Tipping Around the World
Last updated · Reviewed by SnapTipCalc Editorial
The Complete Country-by-Country Guide for Travelers
Traveling abroad is exciting, but tipping etiquette can be confusing. While a 15–20% tip is standard in the U.S., other countries have very different customs. This guide covers regional norms, a searchable database of 50+ countries, hotel tipping abroad, and what visitors to the USA need to know.
Sourced guidanceCountry tipping norms — 50+ destinationsLast verified Aug 16, 2026Source: SnapTipCalc country database, Country tipping dataset (embassy, tourism board and operator guidance) (2026)
- ✓USA & Canada: 15–20% expected at restaurants
- ✓Europe: 5–10% or round up — service charge often included
- ✓Japan: tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. Mainland China: uncommon in local venues, but normal at international hotels and on guided tours.
- ✓Middle East: 10–15% is customary at restaurants
- ✓Hotels abroad: $1–2/bag and $2–5/night is a common starting point in many countries, but norms vary widely — check the country database below
- ✓Visiting the USA? 15–20% at restaurants is a strong social expectation, not a legal requirement
Quick Reference: Tipping in 22 Top Destinations
Scan the country, check the restaurant column, and confirm whether a service charge is already included before you add anything.
| Country | Restaurant | Taxi | Hotel porter | Service charge? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 18–20% | 15–20%, with a $2 minimum | $2–3 per bag, $5 minimum | No — not legally required, but a strong social expectation |
| Canada | 15–20% | 10–15% | $2–5/bag | No — always add a tip |
| Mexico | 10–15% | Round up | 20–50 MXN/bag | Sometimes ('propina incluida') |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% | Round up | £1–2/bag | Often — check for 'service charge' |
| France | 0–5% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Yes — 'service compris' by law |
| Italy | 0–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Coperto is a cover charge, not a tip |
| Spain | 5–10% | Round up | €1/bag | Rarely — small tips appreciated |
| Germany | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | No — round up when paying |
| Netherlands | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Yes — service included |
| Switzerland | 0–5% | Round up | CHF 2/bag | Yes — service included |
| Greece | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Sometimes |
| Japan | None | None | None | Not customary — can cause confusion, not offence |
| South Korea | None | None | None | No tipping culture |
| China | None | None | ¥10 at hotels | Uncommon locally, but normal at international hotels and on guided tours |
| Thailand | 5–10% | Round up | 20–50 THB/bag | Sometimes at hotels/resorts |
| India | 5–10% | Round up | ₹50/bag | Sometimes — check the bill |
| UAE (Dubai) | 10–15% | Round up | AED 5–10/bag | 10% charge ≠ tip to staff |
| Egypt | 10% | 10% | 20–50 EGP/bag | Baksheesh is widely expected |
| South Africa | 10–15% | 10% | R20/bag | No — tipping expected |
| Australia | 0–10% | Round up | AU$2–5/bag | No — tipping is a genuine bonus |
| New Zealand | 0–10% | Round up | NZ$2–5/bag | No — tipping is optional |
| Brazil | 10% | Round up | R$5–10/bag | Yes — 10% usually on the bill |
Need a country not listed here? Browse all 50+ entries in the tipping by country database, or work out an exact amount with the tip calculator.
Why Tipping Differs Across Countries
Tipping is not universal. In some countries, it is expected and forms a significant part of a worker's income, while in others, it is optional or even frowned upon. Understanding the local culture is key to avoiding misunderstandings. For US-specific tipping, see our comprehensive US tipping guide.
Factors That Influence Tipping Norms
- • Local wages and service charges
- • Cultural attitudes toward gratuities
- • Industry standards (restaurants, hotels, taxis)
Jump straight to the searchable country database, the hotel tipping abroad section, or the guide for visiting the USA.
