¡La Cuenta, Por Favor! Your Guide to Tipping While Abroad CheapOair Staff May 13, 2024 general 1 Comment When traveling abroad, understanding tipping customs can help you show appreciation for good service and avoid social faux pas. Tipping practices vary widely across different regions, and what’s customary in one country might be considered excessive or even rude in another. This guide explores tipping norms in various well-traveled countries across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Oceania, and Africa. From the almost mandatory tipping in the United States to the polite gesture of rounding up the fare in New Zealand, we’ll provide you with the insights you need to navigate these practices confidently. North America United States – Tipping is almost mandatory, with 15% to 20% being standard for restaurants. Tip bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff too. Canada – Similar to the U.S., with 15% to 20% tips expected in restaurants and for similar services. Mexico – Tipping is customary, usually 10% to 15% in restaurants and for other services. Europe United Kingdom – Tipping in restaurants is appreciated, usually around 10-15%. It’s less common in pubs and bars unless table service is provided. France – Service charge is generally included in the bill, but it’s customary to leave small change or round up. Italy – A service charge might be added to your bill; otherwise, leaving a few extra euros is appreciated. Spain – Tipping is not customary, but leaving a few coins for good service is common. Germany – Service is usually included, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common practice. Greece – Tipping about 5% to 10% in restaurants is customary, in addition to any service charge that might be included. Netherlands – Tipping is not required but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. Turkey – Tipping (around 10%) is appreciated in restaurants, and small amounts for taxis and hotel services are common. Asia Japan – Tipping is not customary and can sometimes be considered rude. China – Traditionally, tipping is not customary except in western-style hotels. India – Tipping is customary in restaurants (about 10%), and for other services like taxis and hotel staff. Thailand – Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s common to leave loose change at restaurants and with taxi drivers. South Korea – Tipping is not expected, and in some cases, it may be politely declined. Philippines – A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if no service charge is included in the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. In hotels, small tips for bellhops and housekeepers are customary. South America Brazil – A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but it’s polite to leave a little extra cash. Argentina – Tipping about 10% in restaurants is expected, and small tips for taxis and hotel services are customary. Chile – A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but if it’s not, a 10% tip is customary. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. Peru – Tipping around 10% in restaurants is customary if a service charge isn’t included in the bill. Rounding up taxi fares and tipping hotel staff a few soles is polite. Colombia – A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate. Rounding up taxi fares and tipping hotel staff a few thousand pesos is customary. Oceania Australia – Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5% to 10% for exceptional service is becoming more common. New Zealand – Tipping is not customary in restaurants, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. In hotels, tipping is not expected, but small tips for exceptional service are appreciated. South Pacific Islands – Tipping is generally not expected in restaurants, but it is appreciated for excellent service. Taxis do not expect tips, and in hotels, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected. Africa Egypt – A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but an additional 5-10% tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping taxi drivers is common, with rounding up the fare or adding a small amount being customary. In hotels, small tips for bellhops, housekeepers, and other staff are expected. Morocco – A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if no service charge is included. Rounding up taxi fares is common practice. In hotels, tipping small amounts to bellhops, housekeepers, and other staff is customary. South Africa – A 10-15% tip is expected in restaurants if no service charge is included. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. In hotels, small tips for bellhops, housekeepers, and other service staff are customary. Kenya – A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if no service charge is included. Rounding up taxi fares is common. In hotels, small tips for bellhops, housekeepers, and other staff are appreciated. Tanzania – A 10% tip is typical in restaurants if no service charge is included. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. In hotels, small tips for bellhops, housekeepers, and other staff are customary. FAQs: Q: What should I do if I’m unsure about the tipping customs in a country? A: If you’re unsure about tipping customs, ask a local or hotel staff for advice. Alternatively, check recent travel guides or online resources specific to your destination. Q: Is it better to tip in local currency or USD? A: It’s usually best to tip in local currency, as it avoids the need for the recipient to exchange money and ensures they receive the full amount. Q: Can I tip with a credit card? A: In many countries, you can add a tip to your credit card payment in restaurants. However, small service providers like taxi drivers and hotel staff usually prefer cash tips. Q: Should I tip tour guides and drivers? A: Yes, tipping tour guides and drivers is generally appreciated. A standard tip is around 10% to 15% of the tour cost for guides and a small amount for drivers. Q: How do I discreetly leave a tip in a restaurant? A: You can discreetly leave a tip by placing cash on the table when you leave or adding it to the bill when paying. In some places, tipping jars at the counter are also common. Q: What if the service was poor? A: If the service was poor, you can adjust your tip accordingly. However, in some countries where tipping is expected, it’s still customary to leave a small tip despite poor service. Q: Are there any tipping customs specific to luxury hotels? A: In luxury hotels, tipping is more common and expected. Tip bellhops and housekeepers a bit more generously, and consider tipping the concierge for exceptional service or special arrangements. Do you have any tips on tipping that you’d like to share? Tell us about them in the comments below!
