Travel is always exciting, but understanding tipping etiquette and culture around the world can be a bit of a head-scratcher. In this post, we’ll explore tipping etiquette in some of the most visited countries, such as the U.S., Mexico, Canada, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Australia, and New Zealand.
Have you ever found yourself at the end of a delicious meal, unsure about how much to tip? Are you worried about tipping too much or too little and potentially causing a social blunder? You're not alone. I feel this way, too, when venturing into a new culture.
After years of working as a waitress, I know how much effort goes into providing good service, which often leads me to overtip.
And I've definitely had my own tipping faux pas in my visits around the world. For example, in Australia, we insisted on tipping a waitress, only to have the café owner chase us down the street to return our money, admonishing us that they were proud to provide excellent service and that our tip was an insult.
It was eye-opening, not to mention embarrassing! Now, I always do my homework before I leave home to ensure I understand local tipping customs.
Whether you’re dining out, grabbing a coffee, enjoying a drink, staying at a hotel, taking a taxi, or joining a tour, knowing the local customs will make your travels less stressful because you'll know what's expected.
But first, here are some practical tips that apply to every country.
Practical Tips for Tipping in Any Country
Be prepared
Even though credit and debit cards are accepted in many places around the world, it's a good practice to carry small denominations in local currency to make tipping easier. That way, you won't need to ask for change, and the person you're tipping won't need to pay a fee to exchange money.
Be discreet
Don't make a big show of tipping. In some cases, like with tour guides, it's best to slip the money into the person's hand discreetly.
Check the bill
Watch out for included service charges, especially if you're with a large group. You don't need to tip on top of that.
Don’t feel pressured
If the waiter asks if you want to add anything to the bill, ask if a service charge or gratuity is already included. If it's not, feel free to include something else. If it's already included, don't feel pressured to add an additional amount if you don't want to.
Know when to tip
If you're paying by card and want to leave a tip, ask how to do that when you request the bill. Often, once the bill has been created, there is no way to add an additional amount.
Tip housekeeping daily as staff often changes, and make the tip obvious. Several housekeeping people have told me to put the tip under a pillow. You can also leave a note to make it more obvious it's a tip and to express your thanks.
Express gratitude
A heartfelt thank you in the language with your tip goes a long way, especially if you say thanks in their language.
Cultural sensitivity
Tipping is a big deal in the U.S. and may be different from other places you've visited. Be prepared to tip well if you're visiting the U.S. If you're from the U.S., don't overtip in other countries. If you do, it can drive up prices for the locals.
Know the local customs
Keep in mind that the tips below are for general tourist areas, and etiquette may depend on local town or village customs. Your best bet is to ask a local or your hotel staff how they tip for various services.
Note, however, that there may be a difference between what locals pay and what you're expected to pay as a tourist. Feel free to pay the tourist rate, but no more. It's not fair to the locals.
OK, ready? Let's dive in!
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in the United States
Sit-down restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops
Tipping culture in the U.S. can be a shock to foreign visitors.
Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash
When I see a suggested tip on a credit card machine that starts at 20% and goes up to 30% and then 45%, as I have in major cities in the United States, it seems as if the normally strong American tipping culture has gotten out of hand.
But before you scream "foul," keep in mind that the service industry in the U.S. works differently than in other countries. For example, restaurant owners in the U.S. are only required to pay workers $2.13/hour if they receive tips.
Even if the owner is generous and provides the federal minimum wage of $7.25, it's important to note that this is hardly a living wage, underscoring the economic necessity of tipping in the U.S.
The standard practice in the U.S. has been to leave restaurant workers 15-20% of your total restaurant bill before tax, depending on the quality of the service. You can always choose to pay more if you're feeling particularly generous and the service was exceptional.
Some restaurants might add a gratuity or service fee for larger groups, so keep an eye on your bill at the end of the meal. You don't need to tip on top of that if the money goes directly to the workers.
Taxi rides and ride-sharing services
For taxi fares, 10-15% is the norm, depending on how much service the cab driver provides, like helping with your luggage instead of waiting for you to load it yourself.
Drivers of ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft always appreciate tips. A tip of $1-2 for short rides or around $5 up to 20% for longer trips is a solid guideline.
Hotels
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag for help with your luggage or hailing a cab.
- Housekeeping: $2-5 per night, depending on the number of people in the room and how messy you are.
- Shuttle Drivers: $5 per person for short trips.
