The Art of Tipping: Unveiling Tipping Customs Across the World

Asia

Japan:

In Japan, tipping is not part of the culture and can even be considered an insult in some instances. Exceptional service is expected as a standard, and tipping can be perceived as a sign that the person providing the service did not perform their duties well. Instead, expressing gratitude through a polite bow or a sincere “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) is appreciated. It’s important to note that while tipping is generally discouraged, there may be certain exceptions in upscale establishments that cater to international clientele, where a discretionary service charge may be accepted.

China:

Tipping customs in China can vary depending on the region and the type of service. In upscale hotels and restaurants, a service charge may already be included in the bill, eliminating the need for additional tipping. However, in smaller establishments, leaving a small amount of loose change or rounding up the bill can be seen as a gesture of appreciation.

South Korea:

Tipping is not customary in South Korea, and locals generally do not expect gratuities for services. In fact, tipping can sometimes cause confusion or embarrassment. Instead, showing gratitude by saying “kamsahamnida” (thank you) is more than enough. In some high-end hotels, restaurants, or touristic areas, a service charge may be automatically included in the bill.

Thailand:

In Thailand, tipping has become more common due to the influence of Western visitors. For restaurants, it is customary to leave a 10% to 15% tip for good service, particularly in tourist areas. In street food stalls or local eateries, tipping is less common but still appreciated if you feel inclined to reward exceptional service. When it comes to other services, such as taxis or hotel staff, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a polite gesture.

India:

In India, tipping customs can vary depending on the region and establishment. In restaurants, a service charge is sometimes added to the bill, but it’s customary to give an additional 5% to 10% tip for good service. For other services, such as drivers, tour guides, or hotel staff, tipping is expected. It’s advisable to ask locals or consult travel guides to understand the appropriate tipping norms in different regions of the country.

Singapore:

Tipping is not expected in Singapore, as a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, if you feel that the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation. Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

Africa

Morocco:

In Morocco, tipping, known as “baksheesh,” is an integral part of the culture. It is customary to tip service providers, such as guides, drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant servers. For restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the bill is generally appreciated. Additionally, it’s common to tip porters, housekeepers, and other staff who assist you during your stay. In markets, bargaining for goods is the norm, but a small tip for exceptional service or assistance is welcomed.

Kenya:

Tipping is a customary practice in Kenya, particularly in the tourism and hospitality industry. Safari guides, drivers, and hotel staff often rely on gratuities as part of their income. For safari guides and drivers, a suggested tipping range is around $5 to $10 per person per day, depending on the level of service provided. In restaurants, a service charge is sometimes included in the bill, but an additional 5% to 10% tip for good service is appreciated.

South Africa:

In South Africa, tipping, also known as “gratuity,” is a common practice. In restaurants, a standard tip of 10% to 15% of the bill is expected, although some establishments may include a service charge. For hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, a small tip per service is customary. Safari guides, drivers, and other tour operators also appreciate gratuities as a token of appreciation for their services.

Egypt:

Tipping, known as “baksheesh,” is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. In restaurants, a service charge of 10% to 12% is sometimes included in the bill. It is customary to round up the amount or leave an additional 5% to 10% tip for good service. In hotels, tipping porters, housekeeping, and concierge staff is customary. Additionally, when visiting historical sites or taking guided tours, tipping your tour guide is expected.

Tanzania:

In Tanzania, tipping is customary, particularly in the tourism industry. For safari guides and drivers, a suggested tip is around $10 to $20 per person per day, depending on the level of service. In hotels, it’s common to tip porters and housekeeping staff a small amount for their assistance. In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill, but an additional 5% to 10% tip is appreciated for good service.

Europe

Tipping customs in Europe can be a bit inconsistent, with variations from country to country and even within regions of the same country. While tipping is generally practiced in many European countries, the expectations, customary percentages, and whether a service charge is already included in the bill can differ significantly.

France:

In France, tipping, known as “service compris,” is often included in the bill. However, it’s customary to leave a small additional tip, typically rounding up the bill or adding 5% to 10% for good service. In upscale establishments, it’s common to leave a more generous tip to show appreciation for exceptional service. In cafes and bars, rounding up the amount or leaving a small coin as a gesture of gratitude is customary.

Italy:

Tipping, known as “la mancia,” is appreciated but not always expected in Italy. In restaurants, a “coperto” charge may already be included in the bill, covering the bread and table service. It’s customary to round up the bill or leave an additional 5% to 10% as a tip for good service. In cafes and bars, a small tip is appreciated, especially if you receive table service.

United Kingdom:

Tipping customs in the United Kingdom can vary depending on the situation. In restaurants, a service charge may be added to the bill, typically around 10% to 12.5%. If a service charge is not included, it’s customary to leave a similar amount as a tip. However, it’s important to note that tipping in cafes and bars is less common and not expected, especially when ordering at the counter. If you receive exceptional table service in a pub or a bar, offering a small tip as a gesture of gratitude is appreciated, but it’s not a widespread practice.

Spain:

In Spain, tipping customs are less prevalent than in some other countries. In restaurants, a service charge is usually included in the bill, but it’s customary to leave a small additional tip, rounding up the bill or leaving 5% to 10%. In bars, it’s common to leave some loose change when standing at the counter. Tipping hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides is appreciated but not obligatory.

Greece:

In Greece, tipping, known as “fíva,” is customary but not always expected. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5% to 10% is appreciated for good service. In tavernas, a small tip is customary, particularly if the staff goes above and beyond to make your dining experience enjoyable. Tipping hotel staff and tour guides is appreciated, but it’s not expected for taxi drivers.

