Everything you need to know about how much to tip for good service around the world.
Deciphering the customs and expectations around gratuity can be a daunting task when traveling to different countries. From the attentive bellhop to the discerning maitre'd, it's essential to understand the tipping norms before arriving to avoid any awkward or uncomfortable situations. For example, in Japan, tipping is not a customary practice and leaving a small amount of money may be seen as an insult, whereas in New York, a tip of less than 15% may result in poor service or even a blacklisted reservation at the same restaurant. A little research before your trip can go a long way in ensuring smooth interactions and happy service staff during your travels.
Tipping customs can vary greatly from country to country, making it difficult to know the appropriate amount to leave. Here is a brief overview of some common tipping practices in different countries:
Argentina: It is customary to leave 10% at restaurants. Hotels charge around 10%, but if that is not the case, tip housekeeping and porters 1-2 pesos for taking bags into your room. You can also tip the maid a few pesos every day. Taxi drivers usually do not expect to be tipped, but almost everyone leaves them some coins.
Australia: Tipping in Australia is becoming more frequent, but it is still entirely optional. A 10% tip in restaurants is acceptable. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but this practice is on the rise as tourism grows.
Austria: Tipping in Austria is less common than in North America or other parts of Europe, mainly because wages are decent and a service charge is usually already included in the bill. However, in restaurants, you can tip 5-10% (depending on the establishment), in cash, directly to the waiter. Saying "danke" when presenting your payment is the Austrian equivalent of saying "keep the change." If you are not satisfied with the service, it is not unusual not to tip. Tip taxi drivers generally 10%.
Belgium: Tipping is not very common in Belgium. Service workers are well paid and do not rely on tips. However, whether to tip or not depends on the situation. Restaurants usually add on 10-15%, but leave a few coins for good service. Tipping is not the norm in hotels and in taxis, just round up the fare.
The British Virgin Islands: Tipping 15-22% is expected at restaurants and hotels. Taxis get between 2-4% and a discretionary 10% tip for bar staff.
Canada: Most service staff in Canada expect a tip in the 10-20% range, depending on whether it's French or English Canada, and how good the service is. Restaurants usually charge 15%. It is appreciated to tip between 1-3$ per day for porters, valets, and maids in hotels. Leave the tip on the bed or the side table. Tipping taxi drivers is expected, around 10%.
Chile: It is customary to leave a 10% tip. No more, no less. But if the service is poor, then feel free not to tip.
China: Tipping is not common in China. The consensus is that foreigners are wealthy and therefore charged more. Most government-operated hotels and restaurants prohibit the acceptance of tips. It is sometimes expected at more prominent hotels and by younger service personnel in more open cities. Use your discretion.
Cyprus: Expect to be charged 10-15% at restaurants and hotels plus small tips for porters and housekeeping. Taxis don't expect tips, but cloakroom staff and toilet attendants expect 1€.
Czech Republic: Tipping is not common in the Czech Republic. However, nowadays, tipping 10% is commonly expected for foreign visitors but only in touristic destinations such as Prague. Restaurants: as the economy grows, tipping habits change. Tipping with credit card is unusual. Tipping for taxis in the Czech Republic is not common. However, if you received exceptional service, feel free to round up the bill. Hotels: Tip 1-3€ porters, bell boys and maids.
Denmark: It is not custom to tip in Denmark because wages are usually high. However, leaving a 10% tip is always appreciated.
France
In France service must be included in the price of a restaurant bill by law so no need to tip, although it is customary to round up your bill to include a little more. At hotels leave 1-2€ for housekeeping and porters. This is not true of bars so you should use your discretion if you feel you have got particularly good service or not. Generally, it is expected to give porters 0.50€ – 1.00€ per bag, housekeepers 1.00€ – 1.50€ per day. It is customary to tip your taxi driver 10%.
Germany
Tipping is not very common in Germany. Service is not generally included at restaurants – a discretionary tip of 5-10% is expected. At hotels housekeeping and porters expect 2-3€. Taxi drivers expect 10-15% tips. Most restaurants and stores, and even hotels, only accept cash in Germany.
