Whether you’re savoring espresso at a Parisian café, hailing a cab in Bangkok, or checking into a luxury safari lodge in South Africa, you’ll likely confront one common question: Should I tip — and if so, how much?
Tipping customs around the world can be surprisingly nuanced. In some places, tipping generously is seen as a mark of appreciation. In others, leaving extra cash might come off as confusing — or even rude. With everything from restaurant service charges to hotel housekeeping tips and tour gratuities varying widely by culture, it’s easy for even seasoned travelers to end up in an awkward position.
To help you navigate this sometimes-delicate part of travel, we’ve created a region-by-region guide to tipping around the globe. Let’s begin our journey in North America, where tipping tends to be generous — and expected.
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North America
When it comes to tipping, North America is one of the most tip-conscious regions in the world. Across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, service workers in hospitality, dining, and transportation industries generally expect a gratuity — but the customs can differ in both amount and expectation.
United States – Tipping in the U.S. is an ingrained part of everyday transactions, with service workers often relying on tips as a major part of their income. In restaurants, tipping 15% to 20% of the total bill before tax is the norm, with 20% expected for good service. Bartenders typically receive $1 to $2 per drink, and baristas may appreciate loose change in a tip jar. Taxis, ride shares, hairdressers, valet attendants, hotel porters, and housekeeping staff are all accustomed to receiving tips. You’ll also find it common to tip tour guides — usually $5 to $10 per person for a group tour, or more for a private one.
Canada – Canada mirrors the United States in many aspects of tipping culture, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. A tip of 15% to 20% at restaurants is standard, and even self-serve establishments may have a tip jar on the counter. Bartenders generally expect about $1 per drink, and tipping for services like haircuts, taxis, and food delivery is also common. Hotel staff — including porters and housekeepers — appreciate small tips for their services (typically CA $1 to $5 depending on the service). While tipping is deeply ingrained in the hospitality sector, Canadians tend to place less emphasis on exceptional gratuities as status symbols the way some Americans might.
Mexico — Tipping in Mexico is expected in most service situations, particularly in tourist areas. In restaurants, a 10% to 15% tip is customary, though some upper-end establishments may include a service charge (servicio) automatically — always check your bill. Tipping in pesos rather than U.S. dollars is appreciated and seen as more practical for recipients. Bartenders and café workers generally receive small tips (around 10 pesos per drink), and hotel housekeepers will be grateful for 20 to 50 pesos per night. Bellhops often receive 20 pesos per bag. While it’s not required to tip cab drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture in city taxis.
Central & South America
Tipping customs across Central and South America are as diverse as the landscapes and cultures. While many countries do not have a strong tipping culture historically, the rise of international tourism has influenced hospitality standards.
Brazil – In Brazil, tipping is not typically expected from locals — but visitors will notice that many restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge (serviço) in the bill. This is considered sufficient, and additional tipping is optional unless service is exceptional. If you do leave more, rounding up or adding a small amount in cash is a kind gesture. Hotel staff — especially those in higher-end or resort properties — appreciate modest tips. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up or letting them keep the change is common practice.
Argentina – In Argentina, tipping is customary but not as formalized as in North America. At restaurants, a 10% tip (in cash) is standard, especially if it’s not already included in the bill. Note that tips are not typically added automatically, and servers prefer to be tipped in cash regardless of how the meal was paid. In bars and cafés, rounding up or leaving any spare change is appreciated. Hotel housekeeping staff and porters typically receive small tips (about 100–200 pesos), particularly in upscale establishments. Taxi drivers do not expect formal tips, but rounding up the fare is polite.
Peru – Tipping in Peru is expected in tourist areas but remains modest in most situations. At restaurants, 10% is generally a good rule — though in local eateries, tipping may not be the norm. In major cities and destinations like Cusco or Lima, many higher-end restaurants include a charge for service; if not, tipping is both welcome and encouraged. Hotel staffing tips are appreciated as well — about 5 to 10 soles per bag for porters and the same daily rate for housekeeping. Tour guides and drivers often rely on gratuities to supplement their income. In remote or rural regions, tipping might be less expected — but consider rewarding great service regardless.
Europe
Tipping customs across Europe vary widely depending on local culture, economic structure, and how service charges are handled. While tips are appreciated almost everywhere, they are generally more modest than in North America, and in many cases, service is already included in the bill.
