Tipping customs around the world can be overwhelming for travellers. If you’re travelling soon, read till the end of this article! 😉
What Is Tipping Culture?
First off, You might be asking, why do people tip?
It’s a social etiquette to show gratitude for the service provided to service workers! 🙇
Every country has a different way and interpretation of tipping culture, and it is important to be respectful when you’re in these countries.
Just keep an open mind! 💆
Tipping In The Americas: A Guide For Travelers
In North, Central, and South America, tipping is customary since tips can be a substantial part of a server’s income.
If you’re from the United States, you’re probably familiar with the unspoken rule of tipping: the better you tip, the better service you’ll receive next time you come back. 😲
It’s recommended to tip about 15-20%!
Tipping Etiquette In Canada And South America
Source: Pexels
Similar to the U.S., patrons in Canada and Colombia also tip staff 15-20%.
In Argentina, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru, servers are used to a little less, with 10-15% gratuity being the norm.
Most restaurants in Brazil, Chile, and Costa Rica include a 10% sit-down charge to the bill (referred to as a cubierto in Chile).
💡TIP: If you do leave a tip in Brazil, make sure to be discreet since Brazilians are very subtle when it comes to business transactions.
Tipping in Europe: What You Need to Know
Leaving larger tips of 15-20% is unnecessary and sometimes considered ignorant since many countries within the European Union already have laws in place to accommodate gratuity.
To do away with tipping politics, the Netherlands requires establishments to include tips in their published prices.
However, it’s common for people to still leave a small tip of about 5-10% for good service, called “fooi” in Dutch.
Understanding Tipping Customs In The EU
Other EU countries which generally add a service charge to the bill include the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Spain, and Sweden.
In these countries, tipping is not customary but is considered a generous act in exchange for exceptional service.
Germany, Ireland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom do not have a strong tipping culture so leaving gratuity is completely up to you! 😊
FUN FACT: In Germany, the word for tip is “trinkgeld”, which translates to “drinking money”; in France, the word for tip is pourboire, which similarly means “to have a drink”.
Interesting right? 🫢
It’s Expected to Tip In The Middle East And Parts Of Africa!
Similar to the Americas, tipping is customary and expected by servers in Africa and the Middle East.
The amount varies by restaurant and economic state of the country. In Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, servers are used to receiving a 15-20% tip.
Tipping Etiquette In Africa And The Middle East
Even in cities like Dubai, which requires a 10% service charge to be added to the bill, it’s common for restaurant workers to receive additional tips for their efforts.
Similarly, in other popular countries like Egypt and Israel, upscale restaurants would also include service charges in the final bill. But the difference is it’s not as common to tip extra.
You can always consider tipping extra for their service since more often than not, the service charge included in the bill will not be given to the staff. 🤔
In African countries like Jordan, Morocco, and South Africa, wait staff will expect at least a 10-15% tip.
FUN FACT: In Iranian culture, gifts mean a lot more than monetary compensation!
Travellers are encouraged to express their appreciation at hotels with a small gift from their country.
In East Asia And The South Pacific, Turning Down To Tips Is A Norm?
Outside of tourist areas, countries in East Asia and the South Pacific do not have much of a tipping culture, so gratuity is not expected and may even be turned down.
Source: Pexels
In China, Myanmar, and Taipei, tipping is deemed unnecessary; a few high-end restaurants in China are starting to accept tips, so who knows what the future holds? 🤔
In Singapore, the government does impose a 10% service charge on the final bill.
Tipping Only For When Awarding Good Service?
Other Asian countries, like Japan and Nepal, strictly believe good service is simply part of life, so tipping should only reward good service.
In Japan, some servers might even politely refuse your tip!
Due to an influx of tourism, countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Turkey are becoming more open to receiving tips; however, tipping is still not considered customary.
So it’s not a faux pas if you don’t leave one. 😃
If You’re Unsure About A Country’s Tipping Culture…
Tipping customs can change as tourism shapes cultural norms and wage laws change.
If you find yourself unsure whether or not to tip, ask your server if tipping is customary.
If it doesn’t feel appropriate to ask, simply round up the bill. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little of your culture to the table by leaving something behind to show your gratitude!
And who knows, you might be making someone’s day! 👍
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