North America

Tipping is deeply ingrained in the service industry of North America, where it serves as an essential component of income for many workers.

United States:

Tipping is a significant aspect of service culture in the United States, and it’s customary to tip in various situations. In restaurants, a standard tip is generally 15% to 20% of the bill, based on the quality of service received. However, for exceptional service or at upscale establishments, a tip of 20% or more is appreciated. When it comes to other services, such as taxis, rideshares, hairdressers, or hotel staff, tipping is also expected. It’s customary to tip taxi drivers around 15% to 20% of the fare and to tip hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeepers, a few dollars per service.

Canada:

Similar to the United States, tipping is widely practiced and expected in Canada. In restaurants, a typical tip ranges from 15% to 20% of the bill, depending on the level of service. Some establishments may automatically add a gratuity for larger groups. For other services, such as taxi rides, hairdressers, or hotel staff, tipping is also customary. Taxis drivers are generally tipped around 10% to 15% of the fare, while hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeepers, are usually tipped a few dollars per service.

Mexico:

Tipping, known as “propina,” is a customary practice in Mexico. In restaurants, it’s common to leave a tip of around 10% to 15% of the bill, although some higher-end establishments may suggest a higher percentage. Tipping is also customary for other services, such as taxis, tour guides, hotel staff, and spa services. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding a small amount as a tip is appreciated. Hotel staff, including bellhops and housekeepers, are generally tipped a few dollars per service.

Central America:

Tipping customs in Central America can vary by country. In some countries, such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama, tipping is customary and expected in restaurants, ranging from 10% to 15% of the bill. Tipping hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides is also common, with similar guidelines applying as in other regions.

The Bahamas:

In the Bahamas, tipping is customary and appreciated. In restaurants, a typical tip is around 15% to 18% of the bill, although some establishments may include a service charge. For exceptional service, it is common to leave a higher tip. Tipping is also customary for other services, such as hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides. Hotel staff are generally tipped a few dollars per service, while taxi drivers and tour guides receive tips based on the level of service provided.

Jamaica:

In Jamaica, tipping, known as “brawta,” is customary and expected. In restaurants, a tip of 10% to 15% is generally appreciated, although some establishments may include a service charge. It’s common to tip hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeeping, a few dollars per service. Tipping tour guides and taxi drivers is also customary, with the amount varying based on the length and quality of the service provided.

Barbados:

Tipping in Barbados is similar to other Caribbean destinations. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% to 15% is customary, although some establishments may add a service charge. Tipping hotel staff, including bellhops and housekeeping, is expected, with a few dollars per service being the norm. For other services, such as taxi drivers and tour guides, tipping is appreciated, with the amount depending on the level of service received.

Dominican Republic:

In the Dominican Republic, tipping, known as “propina,” is customary. In restaurants, a tip of 10% to 15% of the bill is typical, although some establishments may add a service charge. Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeeping, is also expected, with a few dollars per service being the norm. Taxi drivers and tour guides also appreciate gratuities based on the quality and duration of the service provided.

Oceania

Australia:

In Australia, tipping is not as prevalent as in some other countries. It is not expected or customary to leave a tip in restaurants, cafes, or bars, as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, if you receive exceptional service or would like to show appreciation, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is welcomed. Tipping in other service sectors, such as taxis or hotels, is also not obligatory, but rounding up the fare or offering a small tip for good service is appreciated.

New Zealand:

Similar to Australia, tipping in New Zealand is not as common or expected. In restaurants, a service charge is typically not added to the bill, and tipping is discretionary. If you wish to tip, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount as a gesture of appreciation for good service is appreciated but not obligatory. Tipping in other service industries, such as taxis or hotels, is also not expected but can be done by rounding up the fare or leaving a small gratuity if desired.

Pacific Islands:

Tipping customs in the Pacific Islands can vary depending on the specific island or country. In some tourist-focused areas, such as Fiji, Vanuatu, or Cook Islands, tipping is becoming more common due to international influences. In restaurants, a small tip of 5% to 10% may be appreciated, particularly in upscale establishments or tourist areas. Tipping hotel staff, such as housekeeping or bellhops, is also becoming more customary, with a few dollars per service being appropriate. However, it’s essential to note that in some remote or traditional communities, tipping may not be part of the local customs.

South America

Argentina:

In Argentina, tipping is customary in restaurants, cafes, and bars. A typical tip is around 10% to 15% of the bill, although some higher-end establishments may add a service charge. Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeeping, is also appreciated, usually a few dollars per service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is common.

Brazil:

In Brazil, tipping, known as “gorjeta,” is not always expected but appreciated. In restaurants, a service charge is often included in the bill, but it’s customary to leave an additional 10% if the service was excellent. Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeeping, is also appreciated, typically a few dollars per service. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare can be a gesture of appreciation.

Peru:

In Peru, tipping is common and expected. In restaurants, a customary tip is around 10% to 15% of the bill. Some establishments may include a service charge, but it’s still customary to leave a small additional tip. Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeeping, is appreciated, usually a few dollars per service. For tour guides and drivers, a tip is also customary, especially for guided tours or transportation services.

Chile:

In Chile, tipping is customary but not always expected. In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill, but leaving an additional 10% for good service is appreciated. Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeeping, is also common, typically a few dollars per service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is customary.

Colombia:

In Colombia, tipping is customary and appreciated. In restaurants, a typical tip is around 10% to 15% of the bill, although some higher-end establishments may add a service charge. Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeeping, is also customary, generally a few dollars per service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is common.