Tipping Abroad: Where and How Much to Tip

How much to tip on holiday

Tipping customs vary around the world. What seems generous in one country or region may be insulting in another. So understanding local tipping etiquette can be tricky.

To help you, we've outlined tipping practices in various places, with suggested tips for taxi rides, restaurants, bars and hotel staff where they’re welcomed.

Remember to take some foreign currency, including smaller notes, if you need or would like to tip. And you can compare local prices with pounds sterling using our currency converter. 

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Tipping in Europe

Tipping is common in most of Europe. You’ll often find it added to your bill. But the size of tips varies from country to country.

If you’re unsure, just add on 10% or round the bill up to the nearest 5 or 10 euros. And remember, you’re not obliged to tip if the service is poor. It’s meant to be a reward for good service.

Tipping in Austria

Tipping in Austria isn’t as common as it is in the rest of continental Europe. Service is often added to your bill (rechnung). But, if you feel your service has been excellent, leaving a few extra euros (EUR) will be welcome.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 5-15% of the bill, if a service charge hasn’t already been added
Hotel porters: 1-2 euros per bag
Housekeeping: 1-2 euros per day

Tipping in France

In France, a pourboire (“for drink”) is usually added at the end of a meal and an evening at a bar. In fact, it’s French law to add a service charge to the overall bill, which may range from 10-15%. Tipping above this isn’t necessary. But, if the service has been great, rounding up to the next full euro will be appreciated.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10-15% if not already included
Hotel porters: 1-2 euros per bag
Housekeeping: 1-2 euros per day

Tipping in Germany

Tipping is standard in Germany. A service charge is included in the bill but adding 5-10% or rounding up is common. A tip is “drink money” (trinkgeld) in German, so leaving change is always appreciated. 

At beer festivals you’ll buy tokens for food and drink, or a glass to carry with you at markets and festivals. It’s a good idea to have small change handy for these situations. You’ll get your deposit back when you return the glass. 

Taxi rides: round up the fare or add 10%
Restaurants and bars: 5-10% of the bill
Hotel porters: 1-2 euros per bag
Housekeeping: 1-2 euros per day

Tipping in Greece

A service fee is often added to restaurant bills in Greece, so tips aren’t necessarily expected. But rounding up or including one or two extra euros is welcomed. If a charge isn’t already included and you’re happy with the service, adding 5-10% of the bill is plenty.

Taxi rides: round up to the nearest euro or add 5-10% for longer journeys
Restaurants and bars: 5-10% of the bill
Hotel porters: 1-2 euros per bag
Housekeeping: 1-2 euros per day

Tipping in Italy

A service charge (servicio) of 10-15% is often included in the bill. You may see ‘pane e coperto,’ which is an extra charge for bread. If you’ve eaten the bread, you’re expected to pay both charges. So it’s worth asking upfront if the bread is free or not. 

Leaving an extra tip on top of these charges isn’t necessary. But, for exemplary service, a little extra cash will not offend or be turned down. If nothing’s been added and the service was good, rounding up by a couple of euros is appreciated, but there’s no need to add more than 10%.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 5-10% of the bill
Hotel porters: 1-2 euros per bag
Housekeeping: 1-2 euros per day

Tipping in Poland

Tipping’s more common in touristy parts of Poland like the capital, Warsaw, and other cities like Krakow.

Leaving a little extra on top of your bill will be fine. Adding 10% to the bill is common. Adding 15% would recognise exceptional service.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: Anything from 5-15% of the bill
Hotel porters: 5-10 Polish zloty (PLN) per bag
Housekeeping: 5-10 zloty per day

Tipping in Portugal

Tipping isn’t a big part of everyday life in Portugal. Most Portuguese people don’t usually give or receive tips themselves at all. But it’s still welcomed when it happens. 

If you do choose to tip for service in a restaurant, there are two main approaches: rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros as a thank you. 

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: round up the bill, leave 1-3 extra euros, or add 5-10%
Hotel porters: 1-2 euros per bag
Housekeeping: 1-2 euros per day

Tipping in Spain

While there’s no expectation of tips in Spain, a modest addition on top of your bill will be welcomed, especially in tourist areas. If you do see a tip’s already been added to your bill, remember it’s not mandatory.

Taxi rides: round up the fare or add a small tip (5-10%)
Restaurants and bars: round up the nearest ten euros, leave 1-2 euros, or add 5-10% of the bill
Hotel porters: 1-2 euros per bag
Housekeeping: 1-2 euros per day

Tipping in Türkiye (Turkey)

Tipping is expected in Türkiye, especially in touristy areas. If you’re happy with the service you receive in restaurants, tip 10-15%. But check whether a service charge has already been included in your bill first. 

Tip waiting staff higher than bartenders, as they’ll often share their tips with the kitchen staff.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10-15% of the bill
Hotel porters: 10-20 Turkish lira (TRY) per bag
Housekeeping10-20 lira per day

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Tipping in Asia

Tipping isn’t deeply rooted in many Asian countries, but in tourist areas, it may be expected.

