Tipping customs vary dramatically around the world — what is considered generous in one country is insulting in another. In Japan, tipping can be seen as offensive. In the United States, not tipping a restaurant server is a social faux pas. In Iceland, there is no tipping expectation at all. This guide covers tipping norms for over 20 countries so you always know what to leave — and when to leave nothing at all.
Tipping in the United States
The US has the most complex and socially enforced tipping culture in the world, largely because service industry workers receive a tipped minimum wage of $2.13/hour (federal rate), relying on tips for the majority of their income.
Standard US tip rates:
| Service | Expected Tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15% (poor service) – 20% (standard) – 25% (excellent) |
| Food delivery | $3–$5 minimum, or 15–20% of order |
| Coffee shop / counter service | $1–$2, or 10% (discretionary) |
| Bartender | $1–$2 per drink, or 15–20% of tab |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–$5 per night |
| Hotel bellhop / valet | $2–$5 per bag |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–20% |
| Hair salon / barber | 15–20% |
| Nail salon | 15–20% |
| Spa / massage | 15–20% |
| Airport / hotel shuttle | $1–$2 per person |
Important: Tip on the pre-tax amount. You should not tip on the sales tax portion of your bill.
Calculating a US restaurant tip:
- Bill before tax: $72.00
- 20% tip: $72 × 0.20 = $14.40
- Total: $86.40
Tipping in Canada
Similar to the US, tipping is standard in Canada. The Canadian tipped minimum wage varies by province (typically $10–$13/hour), making tips an important part of service worker income.
- Restaurants: 15% minimum, 18–20% standard
- Taxis: 10–15%
- Bars: $1–$2/drink
- Hotels: $2–$3 per bag, $1–$3/night housekeeping
Tipping in the United Kingdom
Tipping in the UK is expected in restaurants but less enforced than in North America. Service staff are paid the full national minimum wage (£11.44/hour as of 2024), reducing dependency on tips.
- Restaurants: 10–15% — but check if a “service charge” is already included (many London restaurants add 12.5%)
- Pubs: Tipping at the bar is uncommon; occasionally leaving “one for yourself” is a friendly gesture
- Taxis: 10% or round up to the nearest pound
- Hotel porters: £1–£2 per bag
Note: If a service charge is already on the bill, you are not obligated to tip further.
Tipping in Europe
European tipping expectations are generally much lower than North America, since workers are paid full legal wages.
| Country | Restaurants | Taxis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 5–10% (optional) | Round up | Service charge often included |
| Germany | 5–10% | Round up | Say “stimmt so” to keep the change |
| Italy | €1–€2 (optional) | Round up | Coperto (cover charge) is common |
| Spain | 5–10% (optional) | Round up | Less expected in casual dining |
| Netherlands | 5–10% | 10% | Increasingly expected in cities |
| Switzerland | Not required | Not required | Service included in prices |
| Sweden | Not expected | Not expected | All workers paid full wages |
| Norway | Not expected | Not expected | Same as Sweden |
| Iceland | Not expected | Not expected | Considered unnecessary |
Tipping in Asia
Japan — Tipping is considered rude and offensive in Japan. Excellent service is a professional standard, not something that warrants extra payment. Never tip in restaurants, hotels, or taxis.
South Korea — Tipping is generally not practiced and can cause awkwardness. High-end international hotels may be more accepting.
China — Tipping is not customary in mainland China. In Hong Kong, a 10% service charge is often added to the bill, and no additional tip is needed.
India — Tipping is appreciated and expected in tourist areas.
- Restaurants: 10% of the bill
- Hotels: ₹20–₹50 for porters
- Taxis: Round up or 10%
- Tour guides: ₹100–₹500/day depending on tour length
Thailand — Tipping is appreciated:
- Restaurants: ฿20–฿50 for casual, 10% in nicer restaurants
- Massage therapists: ฿50–฿100
- Taxis: Round up
Singapore — A 10% service charge is automatically added to most bills. Additional tipping is not expected but appreciated.
Tipping in Australia and New Zealand
Australia — Tipping is not mandatory; all workers receive a full wage under Australian law. However, tipping is becoming more common in cities and at upscale venues.
- Restaurants: 10% at nicer establishments, nothing at casual cafés
- Taxis: Round up (optional)
New Zealand — Similar to Australia. Tipping is uncommon and not expected. Excellent service is the professional standard.
Tipping in the Middle East
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) — 10–15% in restaurants; hotel service charges (10%) often included. Tipping is appreciated.
Saudi Arabia — 10% in restaurants if service charge not included.
Israel — 10–15% in restaurants is standard. Check if service is included.
How to Calculate Any Tip Instantly
Our free Tip Calculator calculates any tip percentage instantly, with bill splitting across any number of people. Simply enter:
- Total bill amount
- Desired tip percentage
- Number of people splitting the bill
You get the tip amount, total per person, and rounded payment suggestions. For US travelers: the calculator can also handle pre-tax tip calculation if you enter the pre-tax amount.
Practical tip: On a US restaurant bill, doubling the sales tax shown is a quick way to approximate a 15–20% tip in most states (where sales tax is 7–10%).