Travel basics
Tipping customs by country
Tipping norms vary enormously: in some countries a tip is expected and built into the service culture, in others it is optional, and in a few it can even cause confusion. Here is what to expect in each destination.
Oceania
Tipping is optional in Australia. Service wages are higher than in many countries, so tips are not expected, but rounding up or leaving 10% for excellent restaurant service is appreciated.
Tipping is not required in New Zealand. It is fine to round up or leave a small tip for exceptional restaurant service, but staff do not normally expect a percentage-based tip.
North America
Tipping is customary in Canada. In restaurants, 15-20% before tax is common when service is good. Smaller tips are also normal for taxis, hotel staff, tour guides and hairdressers.
Tipping is a normal part of service culture in the United States. Restaurant diners commonly tip 15-20% before tax, with higher tips for excellent service. Taxi, rideshare, hotel and bar service often expect smaller tips as well.
Europe
Service is included by law in many restaurants. Tipping is optional; rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but not expected in the same way as in North America.
Tipping is modest and usually given by rounding up or adding about 5-10% in restaurants. Tell the server the final amount when paying; leaving coins on the table is less common than in some countries.
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Restaurants often receive around 10-12.5% for good service if no service charge is added. Tipping at pubs is not usually expected for a simple drink order.
Tipping is optional in Italy. A service charge or cover charge may already appear on the bill. If service is good, rounding up or leaving a few euros is common, especially in sit-down restaurants.
Tipping is optional. Restaurant bills usually include service, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. Card payments are common, though some small places may prefer local debit cards.
Tipping is not mandatory in Spain. Locals often round up small bills or leave a few euros for good restaurant service. Large percentage tips are less common outside tourist-heavy venues.
Service is generally included in Switzerland. Tipping is optional, with many diners rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service. Large tips are not expected.
Tipping is appreciated but less automatic than in the United States. Restaurants may add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good table service. Tipping in pubs is not usually expected.
Asia
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion. Excellent service is standard and included. Do not leave cash on the table unless a venue clearly has a tip box or service system.
Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge, and extra tipping is optional. Small tips for exceptional service are accepted but not expected.
Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Good service is expected without extra payment, and tipping can sometimes create confusion. Upscale hotels may accept tips, but they are not required.
Tipping is not traditional but is increasingly common in tourist areas. Rounding up taxi fares and leaving 20-50 baht for good restaurant service is appreciated. Upscale hotels and restaurants may add a service charge.
Tipping is common but discretionary in the UAE. Restaurants may add a service charge; otherwise 10-15% is appreciated for good service. Small tips are also common for hotel staff, taxis and delivery drivers.
A simple rule for tipping abroad
When in doubt, follow local practice rather than your home habits. Over-tipping in a country where tipping is not customary can be as awkward as under-tipping where it is expected. Many restaurants in tipping-optional countries already include a service charge — check the bill before adding more.
Tipping norms also differ by service. A country may expect rounding up for taxis but nothing for counter service, or a small tip for hotel staff but not for restaurants. The notes above describe the general culture; open a country page for its specific guidance and sources.