Your Guide to Tipping in (Almost) Every Country in the World
Tipping can be a traveler’s greatest challenge. It’s easy to assume what works at home applies everywhere, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In some countries, leaving extra cash is seen as a sign of respect and gratitude. In others, it’s unnecessary—or worse, offensive.
It’s not just about how much to tip but also when and how. Should you leave money on the table? Hand it over directly? Is a service charge already included? Knowing these etiquettes can mean the difference between blending in like an experienced traveler and fumbling through an awkward moment. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip.
United States
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If you’re in the U.S., tipping isn’t optional—it’s expected. Servers in restaurants are often paid below minimum wage, so their livelihood depends on it. Leave 15-20% for standard service and at least 20% if they went above and beyond. Bartenders should get $1-2 per drink, and taxi drivers and hairstylists typically expect 10-15%. For hotel staff, bellhops appreciate $2-5 per bag, and housekeepers should get $2-5 per night, depending on the hotel’s level of service. Forget to tip in America, and you might get a death stare—or worse, a snarky comment.
France
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In France, tipping is much more relaxed. Most restaurant bills include a “service compris” charge, meaning the tip is already baked in. Still, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a small extra amount shows appreciation for great service. At cafés, it’s common to just leave some change. Taxi drivers appreciate a small round-up, and hotel staff won’t expect tips, though high-end places might cater to a more Americanized tipping culture.
Japan
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Japan flips the script entirely—tipping is unnecessary and could also be considered downright offensive. The idea is that excellent service is a given, not something that requires extra payment. If you try to leave money behind, your server might chase you down the street to return it. The one exception is if you insist on tipping in a high-end hotel or with a private guide. Place the money in an envelope and present it respectfully. Handing over loose cash is considered rude.
Germany
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Tipping is expected in Germany, but it’s far more discreet than in the U.S. Rather than leaving money on the table, hand the tip directly to the server while paying. A 5-10% tip is standard in restaurants. For taxis, round up the fare or add 10% for good service. Hotel staff appreciate a small tip, with €1-2 per bag for bellhops and a few euros per night for housekeeping.
Australia
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Australia doesn’t lean on tipping the way the U.S. does. Since service workers earn decent wages, tipping is more of a bonus than a necessity. If service is great, rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is appreciated but not required. Bartenders and taxi drivers don’t expect anything, and at hotels, leaving a few dollars per day for housekeeping is nice but not a must.
Brazil
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Brazilian restaurants almost always add a 10% service charge to the bill. If it’s there, you don’t need to add more, but if the service is outstanding, rounding up or adding an extra tip is a good way to show appreciation. Taxis don’t expect a tip, but rounding up is common. Hotel bellhops should get 5-10 reais per bag, and housekeepers appreciate a small daily tip.
United Kingdom
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Tipping in the UK is more relaxed than in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean you should skip it. Many restaurants automatically add a 12.5% service charge, so check your bill before tipping extra. If there’s no service charge, 10-15% is the norm. Pubs don’t require tipping, but if a bartender gives you exceptional service, you can say, “And one for yourself,” which allows them to add a small tip to your bill.
China
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In most of China, tipping isn’t expected and can even be seen as unnecessary. In restaurants, taxis, and casual services, there’s no need to leave extra money. But, like in Japan, the only exceptions are in high-end hotels and with tour guides who have adapted to Western customs. If you feel the need to tip, do so discreetly to avoid causing confusion.
Canada
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If you know how tipping works in the U.S., you won’t be surprised by Canada’s expectations. 15-20% in restaurants is standard, and 10-15% for cabs, hairdressers, and other services. Hotel staff follow similar customs as in the States, with $2-5 per bag for bellhops and a few dollars per night for housekeeping. Canadians might be polite about it, but tipping is definitely part of the deal.
Italy
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Many restaurants in Italy charge a “coperto” (cover charge), which isn’t a tip but a small fee for bread and service. If it’s included, tipping isn’t required, though rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is welcomed. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but rounding up is customary. In hotels, €1-2 per bag for bellhops and €2-5 per night for housekeeping is standard.
Mexico
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Service workers in Mexico depend on tips. Restaurants expect 10-15%, and bartenders appreciate $1-2 per drink. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but rounding up is polite. Hotel staff, especially in resorts, anticipate tips, so be prepared to give $1-2 per bag for bellhops and $3-5 per night for housekeeping.
India
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Tipping isn’t common in India, and the amounts tipped are also pretty modest. Restaurants expect 5-10% if no service charge is included. Drivers, guides, and porters all appreciate small tips, and hotel staff will be grateful for ₹50-200 per day for housekeeping. If you’re tipping, do it directly and with a smile—money left on a table might not end up in the right hands.
United Arab Emirates
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Many high-end restaurants in the UAE include a 10-15% service charge. If not, tipping 10-15% is expected. Taxis don’t require a tip, but rounding up is customary. In luxury hotels, tipping is common, with 5-10 dirhams per bag for bellhops and a similar amount per night for housekeeping.