Europe: Included Service Charges vs. Extra Tips
Many European countries, like France, Italy, and Germany, include a service charge in the bill. Additional tipping is optional but appreciated:
- • France: Typically 5–10% for exceptional service ("service compris" is legally included)
- • Italy: Small rounding up or €1–2 per dish is common; "coperto" is a cover charge, not a tip
- • UK: 10–15% if service isn't included; pub drinks aren't tipped
- • Germany/Austria: Round up to the nearest euro or add 5–10%, stated when paying
- • Spain/Portugal: Small change or 5–10% at restaurants
- • Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland): Not customary — staff are paid under collective agreements and the menu price is what you pay
Pro Tip
Check the bill for an included service charge before adding a tip. Look for "service compris" or "servizio incluso."
Asia: When Tipping is Optional or Not Customary
In Asia, tipping customs vary widely:
- • Japan and South Korea: Tipping is generally not practiced and can be considered rude
- • China and Taiwan: Not expected except in high-end Western hotels or guided tour groups
- • Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia: Small tips are appreciated in tourist areas but not mandatory
- • India: 10% is common, though "service charges" are technically voluntary
- • Singapore and Malaysia: A 10% service charge is usually already on the bill
Important
Using local currency in small denominations is recommended when tipping in Asia.
The Americas: Standard Percentages
Outside the U.S., tipping is still expected in many countries:
- • Canada: 15–20% in restaurants (similar to U.S.) — see the full tipping in Canada guide for province-by-province tax rates
- • Mexico: 10–15% for restaurants and hotel staff
- • Brazil: 10% is standard, often added automatically
- • Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia: 10% is customary; cash preferred
- • Costa Rica: 10% service is legally included
- • Caribbean: 15–20%, similar to U.S. standards
If you are unsure about local custom, asking hotel staff or locals is usually the fastest way to find out.
Middle East: Generous Tipping Culture
Tipping — often called "baksheesh" in Egypt — is a well-established part of daily life across much of the Middle East:
- • UAE & Saudi Arabia: 10–15%; check for an included service charge that may not reach staff
- • Israel: 12–15%, cash strongly preferred
- • Egypt: 10–15%, plus small "baksheesh" tips for many small services
Africa: Tipping and Safari Etiquette
Tipping norms across Africa are generally similar to the Americas, with additional customs for guided experiences:
- • South Africa: 10–15% at restaurants; small tips expected for petrol attendants and car guards
- • Morocco: 10% at restaurants, plus small tips for many small services in medinas
- • Kenya and safari destinations: Budget $10–20/day per guide and $5–10/day per driver
Oceania: Tipping is a Genuine Bonus
Australia and New Zealand pay hospitality workers a full minimum wage, so tipping is optional:
- • Australia: 10% at nicer restaurants is a nice gesture, not an obligation
- • New Zealand: Not customary; 10% for great service only
- • Fiji: Many resorts use a shared "Christmas Fund" box instead of individual tipping
In-Depth Country Guides
Full guides for the destinations travelers ask about most — who to tip, how much, hotel staff, service charges, and the mistakes visitors make.
Tipping by Country: Searchable Database
Search restaurant, hotel, taxi, and bar tipping norms — plus local currency and cultural notes — for 53 countries.
Showing 53 of 53 countries
Every country card lists its primary source and the date we last verified it. The full sourcing and update policy is documented on our methodology page. Dataset last reviewed 2026-08-16.
United States
North America · USD
- Restaurant
- 18–20% (15% minimum)
- Hotel
- $2–5/night housekeeping; $2–3/bag bellhop, $5 minimum
- Taxi
- 15–20%, $2 minimum
- Bar
- $1–2 per drink
Tips are primary income for many tipped workers. $2.13/hour is the federal tipped cash-wage floor where a tip credit is allowed, not a general server wage — employers must top up to $7.25/hour.
Source: US Department of Labor: tipped employees · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Canada
North America · CAD
- Restaurant
- 15–20%
- Hotel
- CAD $2–5/night housekeeping
- Taxi
- 10–15%
- Bar
- $1–2 per drink
Norms mirror the US, though most provinces have eliminated the sub-minimum tipped wage.
