When to tip, when not to tip and how much is considered appropriate when travelling around the world
Tipping
Did you know, 10 years ago tipping in China was illegal? Or did you know that tipping in Iceland is considered an insult? To avoid any tipping embarrassments, it is worth checking out the current tipping procedures in some of the most popular tourist destinations to ensure that you do not have an angry waiter chasing you from your table:
| COUNTRY |
IN GENERAL |
RESTAURANT
(of total bill) |
TAXI (of total fare) |
Australia |
Optional |
10-15% |
Round up the bill to the nearest dollar |
Brazil |
Tipping is a way f life and US dollars are also accepted |
10-15% |
10% |
Canada |
Optional |
15% |
15% |
Denmark |
Service charges are added to most bills |
Tips are included. For very good service, leave small change |
Included in fare. Leave additional small change |
France |
Not customary and banned in some areas |
Tips are included in the bill but an additional 3-4euro is advised |
10% |
Germany |
Hand in tips, leaving them behind is considered rude |
Round up the bill to the nearest euro |
Round up the bill to the nearest euro |
Greece |
Service charges are added to most bills |
Service charge is included but an additional 10% tip is advised |
Leave small change |
Hungary |
Tipping expected for good service |
10% to be added to the bill immediately |
10% |
Ireland |
Optional |
Service charge should be included, if not add 10% for tips |
10% |
Italy |
Tipping is customary in major cities |
15% service charge is added but an additional 5-10% tip is advised |
5-10% |
New Zealand |
Optional |
10% for very good service |
Leave a few dollars |
South Africa |
Tipping is a huge part of life here |
10% for very good service |
Leave small change |
Spain |
Small tips are a expected |
10-15% |
5-10% |
Thailand |
Tipping is part of the tourism culture, not local |
10% |
Round up to nearest 5 Baht in major cities |
United Kingdom |
Optional |
10-15% of total bill for wait staff |
5-10% |
United States |
Tipping is expected here |
15-17% |
15% |
NOTE: All prices are referred to in the local currency. |