Tipping Etiquette Around the World: A Country-by-Country Guide

Few social customs vary as wildly as tipping. Leaving a 20% tip in Tokyo could embarrass your server; leaving nothing in New York could seem offensive. Here’s what you need to know before travelling.

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North America

United States

Tipping in the US is not optional — it is an essential part of service workers’ income, as servers are often paid a lower base wage by law.

• Restaurants: 15–20% for sit-down; 20%+ for exceptional service
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on the full tab
• Taxis / Rideshare: 15–20%
• Hotels: $2–5 per night for housekeeping; $1–2 per bag for bellhops
• Coffee shops / counter service: 10–15% or $1 per transaction
• Delivery: 15–20%, minimum $3–5

Canada

Tipping culture is nearly identical to the US. Expect to tip 15–20% at restaurants. Some credit card machines default to 18% as the lowest suggested tip.

Mexico

Tipping is expected and appreciated. Restaurant tip of 10–15% is standard; upscale restaurants expect 15–20%. Hotel staff $1–2 USD per service. Using the local currency (Pesos) rather than USD is preferred.

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Europe

United Kingdom

Tipping is appreciated but not as obligatory as in the US. Check if a “service charge” (usually 12.5%) is already included — many London restaurants add it automatically. If not, 10–15% is customary. Tipping bartenders is less common; buying them a drink is more traditional.

France

Service is legally included in all French restaurant bills (“service compris”). A small rounding tip of €1–2 for excellent service is appreciated but not expected. Tipping large amounts can seem excessive.

Germany

Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is the norm. Tipping is done directly to the server — do not leave cash on the table, as it may be overlooked. Say “Stimmt so” (“keep the change”) when paying.

Italy

A “coperto” (cover charge) and sometimes a “servizio” (service charge) appear on Italian bills. If service is not included, 5–10% is appropriate. For espresso at a bar, rounding up is common.

Spain & Portugal

Rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. Tipping is not as expected as in the US — leaving nothing for average service is not rude, but a small tip for good service goes a long way.

Scandinavian Countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)

Tipping is less common due to higher base wages. Rounding up or leaving 10% for great service is plenty. Card payments dominate, so cash tips are less practical.

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Asia

Japan

Do not tip in Japan. Tipping is considered rude and can cause genuine confusion or embarrassment. Service workers take great pride in their work and see a tip as implying their service was somehow insufficient. The high quality of service is simply the standard.

South Korea

Tipping is generally not practiced or expected. Upscale hotels and Western-style establishments may expect tips from international tourists, but otherwise, leave no tip.

China

Tipping is not traditional in mainland China. Some tourist-facing restaurants accept tips, but it is not expected. In Hong Kong (where Western customs are stronger), 10% is common.

Thailand

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up taxi fares; 20–50 Baht at restaurants; hotel staff 20–50 Baht per service.

India

Tipping is increasingly expected in urban restaurants and hotels. 10% at restaurants, rounding up for taxis, and 50–100 INR for hotel staff are common.

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Middle East

UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

Service charges are often included. If not, 10–15% is customary at restaurants. Hotels follow Western norms — $1–2 per bag, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.

Saudi Arabia

Tipping is not part of the local culture but is appreciated. 10% at upscale restaurants; round up for taxi rides.

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Australia & New Zealand

Tipping is not mandatory. Wage laws mean service workers receive liveable base salaries. That said, rounding up or leaving 10% for excellent restaurant service is a welcomed gesture. Tipping in cash is preferred over adding it to the card.

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South Africa

Tipping is important in South Africa given economic inequality. 10–15% at restaurants is standard; parking attendants and petrol station helpers expect 5–10 ZAR.

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Summary Quick Reference

Region	Restaurant Tip	Notes
USA / Canada	15–20%	Near-mandatory
UK	10–15%	Check for service charge
France	Optional, €1–2	Service usually included
Germany	5–10%	Say “stimmt so”
Japan	0%	Tipping is rude
Australia	0–10%	Optional, appreciated
UAE	10–15%	Check service charge
India	10%	Increasingly expected

When in doubt, research the local customs before you travel — or ask a local. And when you do need to calculate the exact tip amount, our free tip calculator has you covered.