Greece
At restaurants, a discretionary charge of 5-10% is expected. At hotels, a discretionary tip of 4-5% is the norm. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. In hotels, it is customary to tip the porter/bellboy around 1€ per bag.
Hungary
Tipping is very common in Hungary. Tips are generally around 8-15% in restaurants. The rule is to tip anyone who provides a service. Tip 10% taxi drivers.
Ireland
Tipping is not de rigueur in Ireland. However, it is customary to tip between 12 and 15% in restaurants or hotels, if there is not already a service charge included. If you receive good service then a 10% tip would be about the right amount for taxi drivers, porters and hotel staff.
Italy
No tip is expected in restaurants throughout Italy, as you will normally be charged a coperto (cover charge) on top of your bill or you may see the words “servizio incluso”. However, any extra will no doubt be appreciated.
Malta
At restaurants expect to pay 10-15% tips. At hotels a discretionary tip of LM5 for housekeeping and for porters and bar staff LM1 is adequate. Taxi drivers expect LM 1-2. Everyone else between 10-50c.
Netherlands
Tipping in the Netherlands is not really expected. However, rounding up the bill in restaurants is common. Restaurants charge 10% but where service is not included leave a tip of 10%. At hotels, tip as you please but taxis expect 5 per cent or round up the fare. Tipping taxi drivers is not common but you can leave 1-2€.
New Zealand
New Zealanders are usually paid good wages so a tip will be a good surprise. Tipping is not part of the culture unless service is exceptional. However, as Americans continue to visit, tipping is becoming more and more popular.
Portugal
In Portugal, tipping is common only in the very touristic areas such as Lisbon and Algarve. At restaurants leave around 5%. Hotels tend to charge between 5-19%. Where service is not included leave the concierge and porters 2€. Taxi drivers expect 5-10%.
Romania
Most restaurants include a service charge at a rate of 5-10%. Where not included leave a tip between 5-10%. Hotels charge around 5% but where it is not included leave housekeeping and porters 4-5 Lei per day. In taxis, round up the fare and cloakroom, car-park and toilet attendants expect between 2-3 Lei.
Russia
Restaurants charge anywhere between 5-20% service charge but where they don’t, leave between 10-25% tips. Hotels charge 5-20% but a small tip is expected by porters and housekeeping. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip. Tip in cash, many restaurants don’t accept credit cards.
Singapore
According to government notices in Lion City, tipping is not allowed. Officials encourage tourists not to add to the 10% service charge that many high-end hotels include on the bill. Hotel porters are one exception to the no-tipping rule, as they usually receive a couple of dollars for lugging bags.
Spain
In Spain, most restaurants and bars will expect to receive a tip from tourists of around 5%, although it is really still a matter of personal discretion. Bills will usually include a service charge in restaurants and as a general rule if you are served a drink in the bar or at your table you should leave a small tip. Porters and chambermaids in your hotel will also expect a small token of your appreciation.
Sri Lanka
A 10% tip is generally expected. Hotels will charge this amount, but where they don’t tip the concierge, bar staff and housekeeping 100LKr and porters 30LKr. Taxi drivers expect 10% or up to 100LKr for a short journey. Car park and toilet attendants and bar staff expect 50-100 LKr.
Thailand
It is not very customary to tip in Thailand. Some places expect it and others don’t. In general, the more Westernised the place is, the more likely you’ll be expected to leave a gratuity. Cabs are now metered in Bangkok, so there’s no haggling over your fare, but local custom is still to round the fare up to the nearest five baht.
United States
The United States is the tipping capital of the world where not tipping can easily offend. Restaurants in the USA usually call for a 15-20% tip, which supplements a normally meagre wage. This is true of everyone in the service industry, so the rule is, if someone helps you out in any way, from porter to bartender it pays to leave a tip for continued good service. It’s a cultural thing.
Comments
Post a Comment