Tipping customs vary significantly worldwide. Some countries consider it standard practice, while others see it as unnecessary—or even rude. Understanding tipping etiquette before traveling can save you from awkward situations and ensure you show appreciation in the right way.

This comprehensive guide breaks down tipping expectations by country, covering restaurants, hotels, transportation, and personal services.

North America

United States 🇺🇸

• Restaurants: 15-20% (pre-tax), 25% for exceptional service
• Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20%
• Hotel Staff:
  • Housekeeping: $2-5 per night
  • Bellhops: $2-5 per bag
  • Concierge: $5-20 for special requests
• Taxis/Rideshares: 15-20%
• Other Services: Hairdressers, spa therapists, and tour guides typically receive 15-20%.

Canada 🇨🇦

• Similar to the U.S., tipping is expected at 15-20% in restaurants and for service providers.
• Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and bartenders appreciate a 10-20% tip.

Mexico 🇲🇽

• Restaurants: 10-15%
• Hotels: Housekeeping: $1-3 per night, Bellhops: $1-2 per bag
• Taxis: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated.

Europe

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

• Restaurants: 10-12% if not included in the bill.
• Pubs: Tipping is not common.
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest pound.
• Hotels: Small tips for concierge and housekeeping.

France 🇫🇷

• Restaurants: Service charge (“service compris”) is included, but rounding up is common.
• Cafés & Bars: Small change or rounding up.
• Taxis: 5-10%.
• Hotels: €1-2 per service.

Germany 🇩🇪

• Restaurants: 5-10%, given directly to the server.
• Taxis: Round up or add 10%.
• Hotels: Small tips for housekeepers and porters.

Italy 🇮🇹

• Restaurants: Coperto (cover charge) is included; tipping is not required but rounding up is appreciated.
• Taxis: Not expected, but rounding up is common.

Spain 🇪🇸

• Restaurants: 5-10% for good service.
• Taxis: Not required but rounding up is appreciated.

Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland) 🇩🇰 🇸🇪 🇳🇴 🇫🇮

• Tipping is not expected since service charges are built into wages.
• Rounding up in restaurants and taxis is polite but not required.

Asia

Japan & South Korea 🇯🇵 🇰🇷

• Tipping is not practiced and can be seen as rude.
• Exceptional service may be acknowledged with a small gift instead.

China 🇨🇳

• Tipping is uncommon except in tourist-heavy areas.
• Guides and hotel staff may accept small gratuities.

Thailand & Vietnam 🇹🇭 🇻🇳

• Restaurants: 5-10% for good service.
• Hotels: $1-2 per day for housekeeping.

India 🇮🇳

• Restaurants: 10% in upscale venues, rounding up elsewhere.
• Hotels: ₹50-100 for porters and housekeeping.

Australia & New Zealand 🇦🇺 🇳🇿

• Restaurants: Not required, but 5-10% for excellent service.
• Taxis: Rounding up is common.
• Hotels: Small tips for porters and housekeeping.

Latin America

Brazil & Argentina 🇧🇷 🇦🇷

• Restaurants: 10% service charge is often included.
• Taxis: No tipping required.
• Hotels: $1-2 per service.

Caribbean 🇯🇲 🇩🇴 🇧🇸

• Restaurants: Service charge often included; 5-10% extra is optional.
• Hotels: $1-2 per bag or service.

Middle East & Africa

United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪

• Restaurants: 10-15% if service is not included.
• Hotels: 10-20 AED for bellhops and housekeeping.

South Africa 🇿🇦

• Restaurants: 10-15%.
• Taxis: 10%.
• Hotels: 10-20 ZAR for housekeeping.

Final Thoughts

Understanding tipping customs around the world ensures you remain respectful while traveling. While tipping is essential in some places, it’s unnecessary in others. Before visiting a new country, check local expectations to avoid awkward situations.

For more detailed tipping advice, explore our related guides:

• How Much to Tip at a Restaurant
• Tipping Etiquette 101
• The Psychology of Tipping

Travel smart and tip wisely!