- Concierge: Tipping isn’t required for directions or making reservations. Tip $5-10 for special arrangements and up to $100 or more to get tickets for a sold-out event.
- Valet Parking: $2-5 when your car is returned.
Tours
15-20% of the cost of the tour.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in Mexico
One of the reasons I love Mexico is the warm hospitality you'll find in the people there. That makes tipping a great way to show your appreciation for good service.
Sit-down restaurants
Yes, you can tip the mariachis!
In Mexico, tipping at full-service restaurants is customary, especially in tourist areas.
A general rule is to leave 10-15% in rural areas and 20% in tourist areas and big cities. Always double-check if the tip (propio or servicio) is already included, especially in tourist hotspots.
Cafés
Leave 10 pesos or round up the bill for coffee or takeout. If you’ve had table service, larger tips, similar to what you'd leave at a sit-down restaurant, would be appropriate.
Bars
Aim for 10-20 pesos per drink, or leave 10-20% of your total bill if you’re keeping a tab.
Hotels
- Bellhops: 30-50 pesos per bag.
- Housekeeping: 20-50 pesos per day.
- Concierge: 100-150 pesos for exceptional service or assistance with reservations and bookings.
Taxis or rideshares
If you get help with your bag, round up the fare to the nearest 10 pesos. Otherwise, tipping is not expected. For rideshare services like Uber, a small amount, like 10-20 pesos or 5-10%, is appreciated for great service. Tip through the app after your ride.
Tour guides
For a half-day tour, tip 50-100 pesos per person, or 10-20% of the ticket price For a full-day tour, 300-500 pesos per person would be appropriate, especially if the guide made your experience memorable. They count on your tips as part of their income.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in Canada
I've done business in Canada as well as traveled as a tourist and have found Canadians to be very polite and courteous. There, tipping is a key part of showing appreciation for good service.
Sit-down restaurants
In Canada, tipping your wait staff is the norm, typically around 15-20% of the restaurant bill, depending on how stellar the service was. Keep an eye on your bill—some places might add a service charge or include the gratuity for larger groups.
Cafés
For take-out, toss in a dollar or two in the tip jar or round up your bill. If you’re getting table service, think about tipping around 10-15%.
Bars
Tip C$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab if you’re running one.
Hotels
- Bellhops: C$1-2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: C$2-5 per day.
- Concierge: C$10-20 for special services or assistance with bookings and reservations.
Taxis or rideshares
Add 10-15% to the fare for a long trip or round up to the nearest dollar for a short one. For rideshare services like Uber, you can tip through the app, and a similar amount (10-15%) is appreciated for good service.
Tour guides
Tips are part of the guide's income in Canada, so for half-day tours, tip C$5-10 per person. For full-day tours, C$10-20 per person works, especially if the guide is exceptionally informative and engaging.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in the United Kingdom
The British are all about politeness and discretion. While tipping isn’t as embedded in their culture as in some other places, it’s still a way to show you appreciate good service. Plus, a warm “thank you” and a smile can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.
Sit-down restaurants
In the UK, tipping at sit-down restaurants is the way to go, especially if the service charge isn’t already included in the bill. A standard tip hovers around 10-15% of the total restaurant bill. If the service charge is included, you’re off the hook for extra tipping—unless the service was truly exceptional.
Cafés
Tipping at cafes isn't expected for a quick coffee or snack, but rounding up the bill or leaving some small change in the tip jar is a nice touch. If you’ve had a longer sit-down meal, leaving £1-2 gets the job done.
Bars
In UK bars, tipping isn’t the norm when you're just ordering drinks. However, if you receive stellar service or have a larger order, rounding up the bill or leaving some small change is appreciated. For example, if your drinks come to £18.50, leave £20.
Hotels
- Bellhops: Tipping £1-2 per bag is the standard.
- Housekeeping: Leave £1-2 per night, especially for longer stays or if you need additional services.
- Concierge: For going above and beyond, like making reservations or arranging tours, tip £5-10.
Taxis or rideshares
Tipping taxi drivers in the UK isn’t a must, but rounding up to the nearest pound is a common courtesy. For instance, if your fare is £17.50, round up to £18. Think up to 10% for a longer ride.
For rideshare services like Uber, tip through the app. If your driver was particularly helpful or friendly, a tip of about 10% is a nice touch.
Tour guides
For a half-day tour, tip £5-10 per person. For a full-day tour, £10-20 per person is a good ballpark, or 10% of the price, especially if the guide is knowledgeable and engaging.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in France
Tipping works differently in France than it does in some other countries, since a service charge is often included. Whether a small tip is appropriate or not, though, a warm “merci” (thank you) and a smile can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.