Source: Government of Canada: minimum wage database · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Mexico
Latin America · MXN
- Restaurant
- 10–15% (check for propina incluida)
- Hotel
- $1–2 USD/bag; $1–2/day housekeeping
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
USD widely accepted in resort areas. Always confirm service charge isn't already added.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Brazil
Latin America · BRL
- Restaurant
- 10% (often auto-added as 'serviço')
- Hotel
- R$5–10/day
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10% if not included
The 10% service charge is technically optional but paying is the strong social norm.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Argentina
Latin America · ARS
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- ARS 200–500/night
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
Tipping by credit card is often not possible—carry small bills in local currency.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Chile
Latin America · CLP
- Restaurant
- 10% (suggested on bill)
- Hotel
- CLP 1,000–2,000/night
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
Servers will usually ask if you want the 10% propina added when paying by card.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Peru
Latin America · PEN
- Restaurant
- 10% (many mid-range spots include it)
- Hotel
- $1–2/day
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- S/. 2–5
Tipping guides on Inca Trail treks is expected—budget $10–15/day per porter/guide.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Colombia
Latin America · COP
- Restaurant
- 10% (server will ask 'incluir servicio?')
- Hotel
- COP 3,000–5,000/day
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- 10%
Legally the 10% must be voluntary and the server must ask.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Costa Rica
Latin America · CRC
- Restaurant
- 10% included by law
- Hotel
- $1–2 USD/day
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- Included
10% service is legally required on the bill; extra tipping only for exceptional service.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
United Kingdom
Europe · GBP
- Restaurant
- 10–12.5% (often on bill)
- Hotel
- £1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up 10%
- Bar
- Not for pub drinks
In pubs you don't tip at the bar—offering to buy the bartender a drink is the traditional gesture.
Source: VisitBritain / UK Government tipping rules · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Ireland
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- 10–15%
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not required
Similar to UK: 10% at restaurants is generous, pubs don't expect tips.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
France
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- Service compris—round up €1–5
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up 5–10%
- Bar
- Round up
'Service compris' (15%) is legally included in all restaurant bills. Extra 5% is a genuine thank-you.
Source: European Consumer Centre France · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Germany
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- 5–10% (round up)
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up 5–10%
- Bar
- Round up
State the total including tip when the server asks—don't leave cash on the table.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Italy
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- Coperto covers service—round up €1–5
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not required
'Coperto' is a per-person cover charge, not a tip. Extra tipping is uncommon but appreciated.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Spain
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- 5–10% at nicer restaurants
- Hotel
- €1/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- €0.10–0.20
Locals often don't tip; leaving small change is enough.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Portugal
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- 5–10%
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not required
Similar to Spain. Round up or leave 5% for good service.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Netherlands
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- 5–10% (round up)
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Service is included by law. Tipping is a genuine reward, not an obligation.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Belgium
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- Round up or 5–10%
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Service is included; leaving anything is a bonus.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Switzerland
Europe · CHF
- Restaurant
- Round up 5–10%
- Hotel
- CHF 2–5/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Service has been included by law since 1974. Round up in cash for good service.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Austria
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- 5–10% (state total when paying)
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Same as Germany—tell the server the total you want to pay including tip.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Sweden
Europe · SEK
- Restaurant
- Round up or 5–10%
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not expected
Service is included and staff earn a proper wage. Rounding up is enough.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Norway
Europe · NOK
- Restaurant
- Round up or 5–10%
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not expected
Same as Sweden—salaries are high, so tipping is a small bonus, not part of the wage.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Denmark
Europe · DKK
- Restaurant
- Round up
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not expected
Service and tip are legally included in all prices.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Finland
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- Not expected
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not expected
Tipping is genuinely unusual. Round up if service was exceptional.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Iceland
Europe · ISK
- Restaurant
- Not expected
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- Not expected
Service is always included. Tipping isn't part of the culture.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Greece
Europe · EUR
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- €1–2/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Cash tips preferred. Leave on the table when leaving.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Poland
Europe · PLN
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- PLN 5–10/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Never say 'thank you' when handing money if you want change back—it means keep it.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Czech Republic
Europe · CZK
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- CZK 30–50/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
State the total including tip when paying. Cash preferred.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Hungary
Europe · HUF
- Restaurant
- 10–15%
- Hotel
- HUF 300–500/bag
- Taxi
- 10%
- Bar
- 10%
Never leave the tip on the table—hand it to the server directly.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Turkey
Europe · TRY
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- $1–2 USD/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Higher-end restaurants may already include a service charge—check the bill.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Russia
Europe · RUB
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- RUB 100–200/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
Service charges are increasingly common at tourist restaurants.
