Top Tips about tipping around the world

Figuring out what to tip from one country to another is difficult, and many people have no idea how much to tip or offer.

From the poised bellboy hoping for a reward for his misery to the unrewarded feelings left behind by a disgruntled maître d’ or the cold shoulder of an injured bartender, you have to find out before you arrive what the norm is.

For example, in Japan, if you leave a few coins on the table, the waiter may chase you to return the forgotten change, but in New York, if you leave less than 15 percent, good luck making a reservation at the same restaurant again!

Here is a brief overview of tips abroad:

Argentina

In restaurants it is customary to leave 10%. Hotels usually charge about 10%, but if not, housekeeping and porters will charge 1-2 pesos to take your bags to your room. You can also tip the waitress a few pesos every day and get great service. Taxi drivers usually don’t expect a tip, but most will give them coins.

Australia

In Australia, tipping is becoming more and more common, but it is still entirely voluntary. A 10% tip in restaurants is acceptable. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but tipping is increasing as tourism in Australia increases.

Austria

Tipping is less common in Austria than in North America or other parts of Europe, mainly because wages are reasonable and service charges are usually already included in the bill. In restaurants, on the other hand, you can tip 5-10% (depending on the elegance of the place), in cash by handing the money directly to the waiter. Saying “Danke” when offering payment is the Austrian word for “Keep the change”. If you are dissatisfied with the service, it is not uncommon to leave a tip. Taxi drivers usually 10%. Tip the porters €1-2 per bag, the same for the valet each morning. These suggestions are not necessary, but are appreciated.

Belgium

Tipping is not very common in Belgium. Service employees are usually well paid and do not rely on tips. However, whether or not to tip depends on the situation. Restaurants usually add 10-15% but leave a few coins for good service. If the service is not included in the price, a 15% tip is expected. Tipping is not the norm in hotels and taxis, it just rounds up the price. Parking staff €1, cloakroom 50 cents, lifeguards 25 cents and bar staff only. Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory in Belgium, but it is welcome.

British Virginislands

A tip of 15-22% is expected in restaurants and hotels. Taxis receive a discretionary tip of 2-4-10% for bar staff.

Canada

Most service personnel in Canada expect something like a 10-20% tip depending on French Canada or English and how good the service is – if the service is really bad. Restaurants usually charge 15%. Doormen, valets, and hotel maids are tipped $1 to $3 per day. Tip on the bed or coffee table. A tip is expected from the taxi driver, approximately 10%.

Chili

It is customary to leave a 10% tip. No more and no less. But! If the attention you’re getting is bad, don’t tip. In any case, no one leaves more than 10%.

China

You are never allowed to tip in China. The consensus is that foreigners are filthy rich and therefore pay much more. Most state hotels and restaurants prohibit tipping. It is sometimes expected in large hotels and more open cities by younger maintenance staff. Use your judgment. At luxury hotels, you can leave $10 per bag with bellboys or concierges, but that’s not the case. In Hong Kong, a surcharge of 10-15% is usually added to your bill. In China, taxi drivers do not expect a tip.

Cyprus

Restaurants and hotels charge 10-15% plus small tips for porters and housekeeping. Taxis don’t expect a tip, but cloakroom and toilet attendants expect €1.

Czech Republic

Tipping is by no means customary in the Czech Republic, but today a 10% tip is generally expected for foreign visitors, but only in tourist destinations such as Prague. Restaurants: As the economy grows, so do tips. The service here is different from many other places in the world: don’t judge the service by the smile, but by the speed, the quality and the bill. Giving with a credit card is unusual.

Denmark

Tipping is not common in Denmark because wages are generally high. However, a 10% tip is always welcome. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you tip or not, especially when it’s exceptionally good service.

France

In France, according to the law, the service must be included in the price of the restaurant bill, so there is no need to tip, although it is common practice to round the bill a little more. In hotels, leave €1-2 for cleaning and porter. This does not apply to bars, so you should use your own judgment as to whether you have received particularly good service or not. Usually porters are paid €0.50 – €1.00 per bag and housekeepers €1.00 – €1.50 per day.

Germany

Tipping is not very common in Germany. Service is usually not included in restaurants – a discretionary tip of 5-10% is expected. Hotel cleaning and porters expect €2-3. Taxi drivers expect a 10-15% tip. Most restaurants and shops and even hotels only accept cash in Germany.

Greece

Restaurants have a discretionary 5-10% surcharge. In hotels, a discretionary tip of 4-5% is the norm. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. In hotels, it is customary to give the drinks porter/bellboy around €1 per bag.

Hungary

Tipping is very common in Hungary. In restaurants, tips are usually 8-15%. The rule is that service providers are tipped. 10% tip for taxi drivers.

Ireland

Tipping is not de rigueur in Ireland. In restaurants or hotels, however, it is customary to give a 12-15% tip if the service charge is not already included. If you get good service, a 10% tip is the right amount for taxi drivers, doormen and hotel staff.

Italy

Tipping is not expected in restaurants all over Italy as you will usually be charged a Coperto (coperto) on top of the bill or you may see the words “service included”. However, any extras are undoubtedly appreciated.

Malta

Expect to tip 10-15% in restaurants. In hotels, a discretionary tip of LM5 for cleaning and LM1 for porter and bartender is sufficient. Taxi drivers are waiting for LM 1-2. All others between 10-50c.

Netherlands

Tipping is not really expected in the Netherlands. However, restaurants tend to round up the bill. Restaurants charge 10%, but if the service is not included in the price, you can get a 10% tip. In hotels, you can tip as much as you want, but taxis expect 5 percent or round up. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but you can leave 1-2€.

New Zealand

New Zealanders are generally well paid, so a tip is a nice surprise. Tipping is not part of the culture unless the service is exceptional. However, as more Americans keep coming, tipping is becoming more popular.

Portugal

In Portugal, tipping is common only in highly touristic areas such as Lisbon and the Algarve. In restaurants, you leave about 5%. Hotels usually charge 5-19%. If the service is not included in the price, the concierge and porters leave €2. Taxi drivers expect 5-10%.

Romania

Most restaurants charge a 5-10% service charge. If not included, drop 5-10%. Hotels charge about 5%, but if not included, cleaning and porters leave 4-5 Lei per day. To round the price in a taxi and in the cloakroom, parking and toilet attendants expect 2-3 Lei.

Russia

Restaurants everywhere charge a 5-20% service charge, but otherwise leave a 10-25% tip. Hotels charge 5-20%, but a small tip is expected from porter and cleaning. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. Tip in cash, many restaurants do not accept credit cards.

Singapore

According to the advice of the Lion City government, the administration of drops is not allowed. Officials encourage tourists not to add anything to the 10% service charge that many luxury hotels add to the bill. Hotel porters are an exception to the tipping rule, as they usually earn a few dollars for carrying luggage.