How Much to Tip in Different Countries
Why Tipping Customs Vary
Tipping practices reflect cultural norms, labor laws, and economic structures in each country. In the United States, servers often rely on tips for a significant portion of their income. In contrast, many European and Asian countries have higher base wages for service workers, making tipping less essential.
Understanding local customs helps you avoid awkward situations — whether it's undertipping in New York or accidentally offending your server in Tokyo.
United States & Canada
🇺🇸 United States
15-20%Tipping is expected in most service situations. Servers often earn below minimum wage and rely on tips.
| Service | Typical Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15-20% (20%+ for excellent service) |
| Bar | $1-2 per drink or 15-20% |
| Taxi/Rideshare | 15-20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2-5 per night |
| Hair salon | 15-20% |
| Food delivery | 15-20% (minimum $3-5) |
🇨🇦 Canada
15-20%Similar to the US, tipping is expected in restaurants and for most services. 15-18% is standard, with 20% for excellent service.
Europe
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
10-15%Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants add a service charge (usually 12.5%). If no service charge is added, 10-15% is customary.
🇫🇷 France
5-10%Service is included by law ("service compris"). Small tips (5-10%) are appreciated for exceptional service but not expected.
🇩🇪 Germany
5-10%Rounding up the bill is common. For a €47 bill, you might say "fifty euros" when paying. 5-10% is appropriate for good service.
🇮🇹 Italy
5-10%Look for "coperto" (cover charge) on your bill — this is not a tip. Small tips are appreciated but not required.
🇪🇸 Spain
5-10%Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Leave small change or round up at casual restaurants; 10% is generous at upscale places.
Asia
🇯🇵 Japan
No tippingTipping is not customary and can be considered rude. Excellent service is expected as standard. Attempting to tip may cause confusion or offense.
🇨🇳 China
No tippingTipping is not expected in most situations. Some high-end hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists may accept tips, but it's not the norm.
🇰🇷 South Korea
No tippingTipping is not part of Korean culture. Service is included in prices. At hotels, a service charge is typically added to the bill.
🇸🇬 Singapore
0-10%Most restaurants add a 10% service charge. Additional tipping is not expected. Tipping is prohibited at the airport.
🇹🇭 Thailand
10%Upscale restaurants often add a 10% service charge. For street food and casual dining, rounding up is appreciated. 20 baht is a common tip for hotel services.
Australia & New Zealand
🇦🇺 Australia
0-10%Tipping is not expected due to high minimum wages. 10% is appreciated for excellent service but not required. No need to tip at casual restaurants or cafes.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
0-10%Similar to Australia, tipping is optional. Leave 5-10% for exceptional service at restaurants. Not expected at cafes or casual dining.
Latin America
🇲🇽 Mexico
10-15%Tipping is expected in tourist areas. 10-15% at restaurants, 10% for taxis (or round up), and 20-50 pesos for hotel services.
🇧🇷 Brazil
10%A 10% service charge ("gorjeta") is usually added to restaurant bills. If not, 10% is customary. Tipping is not expected at street vendors.
Middle East
🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
10-15%Many restaurants add a service charge. If not, 10-15% is customary. Tip hotel staff 10-20 dirhams for services.
Quick Reference Table
| Region | Restaurant Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 15-20% | Expected; essential for servers |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 15-20% | Similar to US |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 10-15% | Often included as service charge |
| 🇪🇺 Europe | 5-10% | Service usually included |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 0% | Can be considered rude |
| 🇨🇳 China | 0% | Not expected |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 0-10% | Optional, not expected |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | 10-15% | Expected in tourist areas |
General Rules
- When in doubt, tip 10%: This is a safe middle ground in most countries where tipping is practiced.
- Check for service charges: Many countries include service in the bill automatically.
- Tip in local currency: Avoid leaving foreign currency as it's difficult for staff to exchange.
- Research before traveling: Tipping customs can vary even within regions of the same country.