Source: European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
United Arab Emirates
Middle East · AED
- Restaurant
- 10–15% (check for service charge)
- Hotel
- AED 5–10/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
Many bills include a 10% service charge that doesn't always reach staff—cash tip on top is appreciated.
Source: Wise: Tipping guides around the world · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Israel
Middle East · ILS
- Restaurant
- 12–15%
- Hotel
- ILS 5–10/bag
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- 12–15%
Cash strongly preferred—card tips often don't reach the server due to tax reporting.
Source: Wise: Tipping guides around the world · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Saudi Arabia
Middle East · SAR
- Restaurant
- 10–15%
- Hotel
- SAR 10–20/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- N/A
Service charge often included; extra cash tips still appreciated.
Source: Wise: Tipping guides around the world · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Egypt
Middle East · EGP
- Restaurant
- 10–15% (baksheesh)
- Hotel
- EGP 20–50/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
'Baksheesh' (small tips) is expected for many small services—carry lots of small notes.
Source: Wise: Tipping guides around the world · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
South Africa
Africa · ZAR
- Restaurant
- 10–15%
- Hotel
- ZAR 10–20/bag
- Taxi
- 10%
- Bar
- 10%
Petrol attendants and car guards also expect small tips (ZAR 5–10).
Source: Wise: Tipping guides around the world · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Morocco
Africa · MAD
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- MAD 10–20/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
Small tips (MAD 5–10) expected for many small services and unofficial 'guides' in medinas.
Source: Wise: Tipping guides around the world · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Kenya
Africa · KES
- Restaurant
- 10%
- Hotel
- $1–2 USD/day
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
On safaris budget $10–20/day per guide, $5–10/day per driver.
Source: Wise: Tipping guides around the world · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Japan
Asia · JPY
- Restaurant
- Not customary (can confuse)
- Hotel
- Not customary
- Taxi
- Not customary
- Bar
- Not customary
Excellent service is a cultural standard. Tipping is not offensive so much as confusing — staff will often chase you down to return money left behind.
