rounding up or offering refreshments is appreciated
• Handymen & Contractors: Optional, $10-50 depending on project size
• Movers: $20-50 per mover for full-day jobs
• Appliance Delivery & Installers: $10-20 per worker
• Landscapers & Gardeners: $10-50 per visit, or a larger annual tip
• Pest Control Technicians: Not expected, but $10-20 for exceptional service
• HVAC Technicians: Not expected, but $20 for extra effort

Seasonal & Holiday Tipping

During the holiday season, it’s common to show appreciation for service providers who help year-round.

• Housekeepers: One week’s pay or a $50-100 bonus
• Mail Carriers (USPS): Gifts up to $20 in value (cash tips not allowed)
• Trash Collectors: $10-30 per person (if permitted by employer)
• Childcare Providers (Nannies, Babysitters): One week’s pay or a thoughtful gift
• Teachers: Gift cards or classroom supplies (cash tips usually not allowed)
• Personal Trainers: $25-50 or a small gift
• Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers: One extra session’s pay

Tipping by Country: Quick Reference Guide

High-Tipping Countries (15-20%)

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

Moderate-Tipping Countries (5-10%)

• Most of Europe
• Latin America (excluding Mexico)
• Australia & New Zealand

No or Minimal Tipping

• Japan
• South Korea
• China
• Denmark & Nordic Countries (service included in prices)

Tipping Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do research tipping customs before traveling.

✅ Do tip in local currency when possible.

✅ Do carry small bills or coins for tipping convenience.

❌ Don’t tip if service charges are already included.

❌ Don’t force a tip in cultures where it’s not customary.

❌ Don’t assume US tipping norms apply everywhere.

Final Thoughts

Tipping is a way to show appreciation, but the expectations vary significantly around the world. When traveling, understanding local customs will help you avoid awkward situations and ensure you’re respecting cultural norms. Bookmark this guide or share it with fellow travelers to make tipping stress-free no matter where you go.

Stay informed and tip wisely!