Tipping Around the World

Tipping customs vary wildly — expected and generous in the US, actively confusing in Japan, and somewhere in between across most of the world. These guides tell you what's actually normal in each country, service by service, so you neither insult anyone nor overpay out of guilt.

Tipping is expected7 countries

Tip here the way you would in a US restaurant — it's part of the pay.

United States 18–22% at sit-down restaurants; 15% is the floor for adequate s… Canada 15–20% at restaurants. Mexico 10–15% at restaurants; check it isn't already added. India 5–10% at restaurants; a bit more if no service charge. Egypt 5–10% at restaurants on top of any service charge. Morocco 5–10% at restaurants. South Africa 10–15% at restaurants.

Appreciated but optional20 countries

A small tip or a round-up is welcome, but nobody will chase you for it.

Brazil A 10% 'serviço' is typically on the bill — paying it is customa… Argentina About 10% in cash, left on the table — cards frequently can't a… Colombia Servers ask if you want to include the 10%; saying yes is norma… Peru 5–10% at restaurants; check for an included service charge. Thailand Round up, or leave 20–50 baht; upscale places add a 10% service… Vietnam Round up or 5–10% at nicer restaurants. Indonesia Check for an included service charge; round up otherwise. Singapore The '++' on menus is a 10% service charge plus tax — no extra n… United Kingdom 10–15% if no service charge is on the bill; check first. France Round up or leave a few euros for good service; a full percenta… Italy Round up or leave a few euros; check for 'coperto' or 'servizio… Spain Round up, or 5–10% at nicer restaurants. Portugal Round up, or 5–10% at restaurants. Germany Round up or add 5–10%; state the total amount when handing over… Netherlands Round up or 5–10% for good service. Greece 5–10%, or round up; check for a service charge. Türkiye 5–10% at restaurants, in cash where possible. United Arab Emirates Check for the service charge; add 10% if not, or round up. Australia Round up or 10% for excellent service; never obligatory. New Zealand Not expected; round up or 10% for something exceptional.

Not the custom — don't tip3 countries

Great service is the baseline; a tip can confuse or even offend.

Japan No tipping; excellent service is standard and included. South Korea No tipping; service is included. China No tipping at most restaurants; upscale places may add a servic…

One rule that always works

When you're unsure, tip a small amount in the local currency, in cash. It's understood almost everywhere, and it never causes the awkwardness that a card-machine fumble or a foreign note can.