Tipping around the world
Tipping ranges from a social obligation (US servers rely on tips for income) to an insult (Japan). Check whether “service charge” is already on the bill before adding anything.
| Country | Restaurant tip | Taxi / notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 15–20% expected | 15% taxi; tip staff widely |
| Canada | 15–20% expected | Similar to US |
| Mexico | 10–15% | Round up taxis |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% optional | Often a service charge on the bill |
| Ireland | 10% optional | Round up taxis |
| France | Service included | Round up €1–2 |
| Germany | Round up 5–10% | Tell the driver the total |
| Austria | Round up 5–10% | Common to round |
| Italy | Coperto charge; small tip optional | Round up taxis |
| Spain | Round up or 5–10% | Optional |
| Portugal | 5–10% optional | Round up |
| Greece | Round up 5–10% | Optional |
| Netherlands | Round up 5–10% | Optional |
| Switzerland | Service included | Round up |
| Poland | 10% in restaurants | Optional |
| Russia | Not expected | Round up if desired |
| Turkey | 5–10% | Round up taxis |
| Japan | Do not tip | Can cause confusion/offence |
| South Korea | Do not tip | Service charge at some hotels |
| China | Not expected | Hong Kong: round up, ~10% at hotels |
| Thailand | Small round up | 50–100 B coin at hotels |
| Singapore | No (10% service charge) | Not expected |
| Australia | No tip expected | Round up occasionally |
| New Zealand | No tip expected | Occasional 5–10% for great service |
| Brazil | 10–15% often on bill | Check 'serviço' line |
Notes
- If the bill says service charge / servizio / servicio 10–15%, extra tips are optional.
- Tip in local cash where possible; US card terminals often prompt for tip before charging.
- Cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts have their own norms — check the operator's guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you have to tip in the USA?
- It is a strong social norm: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, since servers' base wages are low. Bars ~$1–2 per drink, taxis 15%.
- Is tipping rude in Japan?
- It can cause confusion or even offence — good service is standard and no tip is expected anywhere, from restaurants to taxis.
- Is service charge the same as a tip?
- Legally it often goes to the business, though many countries mandate distribution to staff. Read the bill: 'service included' means you need not add more.