Sit-down restaurants
In France, a 15% service charge (service compris) is included in the bill, so tipping isn’t a must. However, if the service was exceptional, you can leave a little extra if you'd like. Rounding up the bill or tossing in an extra 5-10% is appreciated but not expected. For instance, if your bill is €88, you might round up to €90 or leave an additional €5.
Cafés
Cafes also automatically add a 15% service charge to your bill. If you just grab a coffee or a quick snack, round up to the nearest euro or leave some small change. For a longer sit-down meal, you can leave €1-2.
Bars
Tipping in a bar in France isn't expected, but if you'd like you can just round up the bill or leave some change.
Hotels
- Bellhops A tip of €1-2 is good per bag and for hailing a cab.
- Housekeeping: Leave €2-3 per night, especially for extended stays or if you require additional services.
- Concierge: For exceptional service, such as booking reservations or arranging tours, a tip of €5-20 is appropriate.
Taxis or rideshares
Round up the fare to the nearest euro is common. If you had a good experience or received help with luggage, tipping 5-10% of the fare is appreciated. For rideshare services like Uber, you can tip through the app if you wish, but it’s not expected.
Tour guides
For a half-day tour, consider tipping €5-10 per person. For a full-day tour, €10-20 per person is about right.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in Italy
Italians value good manners and polite interactions. While tipping isn’t as ingrained in the culture as in some other places, it’s still a way to show you appreciate good service. Be sure to add a big smile and a warm “grazie” (thank you).
Sit-down restaurants
Service is often included in the bill as a cover charge (coperto). If the service was exceptional, you can toss in an extra 5-10%. You can also just round up the bill to a convenient amount. For instance, if your bill is €47, leave €50.
Cafés
Tipping at cafes isn’t typically expected, especially if you're just grabbing a coffee or a quick snack at the counter. But if you sit down at a table, leave some small change or round up the bill. Leaving €1-2 would be appropriate.
Bars
Tipping isn't the norm in bars in Italy. Like cafes, you can leave small change or round up the bill, especially if you received attentive service or enjoyed some snacks with your drinks. Bartenders won’t expect it, but it’s a nice way to show appreciation.
Hotels
- Bellhops: Tip €1-2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: Leave €1-2 per night, especially for longer stays or if you need extra services.
- Concierge: For securing reservations or arranging tours, tipping €5-10 is thoughtful.
Taxis or Rideshares
Tipping taxi drivers in Italy isn’t common. Most Italians just round up the fare to the nearest euro. For rideshare services like Uber, tipping through the app is an option but not expected. If you want to show appreciation, rounding up the fare is sufficient.
Tour guides
For a half-day tour, €5-10 per person would be good. For a full-day tour, think €10-20 per person.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in Germany
Tipping isn’t as prominent in Germany as in the U.S. and some other countries, but it’s still a good way to show you appreciate good service.
In addition, a warm “danke” (thank you) and a smile can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.
Sit-down restaurants
In Germany, tipping at sit-down restaurants is customary, but you don't tip as much as in some other countries. You can just round up a few percent. For instance, if your bill is €22, you might leave €25. A tip of 10% of the total bill is standard if you receive good service.
If you see that a service charge (Bedienung) is included on your bill, note that that charge goes to the restaurant, not the worker. So, an additional small tip will be appreciated.
Cafés
For a coffee or a small snack, round up the bill or leave small change. For example, if your coffee costs €2.80, you might leave €3. If you have a more substantial meal or extended service, it would be appropriate to leave a tip of €1-2.
Bars
It’s common to round up to the nearest euro or leave some small change, but it isn't obligatory. For example, if your round of drinks costs €12.50, you might leave €13. Adding a bit more is a nice touch if you receive exceptional service or have a larger order.
Hotels
- Bellhops: Tip €1-2 per bag or for hailing a cab.
- Housekeeping: Leave €2-3 per night, especially for longer stays or if you require additional services.
- Concierge: If the concierge provides exceptional service, such as making reservations or arranging tours, it's considerate to tip €5-10.
Taxis or Rideshares
In Germany, most locals just round up the fare to the nearest euro. For example, if your fare is €19.50, you might round up to €20. For rideshare services like Uber, tipping through the app is an option but not expected. If the driver was particularly helpful or friendly, you can leave a tip of about 10%.
