Tipping can be confusing – some cultures shun it and others earn a living from it. We’ve broken down the Top 10 Tips for Tipping in 10 locations around the world to make it easy for travelers no matter where you’re headed.
Canada
In Canada, tipping is standard. For places that serve food and drink, expect to tip 15-20 percent at a sit-down restaurant, 10-20 percent at a bar, pocket change at a coffee shop, and a few dollars for hostesses who arrange take-out food. For car service, like cabs, tip 10-20 percent and $5 for valet. At hotels, tip maids $1-2 a day (or a lump sum at the end), tip hotel room service 15 percent if not included, and a concierge a few dollars for helpful service.
United States
In the US, tipping is not only appreciated, but expected. For places that serve food and drink, expect to tip 20 percent at a sit-down restaurant, $1 per drink or 20 percent of the tab at a bar, pocket change at a coffee shop, and a few dollars for hostesses who arrange take-out food. For car service, like cabs, tip 20 percent, and $5 for valet. At hotels, tip maids $5-10 a day, tip hotel room service 15-20 percent if not included, and a concierge $5 for information and $10 for scoring you reservations of any kind.
Mexico
Tipping is common in Mexico, but for lesser amounts than in the United States or Canada. If a sit-down restaurant doesn’t include a service change, tip 10-15 percent. At a bar, give $1-2 per round of drinks or 10 percent of a total tab. Cab drivers usually get a few dollars, especially if they help with baggage, and valets get $1-2 on top of regular fees. At hotels, tip bellmen $1-2 per bag, maids get $3-5 a day and a concierge $5-10 for reservations or arrangements. Tip a tour guide 10 percent of the total cost.
Caribbean
Many all-inclusive hotels and resorts in the Caribbean discourage tipping. In general, the accommodation rate includes all tipping and service charges. All-inclusive can mean different things at different hotels however. If you’re unsure what to tip, check with the concierge. At sit-down restaurants: there’s often a 10 percent gratuities included, but an extra tip can be left, for exceptional service. Tip $1 per drink or 15 percent of a bill at a bar. Give valets a few dollars and cabs drivers $1-2 for in-town fares, and more for nights, holidays, and Sundays. At hotels, tip bellmen $1-2 per day and hotel maid $2 per day.
Asia
Some parts of Asia – China, Japan, and Singapore – do not have a tipping culture. Others do, hospitality workers in Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok will all appreciate tips. If your destination is westernized, tip accordingly. If you’re going local, just round up your bill to the nearest dollar.
Australia
Australia is not a tipping culture and some parts of the region actively discourage tipping. These include Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu. However, if you receive service that you consider to be exemplary, a small tip is a good way of showing your appreciation.
Africa
Tipping is standard practice in many parts of Africa. If you’re in South Africa, 10 per cent is standard but considered generous in Morocco. For game rangers, budget $10 per guest per day if in a shared vehicle, double that (at least) if you’re in a private vehicle. Trackers, butlers and valets should receive $5 per guest per day, and $5 per guest per day should go into the general staff fund.
Middle East
Tipping is customary in the Middle East. Visitors will find that many countries in the region operate on a system of baksheesh. Have a roll of small bills ready to tip, everyone. In destinations such as Dubai, Israel and Jordan, a service charge is included in the bill, but you are encouraged to tip the waiter on top of that. Be discreet with the tips. Work in the tip with your handshake.
South America
Ten percent is standard in bars or restaurants. Check your bill before you tip. In Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, a service charge will be included in your bill, but add 10 percent for good service. For porters, tip a dollar per bag.
Europe
Tipping is not expected in many European countries. In France, the service will be included. For exceptional service, tack on between 10 and 15 percent. If you’re having a coffee at a pavement cafe, leave the change. In the United Kingdom or Ireland, a service charge will be included, but if you are impressed with the service, 10 percent is considered generous. In Italy, Spain or Portugal, tipping is not expected, but if the waiter was friendly, then a 10 percent tip left on the table will be a nice surprise.
