A Guide to Tipping Culture Around the World

Tipping is a common practice in many parts of the world, but the expectations and customs surrounding it can vary greatly from one country to another. Understanding the local tipping culture can enhance your travel experience and help you show appreciation in a culturally appropriate manner. Here’s a comprehensive guide to tipping around the world.

North America

United States

Restaurants: 15-20% of the total bill.
Bars: $1-2 per drink.
Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.
Hotels: $1-2 per bag for bellhops, $2-5 per night for housekeeping.

Canada

Restaurants: 15-20% of the total bill.
Bars: $1-2 per drink.
Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.
Hotels: $1-2 per bag for bellhops, $2-5 per night for housekeeping.

Europe

United Kingdom

Restaurants: 10-15% if service is not included.
Pubs: Tipping is not expected.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest pound or add 10%.

France

Restaurants: Service charge included (service compris), but leave an additional 5-10% for excellent service.
Cafés: Round up the bill or leave small change.
Taxis: Round up or add 5-10%.

Germany

Restaurants: Service charge included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common.
Cafés: Round up or leave small change.
Taxis: Round up or add 5-10%.

Italy

Restaurants: Service charge (coperto) included, leaving small change or rounding up is sufficient.
Cafés: Leave small change.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.

Spain

Restaurants: Service charge included, leaving 5-10% for good service is common.
Cafés: Leave small change.
Taxis: Round up or add 5-10%.

Asia

Japan

General: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude. Exceptional service can be acknowledged with a small gift or thank you note.

China

Restaurants: Tipping is not expected, but it is becoming more common in high-end restaurants and hotels.
Hotels: Bellhops and housekeeping may appreciate small tips.

India

Restaurants: 10% is appreciated in upscale establishments.
Taxis and Rickshaws: Round up to the nearest ten rupees.
Hotels: 20-50 rupees for bellhops, 100-200 rupees per night for housekeeping.
Australia and New Zealand

Australia

Restaurants: Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (5-10%).
Bars: Tipping is not expected.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest dollar.

New Zealand

Restaurants: Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (5-10%).
Bars: Tipping is not expected.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest dollar.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge is not included.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest dirham.
Hotels: 5-10 dirhams for bellhops, 10-20 dirhams per night for housekeeping.

Turkey

Restaurants: 5-10% is customary.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest lira.
Hotels: 2-3 lira per bag for bellhops, 5-10 lira per night for housekeeping.

Africa

South Africa

Restaurants: 10-15% is customary.
Taxis: Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
Hotels: 10-20 rand per bag for bellhops, 20-50 rand per night for housekeeping.

South America

Brazil

Restaurants: 10% service charge usually included, additional tip not necessary.
Taxis: Tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
Hotels: Small tips for bellhops and housekeeping are appreciated.

Argentina

Restaurants: 10% is customary if service is not included.
Taxis: Tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
Hotels: Small tips for bellhops and housekeeping are appreciated.
Embracing Cashless Tipping
As cashless payments become more prevalent, many travelers find it convenient to tip using digital platforms. Tuker, a cashless tipping solution, allows customers to tip directly from their smartphones, making it easy to show appreciation even without cash on hand. This is particularly useful in regions where digital payments are common, ensuring that service providers receive their well-deserved tips promptly and securely.

Conclusion

Tipping practices can vary widely around the world, reflecting cultural norms and expectations. By understanding these differences, you can show appreciation in a way that respects local customs and enhances your travel experience. Whether you’re tipping in cash or using a digital solution like Tuker, being prepared and informed will ensure you navigate global tipping etiquette with confidence.