Travelers may find tipping a confusing social custom, especially when norms differ so much from country to country. In Venezuela, tipping is like adding sprinkles on a cake with frosting already applied. It’s nice but not necessary. Tipping in Hungary is like adding sprinkles to a cake that already has frosting. It’s sweet, but unnecessary.
Understanding the differences in tipping customs in other countries can help Americans show their appreciation for local culture without offending them. Even those who are well-traveled can make mistakes with tipping. In a survey* of respondents, tipping inappropriately ranked among the top 10 mistakes made by international travelers.
Tipping Practices in Popular Destinations
The tipping practices of some of the top international destinations visited by Americans reveal key differences between them. For example, with a little research travelers learn that tipping in Japan is like trying to order sushi in a steakhouse–everyone’s uncomfortable, and no one knows what to do next. In Denmark, however, tipping is not required at restaurants. In the U.S., however, a 20% tip is expected.
There’s no surprise that so many survey participants are concerned about tipping while traveling. That’s why I have put together a summary of research and my personal experience on tipping in popular locations.
- Mexico and Canada have similar tipping practices to the United States, where a standard 15-20% gratuity is expected for good service.
- In Austria, you should tip between 10-15% at restaurants. You should tip your server slightly more than you would tip a bartender because they will likely share their tip with kitchen staff.
- United Kingdom: Tipping is not mandatory in the UK. If the service charge is not included in your bill then a tip of 10-15% will be appreciated. Pubs don’t usually expect tips. Rounding up your bill will suffice.
- In France, a service fee is always included in the bill. However, it’s customary to round up or leave the change. Tipping is optional but appreciated when the service is good.
- Tipping in Australia is not compulsory, but is increasingly common in tourist areas. For exceptional service, a tip of 10% is expected.
- Czech Republic: Gratuities and tips are at the discretion of the customer and depend on service quality. Tipping is appropriate in restaurants, hotels or taxis.
Countries With Unique Tipping Customs
Travelers should be aware of the unique customs in other countries, which can help them navigate social situations more smoothly.
- China: Tipping in China is not an expected practice. It is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is slowly becoming accepted. It may be even refused in some cases.
- In Sweden, Norway and Finland, as well as in Denmark and Iceland, tipping is not mandatory. The service charge is included in most bills, so rounding the bill up to the nearest dollar will suffice. A small tip will be appreciated if the service was exceptional.
Countries Where Tipping Is Not Expected
Tipping is discouraged in some countries like Japan and South Korea. Knowing these places can help travelers avoid awkward situations, and will ensure that their expressions of thanks are received positively.
- Singapore: Tipping in Singapore is rare, since service charges are already included in the bill. It is still appreciated to leave small change in the event of exceptional service.
- United Arab Emirates: Tipping is optional in tourist areas. Tipping a nominal amount or rounded up is usually sufficient.
Tipping With Foreign Currency
The use of foreign currency as a tip can have a variety of reactions depending on where you are, what the local customs are, and who the service provider is. Service workers in popular tourist destinations may be used to receiving tips paid in foreign currencies, such as U.S. Dollars or Euros. These currencies are easy to exchange or use in international transactions, so they may prefer them.
Local service providers in less touristic areas may prefer to receive tips in their local currency. They may accept foreign currency but they might not be able to convert it easily or incur a loss.
The server may value the foreign currency according to the current exchange rates. They might be grateful if the currency is significantly higher than the local currency. The tip may not seem generous if the exchange rate is bad.
If possible, use the local currency when tipping to conform with local customs. This will also make it easier for your recipient. If you tip with foreign currency, your service provider might not be able to provide you with change if they do not have access to currency exchange services. This can lead to awkward situations.
Tips for Tipping
It is important to respect and understand the local tipping culture in order to have positive interactions with service providers during your travels. Tipping is a sensitive topic. What may be considered generous by one culture, could be viewed as presumptuous by another.
Research the tipping culture of your destination before you travel there to make sure you are prepared. Travel guides, forums, and online resources can give you valuable insight into the tipping customs of different locales. Also, travelers can observe how the locals tip. It’s possible that gratuities are not expected if you notice that the locals do not leave them.
Be mindful of the tip you give when traveling to countries that use different currencies. If you’re traveling to a country with different currencies, be mindful of how much you tip.
*Global Rescue survey