Western Europe – In countries like France, Germany, and Italy, a service charge is often included in your bill, especially in sit-down restaurants. In French restaurants, you’ll often see “service compris” — meaning no tip is required — but rounding up or leaving a few extra euros in cash for exceptional service is customary. In Germany, it’s typical to tip around 5% to 10%, and diners often tell the server the total amount to be paid, including the tip, rather than leaving it on the table. Italy follows a similar model. A “coperto” or cover charge is common and is not the same as a tip. While additional tipping isn’t required, leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated. In Spain and Portugal, tips are modest — an extra euro or two at cafés or 5–10% in nicer restaurants is sufficient.
Eastern Europe – In countries such as Hungary, Czech Republic, and Croatia, tipping is expected in restaurants, but usually at a lower rate than in the West. Adding 10% is standard — and sometimes already included, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. In the Czech Republic, it’s common to round up or tip 10% if it isn’t included in the bill. In Croatia, tipping isn’t mandatory but is increasingly expected in urban centers and coastal destinations. For taxis and cafés across Eastern Europe, rounding up the fare or leaving small change is an easy rule of thumb. Hotel porters and housekeepers appreciate small gratuities, much like elsewhere in Europe.
Scandinavian Countries – Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark tend to have high wages and a strong emphasis on egalitarianism, which translates into less reliance on tipping. Service charges are typically included in restaurant prices. Locals may round up slightly or leave small tips in cash for excellent service, but anything more than 5% to 10% may be considered excessive or unnecessary.
United Kingdom – In the U.K., tipping conventions blend elements of both North American and European practices. In restaurants, a 10% to 12.5% service charge is often added to the bill, especially in London and other large cities. If it’s not included, tipping 10% to 15% in cash is customary. Bar staff don’t usually expect tips unless it’s table service, though rounding up or offering to buy the bartender a drink (they’ll pocket the value) is a long-standing gesture. Taxis are typically rounded up to the nearest pound, and hotel porters or housekeepers may be tipped a few pounds for good service. Tipping hairstylists or delivery drivers is common but at a modest amount.
Asia
Tipping customs across Asia vary dramatically from country to country. In some places, tipping is rare or even discouraged, rooted in cultural values around service and hospitality. In others, particularly where tourism plays a key economic role, tipping is becoming more common, especially in hotels, restaurants, and guided tours.
Japan – In Japan, tipping is not part of the culture. Attempting to leave extra money might be confusing or even interpreted as offensive. Excellent service is considered standard, and workers take pride in providing it without expecting a reward. In restaurants, cafes, taxis, and whenever interacting with general service staff, tipping is neither required nor expected. Some upscale hotels may include a service charge of 10% in the bill, particularly in restaurants or room service. In the case of guided private tours, it has become more common for foreign travelers to tip discreetly, but it’s still optional and should be handled with care—preferably in an envelope as a respectful gesture.
China – Tipping in mainland China is still relatively uncommon, especially among locals. In most restaurants, service charges are included in the bill, and diners are not expected to leave a tip. In less-touristy or government-run hotels and establishments, tipping may still be refused. In more international or luxury hotels, and in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, tipping has become more acceptable, particularly among staff accustomed to foreign guests. Housekeepers and porters may appreciate small tips — 10 to 20 yuan for housekeeping and 5 yuan per bag for bellhops. In private or group tours, tipping guides and drivers is welcomed and sometimes expected.
Southeast Asia – In Southeast Asia, tipping is not part of traditional culture but has become more common in tourist settings. In countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia, tipping small amounts for good service is appreciated but not required. At casual restaurants and street stalls, tips are usually unnecessary. In upscale or tourist-oriented restaurants, 5% to 10% is a good guide if service isn’t already included. Tipping hotel staff, massage therapists, or drivers is increasingly standard in tourist areas. A few dollars’ equivalent in local currency is usually sufficient. On guided tours, travelers are encouraged to tip both drivers and guides — generally the equivalent of $5 to $10 USD per person per day, depending on the type and length of the tour.
South Korea – In South Korea, tipping is not traditionally expected and is still fairly uncommon in most daily transactions. Restaurants and taxi services generally do not expect tips, and staff may decline them. Like in Japan, exceptional service is considered part of the job. However, in high-end hotels or Western-style institutions, small tips may be accepted. Bellhops or housekeeping staff may receive the equivalent of a few dollars in Korean won. Tour guides who work with international travelers often receive tips, and around 10,000 to 20,000 won per person per day is typical for longer or private tours.
