Where and how much to tip?

Leaving a tip in establishments is good manners, but it’s a personal choice. In some countries, they are mandatory because they are almost the only income for staff. In others, they are completely forbidden and can be perceived as an insult. We tell you where and how much it is customary to tip so as not to offend the waiter.

Asia

In China, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, tipping is not customary; moreover, it is even forbidden and can be considered an insult. Service staff in these countries receive good salaries for their work and dedicate themselves fully to it, so the small change you leave will be superfluous. Often, a 10% service charge is already included in the bill, which is sufficient.

It’s a bit different in Hong Kong. In a cafe or restaurant, a 10% service charge is already included in the bill, so you don’t have to leave anything extra. However, in a taxi, the driver will likely round up the fare to keep the change for themselves.

In Indonesia, if service is not included in the bill, you can leave 5–10% of the total, but it’s not mandatory. No one will be offended if you only pay the bill. However, in a taxi, it’s advisable to round up the fare yourself. Where you will definitely be expected to tip is at the airport. Porters are cunning and usually don’t agree to 2–3 dollars; they need more. So, if you agree to hand your bags over to someone, discuss the tip amount beforehand.

Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and Chile

If you don’t leave a tip in a restaurant, hotel, or anywhere else for service, the staff will be offended. To turn their anger into goodwill, 10% of the bill will be sufficient.

Middle East

Here, unlike in Asia, tips (or “baksheesh” as they are called here) are considered a tradition and local etiquette. Both locals and tourists leave them. In Oman, Jordan, UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Qatar, 10, or even 15% of the bill is considered good manners. By tradition, the staff initially refuses them. But this doesn’t mean you should take them back. After a second attempt of “No, please, take it,” they gladly accept their well-deserved payment for their services. This applies not only to restaurant or hotel staff but also to taxi drivers.

Europe

In many countries, it’s customary to leave a tip if you enjoyed everything — this is 10–15% of the total. Often people don’t have small change, so when paying by card, you can add the tip amount yourself and pay the new total. Sometimes, tips are already included in the final amount; if in doubt, clarify this with the staff. But, for example, in Hungary you shouldn’t just leave change or a hundred forints on the table, but hand it directly to the waiter.

In Italy, Portugal, and Spain, there isn’t a specific percentage for tips. So you can round up the amount yourself, leave a couple of euros on the table, or 10% of the bill — the choice is yours. However, in Italy, there’s also a concept called “coperto”. This is usually 1–2 euros for table setting, and the money goes directly to the restaurant owner.

In France, tips are included in the bill, and this is even supported by law. This includes not only a gratuity for service but also a charge for water and bread brought to you before the main courses. Therefore, in France, you don’t have to worry; just pay the bill and leave.

USA

A country where the entire service industry relies on tips. Even in simple diners or fast-food places, sometimes about 5% of the total is left. It might seem like small change, but it’s appreciated by someone. When it comes to decent restaurants, everything depends on the bill amount, and tips start from 15% and can go up to 30%. Even if tips are initially included in the bill, you should still leave at least 5–10% after your meal. In some establishments, it might even lead to a scandal, like, “Why didn’t you leave a tip, didn’t you like something?” If you don’t want to have a tense conversation with the manager after a delicious meal, it’s better to tip the waiter right away.

In general, if you don’t know how much to leave, 10% of the bill is the norm. And if you don’t want to leave a tip in a country where it’s customary, you should have clear justifications for it, in case a manager approaches you. Being stingy (for example) is not an excuse.