Think you’re being polite? The countries where tipping could actually offend locals – and
To tip or not to tip? That is the question many Britons have to grapple with when visiting a foreign country.
Every destination has its own customs and cultural norms when it comes to leaving some extra cash behind for a service.
In fact, it can get so confusing that a whopping 40 million Brits are confused about how tipping works overseas.
New research by Tesco Travel Money reveals 31 per cent of Brits have tipped just to avoid awkwardness when on holiday, meaning they’re splashing cash when they might not need to.
In some places, like the US, giving waiting staff some extra money on top of the bill is expected.
But locals in other countries, like China, actually find the practice rude.
To squash the confusion, here is a guide on where to tip, and where you don’t necessarily need to.
A surprising number of Brits are clueless when it comes to tipping customs abroad
Places to tip
United States of America
America is known for its tipping culture and is ‘definitely’ a destination where Brits will be expected to tip, according to travel expert Manuela Savoca from Transfeero.
Many hospitality workers in the States rely heavily on tips to make up their income.
In London and other big UK cities, a 10 to 12 per cent service charge is normal, but in America, restaurants typically expect a tip of 15 to 20 per cent of the bill.
It doesn’t stop there. Even for a drink, bartenders are usually tipped around $1-$2 per beverage, or 15 to 20 per cent of the total bill.
‘Taxi drivers are commonly tipped 10 per cent, with that rising to around 20 per cent for extra help luggage,’ Ms Savoca warns.
It’s also normal to leave hotel staff a few dollars, too, though the amount varies on their role and what the level of service they provide.
In America, tipping is expected, especially in restaurants where guests might leave between 15 to 20 per cent of the bill
Brits heading to Canada should expect a similar tipping culture to America, with 15 to 20 per cent expected for food servers, and a couple of dollars per drink for bartenders.
In taxis, most people will round up the cost of the trip, according to Canadian Train Vacations.
France, Spain, Germany (and a few others in Europe)
Europe can be a minefield when it comes to tipping etiquette, with some countries expecting tips and others not so much.
‘Etiquette varies from country to country,’ says Ms Savoca.
Tipping in Italy, France, Spain, and Germany isn’t necessarily expected as restaurants usually add a service charge to the bill.
But, the expert explains how ‘locals often leave some extra change or round up to the next euro if the service was good’ so a tip isn’t unwelcome.
Transport tipping varies – drivers in major cities like Paris might expect a larger tip than someone in a rural French village.
Paris is another spot where tipping is more normalised, and is one of several destinations in Europe where leaving extra cash is welcome
Central and South America
Countries within Central and South America vary with their tipping culture.
In Argentina, it is normal to leave around 10 per cent on top of the total bill in cash, even if paying with card.
Meanwhile, a ‘cubierto’ service charge is often added to restaurant tabs in Brazil.
As for tour guides in this area, it’s typical to give cash at the end of a private tour or day trip.
Mexico
Tipping culture is also strong in Mexico, where servers might expect to be left cash totalling 10 to 15 per cent of the bill, according to Mexexperience.
Taxi drivers appreciate the fare being rounded up, too. And housekeeping staff in hotels are grateful for a few dollars left for their service each day.
Thailand and a few other destinations across Asia
In Thailand, leaving extra cash is often welcome in restaurants or eateries and Ms Savoca explains how ‘locals have become increasingly accustomed to international tipping habits’.
The expert adds, ‘It’s rarely compulsory to leave a tip, but leaving five to 10 per cent of a bill is appreciated, if the bill doesn’t include a service charge.’
The situation is similar in other countries across Southeast Asia, like Indonesia and Vietnam.
Meanwhile in India, South Asia, restaurants often add a service charge ranging from five to 10 per cent of the total bill.
As for taxis, rounding up the fare is welcomed or tipping ₹100 to ₹300 for particularly good service.
In Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, ‘locals have become increasingly accustomed to international tipping habits’
Egypt
Tipping is known as bakhshish in Egypt and a prominent part of local culture. Those working in the tourism and hospitality sector don’t always get paid a lot and appreciate the extra money.
Inside Egypt recommends tipping in the local currency so it costs the tourist less, or even American dollars – either way, the recipient is bound to be grateful for the gesture.
Like other destinations, it’s common practice to tip waiting staff, servers, cleaners, tour guides and drivers.
Africa
Tipping on a safari in Africa is ‘especially’ expected, according to Ms Savoca.
‘Safari tour guides generally receive higher tips than guides in cities because of the length of time spent with them,’ the expert explains.
‘The equivalent of £10 – £20 per day is common, depending on the destination, and trackers and other lodge staff may expect separate gratuities.’
When dining out, restaurants in countries like South Africa, Morocco and Kenya typically expect a 10 to 15 per cent tip.
As for staying there, it’s usual custom to tip housekeeping staff around £1 to £3 per night.
Some of the more luxurious accommodations even provide their own tipping guides for guests.
It’s usual to round up the fare for taxi drivers in India
Countries where tipping isn’t expected (but is appreciated)
Singapore
There isn’t a huge tipping culture in Singapore like in destinations like America and Canada and waiters won’t be offended if you don’t.
If the service particularly stands out, it is acceptable to leave a small token of appreciation.
‘While tipping is not customary, should you experience good service, you are encouraged to do so,’ Visit Singapore’s website states.
Denmark, Sweden and other European spots
Though some parts of Europe expect tips, others don’t as much, including Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Ms Savoca says: ‘A tip is less expected as hospitality workers are generally paid a higher wage.’
Australia and New Zealand
In a similar sense to the tipping customs in Singapore, it’s not expected in Australia or New Zealand due to the higher wages, but it isn’t unwelcome.
Hotel staff and drivers won’t be waiting for you to give them a tip, but some guests like to leave five to 10 per cent extra if they are impressed with the service.
Destinations where it’s a no-no
China, Japan and South Korea
Holidaymakers may think they’re being nice by leaving some extra money on the table in a restaurant.
But, in China, the practice is actually considered as rude or offensive at times.
Tipping is even prohibited in some establishments in the country, including airports.
But in China, tipping is not usual practice and could even be taken offensively
Likewise, tipping in South Korea is not the norm.
Japan takes a slightly alternative approach. Although tipping isn’t expected in the country, you could still leave something behind.
Ms Savoca explains: ‘In Japan, it can be better to leave a gift rather than leaving a tip, particularly for hotel staff.’
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