How to tip anywhere in the world
Did you just tip that person too much? Too little? Should you have tipped at all? Depending on where in the world you are, the answer to these questions will vary drastically. When you travel, you will come face-to-face with taxi drivers, servers, bellmen and more. Knowing whether you should tip, and if so how much, can be difficult, and if you are caught off guard you may end up parting with too much of your money or—even worse—you may end up insulting the person who has been helping you.
As you know, in Australia, tipping is usually only done for waiters and waitresses in higher-end restaurants (10-15% is standard) and hotel bellmen ($1 per bag they handle for you). Let’s start from this idea and take a look at some of the tipping customs from other countries around the world.
How to tip in the United States
In the United States, tipping people in service industries is always expected. Whether you are at a restaurant, getting your hair cut, staying at a hotel or taking a taxi, all will expect a tip for a job well done. The general rule of thumb is 15-20% of the bill, but feel free to use your discretion. If you are unpleased with the service, tip less. If you are impressed with their service and attention to detail, feel free to tip more.
How to tip in Canada
Canada is very similar to the United States in terms of tipping. People in the service industry tend to expect 10-20% tip, depending on the service level and quality. This applies to taxi drivers, hotel porters, waiters and waitresses.
How to tip in France
In France, restaurants automatically include a service charge. This is a law for the country, so it will be done throughout France. On average, the included gratuity is around 15%. It’s normal to round out your bill with small change you may have in your pocket. If you are dissatisfied, then don’t leave the small change.
Unlike the above, in France, tipping in taxis is not expected.
How to tip in Germany
The amount of tipping changes when you get to Germany. For restaurants, 10% of the total bill is acceptable, though if you have a very high bill (with expensive wine and the like), then the usual tip is usually no more than 5%. Taxi drivers will expect around 10% of the metered fare. If you are staying in a hotel during your time in Germany and you are happy with the maid service, it’s customary to leave a tip for the maid in your room when you leave.
How to tip in Italy
In Italy, tipping is more restricted. Tips are not expected in restaurants, though as always, if you are impressed with the service, feel free to leave an additional amount to round up to the next highest amount. Taxi drivers are the exception in Italy—they will expect a tip of 5-10% of the ride’s fare.
How to tip in the United Kingdom
In what may be the most relaxed tipping procedure ever, when you are in a pub in England, instead of leaving a tip in cash at the bar, you can show your appreciation by offering the barkeep a drink. He or she won’t drink it right away, but will add a drink to your tab and enjoy the beverage after their shift is complete. For taxis, the customary tip is about 10% of the total fare.
How to tip in Brazil
Brazil is even more laid back. The tipping rules? If you like what you see/get, then tip…if you don’t, then don’t tip! The amount and guidelines are completely up to each individual’s discretion. Hotels and restaurants will automatically include a service charge in the bill for around 10%. Taxi drivers are not expecting a tip, and you should not include one when paying.
How to tip in Japan
Tipping is not common in Japan, and in some places it is even considered rude. The biggest rule? Never try to hand someone money directly. If you are tipping anyone, it is best received in an envelope.
How to tip in China
You will never have to tip in China—anywhere. Literally the only occasion when tipping is socially acceptable is when you take a guided tour. At the end of the tour, you may give your guide a small tip. If you are taking the tour through a resort, remember they are probably already including a service charge for the tour group.
How to tip in Thailand
Like China, tipping is not common in Thailand. Tip at your discretion and know that what you give as a token of your appreciation will be happily accepted.
How to tip in Singapore
Tipping isn’t required anywhere in Singapore. Provisions have been established by the government so visitors will have no obligation to tip people working in the service industry. Taxis, servers, and hotel workers do not expect to receive tips since their fees are built into the total charges for each service (usually 10% and almost never more).
Now that you have the full picture of how you should tip as you travel the world, you can turn your attentions to other parts of planning your holiday. Remember, you can prepare for a lot of common travel nuisances in advance, but you don’t want to be left stranded if something unexpected derails your holiday. With travel insurance as your back-up you’ll never be left without help.