Hotel Tipping Etiquette Worldwide: Country-by-Country Guide

Hotel tipping customs vary dramatically by country and culture. What is expected in New York can be confusing in Tokyo and unnecessary in Reykjavik. This comprehensive guide covers exactly how much to tip every hotel staff member in every major travel destination.

North America

United States

The US has the most established hotel tipping culture in the world. Housekeeping: $2–5 per night for standard hotels, $5–10 for luxury. Leave tips daily on the pillow or desk with a note. Bellhops: $2–3 per bag, $5 minimum. Concierge: $5–10 for simple requests, $10–20 for reservations, $20+ for hard-to-get arrangements. Valet: $3–5 when car is returned. Room service: 15–20%, check for included gratuity. See our detailed US hotel tipping guide.

Canada

Very similar to the US. Housekeeping: CAD $2–5/night. Bellhops: CAD $2–3/bag. Concierge: CAD $5–20. Valet: CAD $3–5. Tipping is expected and appreciated.

Mexico & Caribbean

Mexico: 50–100 MXN per service (roughly $3–6 USD). All-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean often include gratuity, but small cash tips for exceptional service are appreciated. Bellhops: $1–2 per bag. Housekeeping: $1–3/night.

Europe

United Kingdom

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Bellhops: £1–2 per bag. Housekeeping: £1–2 per night at luxury hotels, optional at standard hotels. Concierge: £5–10 for special arrangements. Many hotels include a service charge.

France

Service is included in the bill by law (service compris). Small tips are appreciated but not expected. Bellhops: €1–2 per bag. Housekeeping: €1–2/night at luxury hotels. Concierge: €5–10 for complex requests.

Germany & Austria

Tipping is modest. Bellhops: €1–2 per bag. Housekeeping: €1–2/night. Rounding up bills is common. Concierge: €5 for helpful service.

Italy & Spain

Italy: €1 per bag for bellhops. Housekeeping: €1/night optional. A "coperto" (cover charge) may apply at hotel restaurants but is separate from tips. Spain: similar to Italy. €1–2 per service is generous.

Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland)

Tipping is rare and not expected. Service workers earn strong living wages. Small tips are occasionally given at luxury hotels but never expected. Do not feel obligated to tip.

Asia

Japan

Do not tip in Japan. Tipping is considered rude and can cause confusion or embarrassment. Excellent service is a professional standard, not something that requires extra payment. If you want to show appreciation, a small wrapped gift or handwritten thank-you note is more culturally appropriate.

China

Tipping is uncommon in mainland China and historically discouraged. In international luxury hotels (Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons), small tips of ¥10–20 are increasingly accepted. Not expected at standard hotels.

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines)

Thailand: 20–50 THB per service. Vietnam: 20,000–50,000 VND. Indonesia: 10,000–20,000 IDR. Philippines: PHP 50–100. Tips are appreciated and meaningful given lower wages. Tourist hotels expect more than local establishments.

India

₹50–100 per service at mid-range hotels. ₹200–500 at luxury properties. Tips are expected and appreciated. Some hotels add a service charge to bills—check before tipping extra.

South Korea

Tipping is not customary and can be awkward. International luxury hotels may accept small tips. In general, excellent service is the norm without extra payment.

Middle East

UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

AED 5–10 per service. Dubai's luxury hotel culture supports generous tipping. Many hotels add 10% service charges, but direct cash tips to individual staff are still appreciated. Bellhops: AED 5–10/bag. Housekeeping: AED 10–20/night.

Egypt

"Baksheesh" (tipping) is deeply embedded in the culture. EGP 20–50 per service. Bellhops, housekeepers, door staff—everyone expects a small tip. Budget EGP 100–200/day for hotel tips alone.

Turkey

TRY 20–50 per service. Tipping is appreciated and common in tourist areas. All-inclusive resorts often include gratuity but small cash tips are welcomed.

Africa

South Africa

ZAR 20–50 per service. Tips are expected and important—service wages are low. Safari lodges often have a communal tip box; suggested amounts are typically communicated at check-in.

Morocco

MAD 10–30 per service. Riads and boutique hotels expect tips. Larger hotels may include service charges.

Kenya & Tanzania

$1–2 per service at hotels. Safari lodges suggest $10–20/day for guides and $5–10/day for camp staff, split from a communal tip.

Oceania

Australia & New Zealand

Tipping is not expected as hospitality workers earn living wages ($23+ AUD/hour in Australia). At luxury hotels, $5–10 AUD for exceptional service is appreciated but never required. No one will be offended if you do not tip.

General Tips for International Hotel Tipping

Always tip in local currency. US dollars or euros may be accepted in tourist areas, but local currency is more practical for staff.
Keep small bills ready. Break large notes at the front desk or exchange early in your stay.
Check for service charges. Many luxury hotels worldwide add 10–15% service charges to bills.
Tip daily for housekeeping, not just at checkout. Different staff may clean your room each day.
When in doubt, ask the concierge about local tipping customs. They will give honest guidance.

FAQ

What if the hotel includes a service charge?

If a 10–15% service charge appears on your bill, additional tipping is optional. A small extra amount ($2–5) for exceptional personal service is still appreciated.

Should I tip in cash or charge it to the room?

Cash is universally preferred for individual tips—it goes directly to the staff member immediately. Charges to the room may be pooled or delayed.

How do I tip at all-inclusive resorts?

Many all-inclusive resorts include gratuity in the package price. Check your booking confirmation. Small cash tips ($1–2) for bartenders, housekeeping, and pool staff are still common and appreciated.