India – Tipping is an entrenched part of the service economy in India, though expectations can vary. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard if service isn’t already included in the bill. In upscale venues, you may see a service charge listed — if so, no additional tip is necessary. In less formal dining, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. Hotel porters typically expect 50 to 100 rupees per bag; housekeeping staff should receive around 200 rupees per night for multi-day stays. It’s customary to tip drivers and guides when using hired car services, particularly for day trips or tours — 300 to 500 rupees for drivers and at least 500 to 1,000 rupees per day for guides, depending on the quality of service and group size.
Africa
Tipping customs in Africa vary by country and region, but across much of the continent—especially in areas popular with tourists—tipping is expected and appreciated. Modest gratuities in local currency go a long way, and visitors should carry small denominations for easy tipping.
South Africa – In South Africa, tipping is the norm in hospitality and service industries. A 10% tip is standard in restaurants if it’s not already included. Porters and hotel staff usually receive 20 to 50 rand per service, and safari lodges often provide guidelines suggesting daily tips for guides, trackers, and camp staff.
Northern African – In North African countries like Morocco and Egypt, tipping is culturally ingrained and often expected in both formal and informal settings. Leaving 5% to 10% in restaurants is customary, even at casual spots. Hotel porters typically receive the equivalent of $1 to $2 per bag, and tour guides and drivers should be tipped at the end of service – roughly $5 to $10 per day, per person.
Eastern Africa – In East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, tipping is customary in the safari and tourism industries. A 5% to 10% restaurant tip is standard. Safari guides and drivers commonly receive $10–$20 per guest, per day, and many lodges offer shared tip boxes for staff. Hotel housekeepers and porters appreciate small daily tips in local currency.
Western Africa – In West Africa, tipping is less formalized but gaining traction in urban and tourist hubs. In Ghana, a 10% tip at restaurants is becoming typical, and rounding up for taxis is a polite gesture. Hotel staff welcome tips for porter and housekeeping services.
Middle East
Tipping customs in the Middle East vary by country but tend to strike a balance between Western practices and local traditions. In many places, tipping is expected in the hospitality industry, particularly in urban centers and tourist hubs. However, the amounts are typically modest, and service charges are sometimes already included.
United Arab Emirates – In the UAE, tipping is customary but not heavily emphasized. In restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated if no service charge is already added to the bill — especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding a few dirhams is standard. In hotels, porters are typically tipped 5 to 10 dirhams per bag, and housekeeping staff around 10 to 20 dirhams per night. Concierge staff may be tipped 20 to 50 dirhams for helpful service.
Israel – Tipping is widely practiced in Israel. At restaurants, a 10–15% tip is customary and expected, especially if a service charge isn’t already included in the bill. In bars and cafés, rounding up or leaving small change is common. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up to the nearest shekel is polite. Hotel staff should be tipped a few shekels per bag or per service, and tour guides — especially for private tours — generally receive 50 to 100 shekels per day, per person.
Jordan – In Jordan, tipping is appreciated and often expected in tourist-focused services. A 10% tip in restaurants is standard if there’s no service charge included. At hotels, porters are usually tipped about 1 to 2 dinars per bag, and housekeepers the same amount per night. For drivers and tour guides, tipping around 5 dinars per day is typical. Even in casual settings, leaving a small amount of change for good service is seen as respectful.
Related: Tips on Travel Etiquette That Could Save You From Embarrassment in Europe
Oceania
Tipping in Oceania is generally more relaxed than in North America or parts of Europe. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, service staff are paid a living wage, and tipping is not culturally ingrained. However, as international tourism grows, tipping has become more common in hospitality settings, particularly where service is exceptional.
Australia – Tipping is not expected in Australia but is appreciated for excellent service. In restaurants, a 10% tip may be left at mid- to high-end establishments, though it’s not mandatory. For casual dining or takeout, tipping is virtually unheard of. Hotel staff such as porters may be given AU $1 to $2 per bag, and housekeeping staff AU $5 to $10 per stay. Taxis can be rounded up to the nearest dollar.
New Zealand – Much like Australia, New Zealand doesn’t have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or tipping 5% to 10% is appreciated at nicer establishments. Hotel porters and housekeepers may receive NZ $1 to $2 per bag or per night if service goes above and beyond. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is common.
The Pacific Islands – Tipping customs vary in places like Fiji, Tahiti, and Vanuatu. In many communities, tipping goes against traditional or communal customs, especially in rural areas. However, in tourist-oriented resorts, tipping staff or contributing to a shared staff fund is both welcome and encouraged. It’s best to check with your resort or guide — some have posted tipping guidelines or communal gratuity boxes. For private guides or drivers, a tip of US $5 to $10 per day is typical.