Tipping in China

Tipping is uncommon in China, especially in local restaurants and taxis. You may find it’s expected in popular tourist spots, but elsewhere it could cause confusion.

Tipping hotel staff a few dollars is becoming more common in touristy areas. And people in tourism roles like guides and drivers are likely to expect a tip.

Taxi rides: not expected
Restaurants and bars: not expected
Hotel porters: 10-20 Chinese yuan (CNY) per bag in international hotels
Housekeeping: 10-20 yuan per day in international hotels

Tipping in Hong Kong

Tipping is more common in Hong Kong than in mainland China, with a 5-10% tip often appreciated. Restaurants may add a service charge, so check your bill. 

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 5-10%, especially if no service charge is included
Hotel porters: 10-20 Hong Kong dollars (HKD) per bag
Housekeeping: 10-20 dollars per day

Tipping in India

Tipping is common in restaurants in India, especially in tourist areas, where around 10% is the norm. It’s less common outside of restaurants, but it’s welcomed for other service providers, such as taxi drivers and hotel staff.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10% of the bill unless already included
Hotel porters: 50-100 Indian rupees (INR) per bag
Housekeeping: 50-100 rupees per day

Tipping in Japan

Tipping isn’t culturally normal in Japan and can even be considered rude. Good service is considered something that should be expected.

There may be times when someone who works in the tourist industry won’t turn down a tip, but it’s not the norm and best avoided.

Taxi rides: not expected
Restaurants and bars: not expected
Hotel porters: tipping is rare; a small gift may be more appropriate than cash
Housekeeping: not expected

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Tipping in Thailand

Tipping is expected in Bangkok. Hotels and bars may add a service charge to the bill but if they don’t, tip 10% or round up to the nearest 20 Thai baht (THB). Outside Bangkok, tipping isn’t expected but rounding up a bill or fare will normally be considered fair.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10% of the bill or round up
Hotel porters: 20-50 baht per bag
Housekeeping: 20-50 baht per day

Tipping in North America

In North America – the USA, Canada and Mexico – you’re expected to tip bartenders, taxi drivers, hotel staff, tour guides and waiters, even if you weren’t especially impressed with their service.

Tipping in the USA

Tipping is big – almost mandatory – in the United States. Many service workers make up their salary through tips, so generous gestures are appreciated.

You’re expected to tip bartenders, taxi drivers, hotel staff, tour guides, delivery drivers and so on. After ordering a drink, a tip of 1 or 2 US dollars (USD) is fair. 

Tax law on food and drink differs between states, so it can be confusing whether a 15-20% service charge on your bill is before or after tax. Leaving a little extra in cash can help overcome the confusion.

Taxi rides: 15-20% of the fare
Restaurants and bars: 15-20% of the bill
Hotel porters: 1-2 dollars per bag
Housekeeping: 2-5 dollars per day

Tipping in Canada

Tipping in Canada is much like in the USA, but the typical tip amount is around 10-15%. You might want to tip 20% if you receive exceptional service.

Taxi rides: 10-15% of the fare
Restaurants and bars: 15-20% of the bill
Hotel porters: 1-2 Canadian dollars (CAD) per bag
Housekeeping: 2-5 dollars per day

Tipping in Mexico

In Mexico, tipping is customary in tourist areas. If you see ‘propina’ added to your bill, this is the service charge. If you don’t see this, it’s polite to leave a little extra. 

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10-15% of the bill
Hotel porters: 20-50 Mexican pesos (MXN) per bag
Housekeeping: 20-50 pesos per day

Tipping in South America

Tipping across South America works similarly to Europe. You only need to tip in restaurant scenarios, and only if it is not already added to the bill and the service has been good.

Tipping in Brazil

In Brazil, a 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but extra tips are appreciated for exceptional service.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10%, if not included in the bill
Hotel porters: 5-10 Brazilian reals (BRL) per bag
Housekeeping: 5-10 reals per day

Tipping in Argentina

Tipping is common in Argentina, especially in restaurants, cafes and bars, especially in business and tourist areas. Leaving something to say thanks for good service in hotels, spas, salons and serviced apartments is also appreciated.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10% of the bill, or 15-20% for exceptional services
Hotel porters: 50-100 Argentine pesos (ARS) per bag
Housekeeping: 50-100 pesos per day

Tipping in Peru

Tipping isn’t really part of the culture in Peru unless you’re eating or staying at higher end restaurants or hotels. Leaving a few Peruvian soles (PEN) should be fine for most services. US dollars are widely accepted too.

Taxi rides: not expected, but add an extra 1-2 sole if they’re especially helpful
Restaurants and bars: 3-5 Peruvian soles (PEN) or no more than 10% of the bill
Hotel porters: 3-5 soles per bag
Housekeeping: Leave a few soles at the end of your stay, or 3-5 soles per day

Tipping in Chile

The amount you tip in Chile will depend on where in the country you are, what you’re paying for and, of course, what you thought of the service. As in many other destinations we’ve described, adding 10% of the bill is common. Or you could increase that to 15% if you feel the service has been brilliant.

