Tipping Culture Around the World — A Country-by-Country Guide

7 min read · Updated February 14, 2026

Tipping Is Not Universal

Americans tend to assume that tipping works the same way everywhere. It doesn't. In fact, the American approach to tipping — where servers depend on tips to make a living wage — is the global outlier, not the norm. Most countries either pay service workers a proper salary, include a service charge in the bill, or both.

Understanding how tipping works in the country you're visiting isn't just about saving money. In some places, tipping can genuinely offend people. In others, skipping a tip marks you as rude. Here's how it actually works around the world.

North America

United States

Tipping is deeply embedded in the American service economy. Servers in most states earn a tipped minimum wage that can be as low as $2.13 per hour federally, with the expectation that tips will make up the difference. This means tipping isn't really optional at sit-down restaurants — it's how your server pays rent.

• Restaurants: 15-25% depending on service quality
• Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab
• Delivery: 15-20%, more in bad weather
• Hotels: $2-5 per night for housekeeping, $1-2 per bag for bellhops
• Taxis/rideshare: 15-20%

Canada

Very similar to the United States. Servers earn below standard minimum wage in most provinces, so tips are expected at comparable rates. The main difference: Canadian tax rates are higher, so tipping on the pre-tax amount makes more sense here. See our guide on tipping on pre-tax vs. post-tax amounts for the details.

Mexico

Tipping is expected and appreciated. Workers in the tourism and service industry rely on tips. Standard is 10-15% at restaurants. At all-inclusive resorts, tips are technically included, but staff still appreciate small cash tips ($1-2 USD equivalent) for good service.

Europe

The General Rule

Most European countries include a service charge in the bill or pay servers a living wage. This means tipping is a genuine bonus for good service, not a wage subsidy. The pressure to tip is dramatically lower than in the US.

United Kingdom

Service charge of 12.5% is often added to restaurant bills automatically. Check your bill before adding more. If no service charge is included, 10-12% is appropriate. Pub culture does not involve tipping for drinks at the bar — you order at the counter and carry your own pint.

France

A service charge (service compris) is included in all restaurant bills by law. You're not expected to tip on top of it. Leaving a euro or two for exceptional service is a nice gesture, but nobody will think less of you for pocketing your change.

Germany and Austria

Rounding up is the custom. If your bill is 37 euros, you hand over 40 and say "stimmt so" (keep the change). Tipping 5-10% is generous. Do not leave coins on the table — hand the tip directly to your server when paying.

Italy

A coperto (cover charge) of 1-3 euros per person is standard. Beyond that, tipping is not expected. Leaving a couple of euros for genuinely great service is appreciated but far from mandatory.

Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland)

Servers earn strong wages with good benefits. Tipping is truly optional and uncommon among locals. Rounding up the bill is the most you'd typically do. Don't feel pressured.

Spain and Portugal

Similar to the rest of southern Europe. Rounding up or leaving small change is common. Five to ten percent for a sit-down meal is generous. Tipping at bars or cafes is not expected.

Asia

Japan

Do not tip in Japan. This is not an exaggeration or a suggestion — tipping is considered rude and can cause genuine confusion or embarrassment. Japanese service culture takes pride in providing excellent service as a professional standard, not as something that needs to be incentivized with extra money. If you leave cash on the table, your server may chase you down the street to return it.

South Korea

Tipping is not part of Korean culture. Restaurants, taxis, and hotels do not expect tips. Some high-end Western-style hotels may have staff accustomed to tips from international guests, but it's not the norm. A service charge is included at upscale establishments.

China

Tipping is not traditional in mainland China and was historically considered insulting. This is gradually changing in major tourist cities and international hotels, but the vast majority of restaurants and service providers do not expect tips. In Hong Kong, a 10% service charge is typically added to restaurant bills.

Thailand

Tipping is appreciated but not demanded. Rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 baht at restaurants is a kind gesture. Tip massage therapists 50-100 baht. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but rounding up the fare is common.

India

Tipping 10% is common at restaurants in cities. Many restaurants add a service charge of 5-10%. For smaller services — porters, drivers, guides — small tips of 50-200 rupees are expected and appreciated. The wages in the service industry are low enough that tips make a real difference.

Latin America

Brazil

A 10% service charge (gorjeta) is almost always included in the bill. It's printed right there. You don't need to add more, though you can for outstanding service. Tipping beyond the included charge is genuinely optional.

Argentina

Tipping 10% is standard at restaurants. Leave cash even if paying by card, since credit card tips don't always reach the server. For cafes and bars, rounding up is sufficient.

Colombia and Peru

Restaurants typically add a 10% propina to the bill and your server will ask "desea incluir el servicio?" (do you want to include the service charge?). Saying yes is standard. Additional tipping beyond this is not expected.

The Middle East and Africa

United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

A service charge is usually included in hotel and restaurant bills. Additional tipping of 10-15% is appreciated but not required. Tip in cash when possible.

South Africa

Tipping 10-15% is standard and important. Many service workers earn very low base wages. This is one of the few places outside North America where tips are a meaningful part of a worker's income.

Egypt and Morocco

Tipping (baksheesh) is a way of life. Small tips are expected for almost any service, from restaurant waitstaff (10-15%) to hotel porters to bathroom attendants. Carry small bills.

How to Avoid Tourist Traps

Regardless of where you travel, here are some practical tips to avoid being taken advantage of:

• Check the bill before tipping. A service charge may already be included. Adding 20% on top of an included service charge means you're double-tipping.
• Ask locals, not hotel concierges. Hotel staff at international chains often give Americanized tipping advice that doesn't match local customs.
• Carry local currency in small denominations. This lets you tip appropriately without overpaying because you don't have correct change.
• Be skeptical of guilt tactics. If someone aggressively demands a tip in a country where tipping isn't customary, you're being scammed, not served.
• Research before you go. Spend five minutes reading about local customs. It prevents both over-tipping and the embarrassment of under-tipping where it matters.

The Bottom Line

The American tipping model is the exception, not the rule. Most of the world manages to pay service workers through actual wages, service charges, or a combination. When you travel, respect local customs — don't export American tipping guilt to countries that have figured out a better system, and don't stiff workers in countries where tips are a genuine part of their income.

Need to calculate the right tip for a meal? Our tip calculator factors in service quality so you always land on a fair number — whether you're at home or abroad.