International tipping etiquette
Tipping customs follow how service workers are paid. Where wages assume tips, like the US, tips are large. Where service is paid in full, a tip is a small bonus or none at all.
Expected
Appreciated
Not expected
Tipping by country at a glance
| Country | Restaurants | Taxis | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 18–20% | 15–20% | USD |
| Italy | Round up or 5–10% | Round up to the next euro | EUR |
| Japan | No tip | No tip; pay the meter | JPY |
| Spain | Round up or 5–10% | Round up | EUR |
| France | Service compris; extra 5% optional | Round up or 5–10% | EUR |
| Germany | 5–10%, said aloud | Round up or ~10% | EUR |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% if no service charge | — | GBP |
| Canada | 15–20% | 10–15% | CAD |
| Mexico | 10–15% (propina) | No tip unless help with bags | MXN |
| Australia | Optional, ~10% for great service | Round up | AUD |
| Dubai (UAE) | 10–15% if no service charge | Round up to next AED 5 | AED |
Before you travel
- Carry some small local notes and coins for porters, housekeeping and rounding up.
- Read the bill: look for servizio, service compris, propina incluida or "service charge".
- On card terminals abroad, choose to pay in the local currency, not your home currency. Dynamic currency conversion usually costs more.
- When in doubt, a sincere thank-you in the local language is never wrong.
Questions people ask
Which countries don't tip?
Japan is the best-known example: tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. South Korea is similar. In Australia and New Zealand tips are optional because wages are high.
Should I tip in local currency?
Yes, whenever possible. Coins in a foreign currency can't be exchanged, and staff lose money converting notes.
Is a service charge the same as a tip?
Not always. In the UK and many tourist areas, a service charge is passed to staff and replaces the tip. Some cover charges, like Italy's coperto, are for the table and bread, not service.