Tipping customs vary more than almost anything else travellers deal with: from 20% being the norm in the US to tipping being awkward in Japan. This table summarises our country pages; open any country for details on taxis, hotels and tours.
Restaurant tipping by country
| Country | Restaurants | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 15–20% at restaurants | Expected nearly everywhere: restaurants, bars, taxis, hotels and salons. |
| Canada | 15–20% at restaurants | Similar to the US; card machines often prompt for a tip. |
| Mexico | 10–15% at restaurants | Expected; hotel, spa and tour staff also appreciate tips. |
| Brazil | 10% at restaurants | Usually added as a service charge (taxa de serviço). |
| United Kingdom | 10–15% at restaurants | Check the bill for a discretionary service charge; not expected for drinks at the bar. |
| France | 5–10% (optional) | Service is included by law; rounding up or a few euros is a polite extra. |
| Germany | 5–10% | Tell the server the total you want to pay rather than leaving coins. |
| Italy | 5–10% (optional) | A coperto (cover charge) is common; extra tipping is appreciated, not required. |
| Spain | 5–10% (optional) | Small change or rounding up is common; cash is easiest. |
| South Africa | 10–15% at restaurants | Important; petrol attendants and car guards also expect small tips. |
| UAE / Dubai | 10–15% if no service charge | Many restaurants add a service charge; check the bill. |
| Japan | Do not tip | Tipping can cause embarrassment; good service is the norm. |
| South Korea | Not customary | Not expected; some tourist-facing venues may accept tips. |
| Singapore | Not customary | Bills usually include a 10% service charge. |
| Thailand | 20–50 THB, or 10% upscale | Appreciated; upscale places may add a service charge. |
| Vietnam | 5–10% upscale | Becoming more common in tourist areas; optional at local places. |
| Indonesia | 10% if no service charge | Widely expected in Bali and tourist areas. |
| Australia | Optional, up to 10% | Not expected; rounding up for great service is appreciated. |
| New Zealand | Optional, up to 10% | Optional; a kind gesture for exceptional service. |
These are typical norms, not rules. Local practice differs between cities and venues, and it changes over time.
Three rules that work almost everywhere
- Check the bill first. A service charge may already be included.
- When unsure, round up. It is accepted almost everywhere tipping is not expected and is rarely offensive.
- Carry small notes. Hotel porters, guides and drivers are usually tipped in cash.
Quick answers
Which countries expect the biggest tips?
The United States and Canada, where 15–20% at restaurants is standard and tips make up a large part of many service workers’ pay.
Where should I not tip?
Japan is the clearest example: tipping is not part of the culture and can cause confusion. In South Korea and Singapore it is generally not expected.
What if a service charge is already on the bill?
In most countries that add one (for example the UK, UAE, Singapore and Brazil) the service charge replaces the tip. Extra is optional for exceptional service.
Should I tip in cash or by card?
Cash goes directly to the person who served you. How tips added by card are shared varies by venue and country.
Related: The cheapest way to pay abroad