Source: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
South Korea
Asia · KRW
- Restaurant
- Not customary
- Hotel
- Not customary
- Taxi
- Not customary
- Bar
- Not customary
Similar to Japan. Higher-end Western hotels may see USD tips, but locals do not tip.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
China
Asia · CNY
- Restaurant
- Uncommon at local venues; normal at international hotels
- Hotel
- Not customary locally; expected at international-chain hotels
- Taxi
- Not customary
- Bar
- Not customary
Tipping is uncommon in local restaurants and can cause awkwardness, but it is normal at international hotels and on guided tours. Exceptions also include Hong Kong and Macau.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Hong Kong
Asia · HKD
- Restaurant
- 10% service usually included; round up
- Hotel
- HKD 20/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Most restaurants add 10%. Any extra is a bonus.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Thailand
Asia · THB
- Restaurant
- 10% (mid-range and up)
- Hotel
- THB 20–50/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Higher-end restaurants add a 10% service charge. Street food: no tip expected.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Vietnam
Asia · VND
- Restaurant
- 5–10%
- Hotel
- VND 20–50k/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 5–10%
Growing tourism culture: tipping is common in tourist areas, not among locals.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Indonesia
Asia · IDR
- Restaurant
- 10% (often on bill in tourist areas)
- Hotel
- IDR 10–20k/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
In Bali most tourist restaurants add 10% + 11% VAT. Extra cash tip is optional.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Singapore
Asia · SGD
- Restaurant
- 10% service usually included
- Hotel
- Not typical
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- Not expected
The 10% service charge is on virtually every bill. Extra tipping is uncommon.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Malaysia
Asia · MYR
- Restaurant
- 10% service if not included
- Hotel
- MYR 5–10/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not expected
Most nicer restaurants include the 10%. Local cafés and hawker stalls: no tip.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Philippines
Asia · PHP
- Restaurant
- 10% (check for service charge)
- Hotel
- PHP 50–100/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
Bill usually shows 10% service; direct cash tip goes further as it goes straight to staff.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
India
Asia · INR
- Restaurant
- 10% (check for service charge)
- Hotel
- INR 100–200/bag
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- 10%
The 'service charge' is technically voluntary since 2022 rules—you can ask to have it removed.
Source: Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs: service charge guidelines · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Taiwan
Asia · TWD
- Restaurant
- 10% service often included
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- Not expected
Similar to Japan/Korea. Tipping culture is minimal outside of high-end hotels.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler: Tipping Around the World · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Australia
Oceania · AUD
- Restaurant
- 10% at nicer restaurants
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Not expected
Hospitality workers earn a full national minimum wage (AUD $24.95/hr from 1 July 2025). Tips are a genuine bonus.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: national minimum wage · in effect since 2025-07-01 · verified 2026-08-16
New Zealand
Oceania · NZD
- Restaurant
- Not customary (10% for great service)
- Hotel
- Not expected
- Taxi
- Not expected
- Bar
- Not expected
Same as Australia—wages cover the job, so tipping is a personal 'thank you'.
Source: Employment New Zealand: minimum wage · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Fiji
Oceania · FJD
- Restaurant
- Round up or 5–10%
- Hotel
- Christmas Fund preferred
- Taxi
- Round up
- Bar
- Round up
Many resorts have a shared 'Christmas Fund' box instead of individual tipping—that's the local norm.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: minimum wages · in effect since 2026-01-01 · verified 2026-08-16
Look up your destination before you travel. Compare the Expectation badge (Expected, Appreciated, Optional, Not customary, or Can offend) to know whether tipping is a duty, a bonus, or something to avoid. Two consistent rules apply everywhere: (1) always check the bill for an included service charge before adding a tip, and (2) cash in the local currency reaches the worker more reliably than a card tip in most countries.
Hotel Tipping Abroad
Hotels and resorts are a common part of any traveler's journey, but tipping expectations can vary drastically depending on the country. From bellhops to housekeeping, concierges to valet staff, knowing how and when to tip ensures a smooth stay. For US-specific hotel tipping, see our detailed US hotel tipping guide.
Bellhops and Luggage Handling
- • United States & Canada: $1–$2 per bag is standard
- • Europe: €1–€2 per bag, or rounding up in luxury hotels
- • Asia: Tipping is optional; small cash tips appreciated in tourist areas
- • Middle East: $1–$2 per bag in most countries
- • Australia: Not expected, but appreciated at luxury hotels
Housekeeping Across Continents
- • North America: $2–$5 per night, left daily
- • Europe: Optional, often small change left daily
- • Japan & Korea: Rare and may cause confusion
- • Southeast Asia: Small tip appreciated in hotels catering to tourists
- • Latin America: $1–$2 per night is common
Pro Tip
Placing the tip in an envelope or a visible spot signals it is for the housekeeping staff, and tipping daily (rather than only at checkout) ensures the staff member who cleaned your room that day is the one who is rewarded.
