Tipping etiquette varies from country to country. For advice on tipping around the globe, here’s what you need to know.
If you’ve ever been in the awkward situation of not knowing if or how much to tip, you likely want to avoid that feeling in the future. Additionally, when traveling for business in particular, knowing how to tip is crucial to making a good impression and preventing cultural misunderstandings. Advice on tipping varies depending on where in the world you are, though. In some countries, you may need to tip rarely. In others, like the United States, tipping may be widespread and the norm.
Here’s some advice on tipping to take with you during your next business trip, wherever you’re headed.
Advice on Tipping in Europe
Tipping culture in Europe differs from country to country. This can be seen in a 2023 YouGov study. The study found, for example, that tipping restaurant servers was popular in Germany. However, per the study, tipping in restaurants was not the majority norm in countries such as Spain, France, Sweden, Italy and Denmark.
In most instances, tipping is appreciated but not expected. In restaurants in Europe, check your receipt as you pay, because service charges may already be included in your bill. If they’re not, you may choose to tip 5–10%, particularly for exceptional service. (In the United Kingdom, tipping in pubs is not customary.)
Otherwise, when taking taxis or rideshares, you might round up the fare as a tip. For hotel services, you can expect to tip €1–€2 per bag for bellhops or €2–€5 per day for housekeeping.
Advice on Tipping in North America
Tipping in North America can be complex. Plus, tipping expectations may differ depending on who you ask. It’s a divisive topic even among locals. In fact, according to a Pew Research survey, nearly half of all Americans say whether or not they decide to tip is completely situational. However, the same survey finds that the majority always tip when dining at a restaurant, getting a haircut, having food delivered or buying a drink at a bar.
In general, during a business trip to North America, you should expect to tip the following:
- 15–20% of the total bill in restaurants where table service is provided
- 10–20% of the total bill for a rideshare service like Uber
- $1–$2 to bellhops per bag delivered
- $3–$5 to housekeeping staff per day for services provided
- $5–$10 to a concierge for simple services like making a reservation, but up to $50 for more complex services like crafting a full itinerary
It can be handy to carry small bills in the local currency to make tipping easier.
Advice on Tipping in Asia
Tipping culture in Asia will, as is the case in Europe, depend on your specific destination.
In some Asian countries, offering a tip to a service provider may be viewed as an insult. This is particularly the case in China, Japan and South Korea.
Tipping is more widely practiced in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, primarily in tourist-heavy areas. In these countries, check to see if a service fee has already been added to your bill. If it’s not, feel free to leave a tip of 10% of the bill’s total.
Advice on Tipping in the Middle East
Comparatively, tipping is more common in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In these countries, the tipping culture is similar to that of the United States. As such, expect to tip up to 20% at restaurants (even if there’s already a service charge on the bill). A 10% tip is suitable for rideshares and taxis, while hotel service tips might add up to $1–$2 per bag for bellhops and $3–$5 per day for housekeeping services.
Advice on Tipping in Latin America
Tipping is common in Latin America, but you can expect to tip less than you might in the United States. Additionally, tipping practices may vary from country to country. For example, in Brazil and Costa Rica, service charges are often already included in your bill, so you don’t necessarily need to tip extra. In Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Nicaragua, expect to tip around 10% in restaurants, to round up in taxis and to provide small tips for hotel staff.
Advice on Tipping in Africa
Tipping is customary throughout Africa, particularly in the service industry. Plan to tip 10–15% in restaurants, if a service fee is not already on your bill. Tip $1–$2 per bag for bellhops, and $2–$5 per day for housekeeping services. If you book a safari, tip your guide $10–$20 per day, tipping more or less based on the extent of services provided.
Advice on Tipping in Oceania
Lastly, if you’re traveling to Australia or New Zealand, tipping isn’t expected but may be appreciated. In restaurants, round up your bill or leave a 5–10% tip for exceptional service. Round up the fare in rideshares or taxis. Give bellhops $1–$2 per bag and housekeeping $2–$5 per day.
General Advice on Tipping
More generally, wherever you travel, do some research on the local customs for your exact destination. Bring small bills in the local currency along with you to make tipping easier. Always look for service charges and fees on your bill. If in doubt, ask your hotel concierge or local colleagues about the local tipping expectations.
