International Tipping Guide

Tipping customs vary dramatically around the world. Learn what's expected before you travel.

Quick Reference

Tipping Expected

USA, Canada, Mexico

Small Tips Appreciated

Most of Europe, Middle East

Tipping Not Expected

Japan, China, South Korea

Expected

Restaurants

15-20% is standard, 20%+ for excellent service. Servers rely on tips as primary income.

Taxis/Rideshare

10-15% of fare, round up to nearest dollar.

Hotels

Housekeeping: $3-5/night. Bellhop: $2-5/bag. Valet: $2-5.

Note: Tipping is deeply ingrained in US culture. Not tipping is considered very rude and directly affects workers' income.

🇺🇸

United States

Expected

Restaurants

15-20% is standard, 20%+ for excellent service. Servers rely on tips as primary income.

Taxis/Rideshare

10-15% of fare, round up to nearest dollar.

Hotels

Housekeeping: $3-5/night. Bellhop: $2-5/bag. Valet: $2-5.

Note: Tipping is deeply ingrained in US culture. Not tipping is considered very rude and directly affects workers' income.

🇨🇦

Canada

Expected

Restaurants

15-20% before tax. Very similar to US customs.

Taxis/Rideshare

10-15% of fare.

Hotels

Similar to US: $2-5 for various services.

Note: Canadian tipping culture mirrors the US. Service workers depend on tips.

🇲🇽

Mexico

Expected

Restaurants

10-15% is standard, more in tourist areas. Check if service is included.

Taxis/Rideshare

Not always expected, but round up fare or add 10%.

Hotels

$1-2 per service is appreciated.

Note: Tipping is important in tourist areas. Use pesos when possible - USD tips may be subject to unfavorable exchange.

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

Appreciated

Restaurants

10-15% if service charge not included. Check your bill first.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up to nearest pound or add 10%.

Hotels

£1-2 for bellhop, £1/night for housekeeping.

Note: Service charges are often included. If not, 10-15% is appreciated but not mandatory. No need to tip in pubs.

🇫🇷

France

Appreciated

Restaurants

Service included by law (15%). Leaving €1-2 per person or rounding up is polite.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up to nearest euro or add 5-10%.

Hotels

€1-2 per service.

Note: Service charge is legally included in all restaurant bills. Additional tips are for exceptional service only.

🇩🇪

Germany

Appreciated

Restaurants

Round up bill or add 5-10%. Tell server the total you want to pay.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up to nearest euro.

Hotels

€1-2 per service.

Note: Say your total out loud when paying (e.g., "Make it 25" for a €23 bill). Don't leave cash on table.

🇮🇹

Italy

Appreciated

Restaurants

Service charge (coperto) usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good service.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up to nearest euro.

Hotels

€1-2 per service.

Note: Check for "coperto" (cover charge) and "servizio" (service charge) on your bill. If included, additional tip is optional.

🇪🇸

Spain

Appreciated

Restaurants

Round up or leave 5-10%. Not mandatory.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up to nearest euro.

Hotels

€1-2 per service.

Note: Tipping is less common in Spain than other European countries. Small change is appreciated but not expected.

🇯🇵

Japan

Not Expected

Restaurants

Tipping is not customary and may be refused or cause confusion.

Taxis/Rideshare

Not expected. May be considered offensive.

Hotels

Not expected, but small gift acceptable.

Note: Tipping can be seen as insulting - excellent service is standard expectation. For exceptional hotel service, give gift in envelope.

🇨🇳

China

Not Expected

Restaurants

Not customary, though becoming more common in tourist areas.

Taxis/Rideshare

Not expected.

Hotels

Rarely expected except luxury hotels in major cities.

Note: Historically not part of Chinese culture. Some upscale restaurants in cities like Shanghai may expect tips from foreigners.

🇦🇺

Australia

Appreciated

Restaurants

Not required, but 10% for excellent service is appreciated.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up fare or not at all.

Hotels

$2-5 for exceptional service.

Note: Workers earn full wages, so tipping is truly optional. Reserved for exceptional service only.

🇳🇿

New Zealand

Appreciated

Restaurants

10% for exceptional service, but not expected.

Taxis/Rideshare

Not customary.

Hotels

$2-5 for exceptional service.

Note: Very similar to Australia - workers are paid well and tips are rare except for outstanding service.

🇦🇪

Dubai (UAE)

Appreciated

Restaurants

10-15% if not included. Check bill for service charge.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up to nearest dirham.

Hotels

5-10 AED per service.

Note: Service charges often included in upscale venues. Additional tips appreciated but not mandatory.

🇹🇭

Thailand

Appreciated

Restaurants

Leave small change or round up. 10% in upscale places.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up to nearest 5-10 baht.

Hotels

20-100 baht depending on service.

Note: Not required but appreciated. More expected in tourist areas and upscale establishments.

🇧🇷

Brazil

Expected

Restaurants

10% service charge usually included and mandatory. This is your tip.

Taxis/Rideshare

Round up or add 10%.

Hotels

R$5-10 per service.

Note: The 10% service charge (taxa de serviço) is typically mandatory and is the tip. No need to add more unless service was exceptional.

🇰🇷

South Korea

Not Expected

Restaurants

Not customary. May be refused.

Taxis/Rideshare

Not expected.

Hotels

Not expected in most places.

Note: Similar to Japan, tipping is not part of Korean culture and can cause confusion.

General Travel Tipping Tips

Research Before You Go

Always look up local tipping customs before traveling. What's polite in one country may be offensive in another.

Carry Local Currency

Have small bills in local currency for tips. USD may not be accepted or may have poor exchange rates.

Check Your Bill

Look for "service charge," "gratuity," or "coperto" on your bill. If included, additional tip is optional.

When in Doubt, Ask

Hotel concierges or locals can advise on current tipping customs. Practices may evolve, especially in tourist areas.

Tourist Areas Differ

Tipping expectations in tourist districts may differ from local customs. Staff may expect American-style tips.

Respect Local Culture

Don't insist on tipping where it's not customary. Follow local practices even if they differ from home.

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