Concierge and Valet
- • Concierge (US): $5–$20 for complex services; Europe: €5–€10
- • Concierge (Middle East & Asia): Optional, but small gifts or cash may be appreciated
- • Valet (North America): $2–$5 when car is returned; Europe: €1–€2 per use
- • Valet (Middle East): $2–$3 is common in upscale hotels
| Region | Bellhop | Housekeeping |
|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada | $1–$2/bag | $2–$5/night |
| Western Europe | €1–€2/bag | €1–€2/night |
| Japan/Korea | Not expected | Not expected |
| Southeast Asia | $1/bag | $1–$2/night |
| Middle East | $1–$2/bag | $2–$3/night |
| Australia | Optional | Optional |
Visiting the USA: What International Tourists Need to Know
If you're visiting the United States from abroad, one of the most surprising aspects of dining out may be the tipping culture. Unlike many countries where tipping is optional or service charges are included, tipping in the US is expected, essential, and can feel complicated at first.
Why Tipping is a Strong Expectation in the US
- Servers can earn a reduced cash wage: In states that allow a tip credit, the federal tipped cash wage is just $2.13/hour (employers must top up to $7.25/hour if tips fall short). California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Montana, Minnesota and Alaska ban the tip credit and pay full minimum wage instead. Either way, tipping remains a strong social expectation, not a legal requirement.
- Lower menu prices: US menu prices are lower than in many countries because labor cost is passed to customers via tips rather than included in meal prices.
- Tax is not included in prices: Sales tax (typically 6–10%) is added at the end. Tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total.
- Cultural expectation: Tipping is a strong social expectation rather than a legal one.
Typical Tip Amounts
- 15%: The low end of what US surveys report for adequate table service.
- 18–20%: The most commonly reported range for good service.
- 22–25%: Reported by a minority of diners, usually for exceptional service or fine dining.
Example
Subtotal $45.00 + 8% tax ($3.60) = $48.60 total. Tip 20% on the $45.00 subtotal = $9.00. Final payment: $48.60 + $9.00 = $57.60.
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
Ignoring automatic gratuity
Groups of 6+ often have an 18–20% "auto-grat" already added. Check the bill before adding another tip.
Tipping too little (or not at all)
15% sits at the low end of the accepted US range. Tipping 5–10% as you might in Europe, or leaving nothing, reads as a deliberate statement about the service rather than a cultural difference.
Tipping on the post-tax amount
Calculate your tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total including sales tax.
Leaving tips in foreign currency
Tip in US dollars. Foreign notes and coins are hard for US servers to exchange, so their practical value is close to zero.
Quick Reference for International Visitors
| Situation | How Much to Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service restaurant | 18–20% | On pre-tax amount, mandatory |
| Counter service / cafe | 10–15% or $1–2 | Tip jar or payment screen prompt |
| Delivery (food apps) | 15–20%, $5 min | More for bad weather or stairs |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink or 15–20% | Higher % for craft cocktails |
| Groups of 6+ | Check for auto-grat | Usually 18–20% already included |
Tips for Travelers: Smooth Tipping Practices
- • Carry small bills in local currency for convenience
- • Use SnapTipCalc to quickly calculate appropriate tips for different countries
- • Consider the level of service and adjust your tip accordingly
- • Be aware of service charges included in bills
- • Research before you travel using the country database above
- • When in doubt, ask hotel staff or locals for guidance
Conclusion
Tipping around the world doesn't have to be stressful. By understanding local customs, planning ahead, and using helpful tools like SnapTipCalc, you can confidently navigate gratuities anywhere — whether you're staying at a hotel abroad or visiting the US for the first time.
Sources
- Tipping Etiquette Around the World — Condé Nast Traveler
- European Consumer Centre: Tipping in Europe — ECC-Net
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Tipping — JNTO
- Tipping Culture in America: Public Sees a Changed Landscape — Pew Research Center (2023)
- Tipping guides around the world — Wise
See our methodology for how we research and update tipping guidance.