Tipping rules vary from place to place and also by scenario.
With 196 countries in the world, knowing how much you are supposed to tip in of each one is next to impossible.
Is it expected? Unexpected but appreciated? Are you unknowingly signaling a bribe or coming off as condescending?
Tipping abroad can be a tricky landscape to navigate, leaving you with the question: “How much are you supposed to tip?!”
There are, however, some steadfast rules that will serve you well no matter what the situation:
3 rules of thumb that you can apply to every tipping scenario:
1. When abroad, consider what the value of the tip is in the place you’re visiting and keep it appropriate.
2. Check and see if a service charge has been automatically added.
3. When tipping, always do it in cash and in the currency of the country you are visiting.
Keep those in mind and read on for tipping guidelines for 10 of the most traveled countries:
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Keep in mind that these are general country guidelines, and there will always be slight regional differences and exceptions.
Also, don’t be shy to chat with fellow travelers or ask your hotel concierge or homestay host what’s customary in the area.
Have you visited in any of the countries listed? Have some tipping stories to tell? Comment below!
14 Responses
And in the Philippines?
Thanks for asking Ron, we’ll research that one first!
Thanks, this is very helpful.
What about the Scandinavian countries?
It is not required but if the service is good you can tip 5-10% of the bill!
Very helpful, but how about more countries?
What about the Dominican republic?
I would not suggest anything less than 20% dining in any US based restaurants.
Latin America would be good to add. For instance in El Salvador a 10% tip is added to the bill, but we like to give a little extra if we have had amazing service. It is greatly appreciated there. In Colombia they also include a 10% fee, and will graciously turn down an extra tip. My husband has been chased down to be given the extra tip he left.
For Canada, it’s similar to the US. Most restaurants will state something like, “for large tables of 8 (or 10 or 12) or more, an 18% gratuity will be added to your bill”. 15% is the norm, tip higher for better service. All restaurant tips are usually shared between servers and cooks, with some establishments expecting the tip-out to go to management as well.
Tip in CAD.
Taxi drivers appreciate a ’rounding up’ of the fare with another dollar or two to pad the total.
Is Portugal the same as Spain? And, is Ireland the same as the United Kingdom?
I was hoping to see tipping in Mexico. My wife and I go to all-inclusive resorts south of Cancun. I tend to tip $1 for drinks at the bars, $2 for breakfast/lunch, $5-10 at dinner. I’ll leave $20 for the maids at end of week-long stay, $50 to our butlers. Don’t know if these are cheap or what?
Kenya/Tanzania/Rwanda? East Africa in general?
How about South America?
How about tipping in South America?