At its peak, the Russian Empire was the third-largest in history
When and when not to tip is a dilemma most of us have faced, either where we live or when traveling abroad. For example, how much of a gratuity are you supposed to leave? And who should you tip in the first place? Dealing with different cultures can be confusing. For instance, in some countries offering up monetary appreciation after a good meal is seen as impolite. So, how and when should you conform to tipping etiquette?
Click on and journey through the culture of global gratuity.
It's actually considered impolite to leave a tip in Japan. The Japanese believe that good service is simply part of a traditional way of life, and any gratuity is likely to be politely refused.
Across the European Union, tipping is generally not expected, as many countries within the bloc already have laws in place to accommodate gratuity. However, it's still common for people to leave a small tip of say 5-10% for good service. In the Netherlands, this is called a fooi in Dutch.
In the Czech Republic, while not compulsory, it's standard practice to leave a tip of 5-10% in restaurants and cafés, more perhaps for exceptional service or when gourmet dining in Prague.
Generally speaking, the French don't expect a tip, at least not from locals. Even where service is included, a gratuity of 5-10% is appreciated, perhaps as pourboire, or "drink money."
There is no established tipping culture in Spain, but a 10% tip over and above the check is always appreciated. Taxi drivers are happy to "keep the change," and a couple of euros delivered into the hand of a bellboy or conserje will always be met with a smile.
Tipping in Germany is optional, and the country does not have a traditional tipping culture. But it is considered good manners to part with a gratuity of 5-10%, perhaps up to 20% for memorable service. Note that some restaurants include a service charge in the check.
Between 10-15% over the total is the norm in Ireland. And while not always expected, it's customary to tip in touristy areas.
A tip is always appreciated in Portugal. Wages are low, but customer service is nearly always friendly and welcoming. A tip of 5–10% is considered generous, or simply round up the bill with a few extra euro.
By and large, people in Sweden working in the hospitality industry are well paid and so don't necessarily expect a tip. But a few krona here and there is always appreciated. As a rule, when eating out in Sweden it is common to round up the check to the nearest big number. And remember, Sweden has yet to ratify the Euro treaty, which means that you can not pay using euro.
In Hungary, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It's standard practice to tip between 10-15% of the check, but many establishments include a 12.5% service charge, so scan the paperwork when it arrives.
The Italians rarely expect a tip. In fact, tipping isn't regularly practiced at all. But in some tourist areas, they apply what's known as coperto, meaning a "cover charge," to the check. Generally speaking, if you're happy with the service, and with the person who provided it, leave a few coins on the table.
In Austria, tipping is not as common as in other parts of continental Europe. However, a gratuity of 10% is normal in restaurants and cafés.
Tipping is not expected in the United Kingdom. Indeed, a service charge is often included in the bill. But while people rarely tip in bars and pubs, it's customary to tip 10–15% of the bill in restaurants, a little higher in places like London or high-end establishments.
A tip of 10%-15% is considered appropriate at most places in Turkey, including restaurants and bars. The odd lira bill will be appreciated by hotel porters.
Similarly in New Zealand, tipping is not expected and purely discretionary. If you wish to reward someone for a job well done, a small gratuity would be welcomed.
Tipping at bars and restaurants is commonplace and widespread all over Brazil. Very often a 10% service charge is included in the check, but, if service is exemplary, feel free to discreetly put down an extra 5-10% in cash.
Other than in places like restaurants and hotels where it is expected, tipping is no big deal in Colombia. Plan a gratuity of 10-15% for waiting staff, more perhaps depending on the venue, occasion, and order size.
In Argentina, it's customary to tip around 10% of the bill for satisfactory restaurant service. In tourist areas, tipping is appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments.
Mexico has rather embraced the American tipping culture in that it's customary to offer a gratuity in many situations. Anywhere between 10-20% is the norm in restaurants, cafés, and bars. Away from the resorts, 10% will suffice.
In Peru, tipping is completely optional. That said, it's pretty much expected in the country's tourism industry. Anywhere between 10-15% is appreciated by restaurant staff, tour guides, and hotel workers.
In Chile, the check is specifically referred to as a cubierto. As with other countries in Central and South America, the value of a tip very often depends on where you are and what type of service you're buying. As a rule of thumb, 10% of the check should suffice.
There are no hard or fast tipping rules in Nicaragua. A 10-15% gratuity is the norm when dining at a sit-down restaurant. But glance at the check beforehand; sometimes the service charge is already added.
It's not obligatory to tip in Costa Rica, but, of course, a small gratuity is always welcome. However, high-end beach resort establishments tend to automatically add a 10% gratuity to your check before it's given to you.
US tipping culture is a contentious and divisive topic. Many establishments add a discretionary charge automatically, regardless of the service provided. If such a charge appears on your check, there's no need to tip. Otherwise, add 15-20% to the restaurant bill; same for taxis.
Tipping is customary in many service industries in Canada, including restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis. The standard tipping rate for waiters is generally around 15-20% of the bill before tax is applied.
The influx of tourism in Thailand has promoted the idea of tipping, but it's still not compulsory. Around 10% of the bill is expected in many restaurants, and having cash handy to easily tip your tuk tuk driver or porter is useful.
In China and other countries in East Asia, including Myanmar and Singapore, tipping is seen as unnecessary. But there's nothing wrong with leaving a small tip for service workers.
Tipping down under is not expected but is always appreciated for exceptional service. In restaurants where you feel service is deserving of a tip, 10-15% is the norm.
Tipping a mountain guide or porter is expected, around US$3 a day for easy hikes and treks if you are solo. In a group, each porter should receive $5 a day. Elsewhere, a 5-10% tip is a courteous way to show your appreciation for good restaurant food and service.
South Africa has a healthy tipping culture, and the general rule is to start at 10% and work upwards, depending on where you are and the service provided. Quite often the service charge is included, so beware of double tipping.
In places like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, hospitality staff are used to receiving a 15-20% tip. This is over and above any service charge added to the check.
Sources: (Western Union) (John Lewis Money) (CNBC)
See also: The best places to travel to in 2025
How much should you tip around the world?
Exploring the art of global gratuity
LIFESTYLE Society
When and when not to tip is a dilemma most of us have faced, either where we live or when traveling abroad. For example, how much of a gratuity are you supposed to leave? And who should you tip in the first place? Dealing with different cultures can be confusing. For instance, in some countries offering up monetary appreciation after a good meal is seen as impolite. So, how and when should you conform to tipping etiquette?
Click on and journey through the culture of global gratuity.