Tour Guides
For a half-day tour, tip €5-10 per person. For a full-day tour, tip €10-20 per person especially if the guide was knowledgeable and engaging.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in Spain
While tipping isn’t as ingrained in Spanish culture as it is in some other countries, it's still a way to show you appreciate good service, and it's always appreciated. A "Gracias" says thank you, and a smile goes a long way in expressing your gratitude.
Sit-down restaurants
Service charges are usually included in the bill in Spain, so tipping isn’t obligatory. But for excellent service, leave an extra 5-10%. Or just round up the bill. For instance, if your bill is €36, leave €40.
Cafés
It's not a common practice to tip at cafés, especially if you just grab a coffee or a small snack. But if you sit down for a longer time or enjoy a meal, leave some small change or round up the bill. Leaving €1-2 for good service is sufficient.
Bars
Bartenders don't expect a tip, particularly for small orders like a drink or a tapa. However, if you have a larger order, round up the bill or leave some small change. If your bill is €9.50, you might leave €10
Hotels
- Bellhops: Tip €1-2 per bag or for hailing a cab.
- Housekeeping: Leave €1-2 per night, especially if your stay is longer or you require extra services.
- Concierge: If the concierge provides exceptional service, such as making reservations or arranging tours, it's considerate to tip €5-10.
Taxis or rideshares
Most locals just round up the fare to the nearest euro. For rideshare services like Uber, tipping through the app is an option but not expected. If you received friendly service or help with luggage, round up the fare to show your appreciation.
Tour guides
It's typical to tip tour guides 10% or more if you have an exceptional tour.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in Greece
In Greece, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service. Be sure to include a warm “efcharistó” (thank you) and a smile.
Sit-down restaurants
A standard tip is around 10-15% of the total bill. If the service charge is included, additional tipping isn’t necessary, but you can tip a small amount for exceptional service.
For example, if your meal costs €50, leaving an extra €3-5 is a nice gesture. Check the bill first, though. There may be a "cover charge" (kouver) already added. This does not go to the server, and your tip should be added to this.
Cafés
For a quick coffee or snack, it’s not expected. Just round up the bill or leave some small change. For instance, if your coffee costs €2.50, you might leave €3. If you sit down for a more extensive meal, leaving €1-2 is enough.
Bars
If you receive good service or have a large order, round up the bill or leave some small change. If your drinks cost €18, for example, leave €20.
Hotels
- Bellhops: It's customary to tip €1-2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: Leave €1-2 per night, especially for longer stays or if you needed additional services.
- Concierge: For making reservations or arranging tours, tip €5-10.
Taxis or rideshares
It's common in Greece to round up your taxi bill to the nearest euro. For example, if your fare is €17.50, you might round up to €18.
For rideshare services like Uber, tipping through the app is an option. If the driver was particularly helpful or friendly, leaving a tip of about 10% is a nice gesture.
Tour guides
The norm is between 2 and 5 euros per person per day if you're with a group and up to 20 euros per day if you're on a private tour.
Tipping Etiquette and Culture in Australia and New Zealand
Tipping isn't usual for locals in Australia and New Zealand because employees are paid a fair wage. However, I'm starting to see requests for tips changing slowly, especially in tourist areas. But, like my story in the introduction to this post, many service workers view tips as an insult. So tipper beware!
A smile and a sincere "Thanks" or "Cheers" is sufficient.
If you panic at the thought of not tipping, just round the bill up to the nearest dollar.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a whirlwind tour of tipping etiquette in some of the most visited countries around the globe. Understanding these customs isn't just about leaving a little extra cash here and there; it's about showing gratitude and respect for the people who made your travels memorable.
Showing respect sometimes means helping out people who are only getting a $2.13/hour salary (or less in some countries) yet taking excellent care of you.
Respect also means sometimes not tipping at all or just rounding up to the nearest dollar, which is a new concept for those of us from the U.S.
Remember, tipping isn't just a monetary exchange; it's a way to say "thank you" in the universal language of kindness. So, keep some small bills handy, flash those warm smiles, and don't be shy about showing your appreciation.
And if ever in doubt, a heartfelt "thanks" can go a long way—and sometimes mean even more than the tip itself.
Now go forth, explore, and tip like the seasoned globetrotters you are, always mindful of the local customs and the hard work of those who serve you. Until next time, may your adventures be plentiful and your tipping dilemmas few.
Cheers!
p.s. Tipping etiquette and culture can change depending on a number of factors. If you've found something to be different than the above, please leave a comment to help us all out.
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