Taxi rides: round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10-15%, if not included in the bill
Hotel porters: 1,000-2,000 Chilean pesos (CLP) per bag
Housekeeping: 1,000-2,000 pesos per day

Tipping in Africa

Tipping in Africa depends on where you’re visiting. Tourist hotspots almost always mean that a tip is expected. But the further you go from major tourist locations the less common tipping will be.

Tipping in Kenya

Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and hotels in Kenya, particularly in tourist areas. If you’re happy with service, tip 10%. A tip of 50-100 shillings for hotel staff will usually be appreciated.

Taxi rides: Round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10% of the bill
Hotel porters: 100-200 KES per bag
Housekeeping: 100-200 KES per day

Tipping in South Africa

It’s expected to tip in South Africa, especially in tourist areas. A 10-15% tip will normally be added to your bill in restaurants. If it isn’t, this is roughly the amount you should leave. 

Safari guides should be tipped 150-300 South African rand (ZAR) per day. Tipping hotel staff 100-200 ZAR per service is also customary.

Taxi rides: 10-15% of the fare
Restaurants and bars: 10-15% of the bill
Hotel porters: 1 rand
Housekeeping: 5-10 rand per day

Tipping in Australia and Oceania

Australia and surrounding countries – a region often termed ‘Oceania’ – aren’t known for having big tipping cultures. But tips for good service are still appreciated.

Tipping in Australia

Tipping isn’t customary in Australia, but giving a little extra for great service is welcome. It’s becoming more common, too.

Taxi rides: not customary, but rounding up or adding a small tip is appreciated
Restaurants and bars: if the service has been excellent, add 5-10%
Hotel porters: 1-2 Australian dollars (AUD) per bag is a kind gesture
Housekeeping: tip 1-2 dollars per day for exceptional service

Tipping in Fiji

Tipping’s rare in Fiji. Instead, a service charge may be added to your bill. This usually goes to the company rather than its employees. So, while tipping isn’t expected, it’s appreciated if handed straight to staff.

Taxi rides: not expected, but rounding up is appreciated
Restaurants and bars: tipping’s uncommon but 10-15% of the bill if not already added, plus a little extra for the staff
Hotel porters: 1-2 Fijian dollars (FJD) per bag
Housekeeping: 5-10 dollars per day

Tipping in New Zealand

Like Australia and Fiji, tipping isn’t expected in New Zealand but it’s polite for good service. You may see a service charge on your bill. Topping this up is a nice extra way to say thanks.

Taxi rides: Not expected but you could round up the fare
Restaurants and bars: tipping is rare; 10% would be appreciated for good service
Hotel porters: 1-2 New Zealand dollars (NZD) per bag is appreciated
Housekeeping: NZD $1-2 per day for exceptional service

Looking for another destination?

We’ve researched lots of destinations to give an idea of whether tipping’s welcome there and how much would be appropriate. It’s not an exhaustive list, though, and the details here may be outdated over time.

For more guidance or if your destination isn’t covered here, a current guidebook can be a handy travel companion. Many include advice on local tipping etiquette. You can also ask at your accommodation.

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Common questions about tipping abroad

Tipping varies by country. In some places, like the United States and Canada, it's expected for most services, including eating out and taxi journeys. In others, such as Japan, it's not common and might even be considered inappropriate. Make sure you’re clear on local customs before you travel.
How much to tip in restaurants depends on the destination you’re visiting.

In the USA, tips typically range from 15-20%. In European countries, you might expect to tip 5-15% depending on the destination and how you rate the service. That’s if a service charge isn’t already included.

In other regions, such as Asia where tipping is less common, a gesture may be appreciated in tourist areas. Check the customs in your destination to avoid tipping somewhere that might view it as rude.
In many European countries, service charges are included in the bill. Look for phrases like "service compris" or "servizio incluso." If a service charge is included, additional tipping isn’t usually necessary. If the service has been especially good, you might want to round the bill up on top of the service charge.
If you’d like to tip a taxi driver, rounding up the fare is a safe bet in most destinations. But make sure you’re clear on the local customs for your destination. In some places, tipping’s not expected and could be taken as rude. In others, it’s customary to do more than round up. In the USA, for instance, you can expect to tip 10-15% of the fare.
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Tipping hotel staff is generally appreciated around the world, but care is needed in destinations that don’t view tips favourably. Where tips are welcome, a token amount per bag for porters or per day for housekeeping staff is usually well received. For instance, 1-2 dollars per bag or 2-5 dollars per night in the USA, or 1-2 euros per service in European destinations.

Tipping is generally appreciated, with $1-2 per bag and $2-5 per night in the USA, and €1-2 per service in Europe. In some countries a small gift is likely to be received better than money if the service has been exceptional.
Yes, in some countries tipping can be viewed as offensive. In Japan, for instance, good service is expected as part of the job. Leaving a tip may be seen as suggesting the staff aren’t paid enough. The situation’s similar in South Korea. And adding a tip may be confusing or even seen as a form of bribery in parts of China. Make sure you’re clear on the local customs before you travel to avoid misunderstandings.
Tipping tour guides and drivers is customary in many countries. In the USA and Canada, it’s typical to tip around 10-20% of the tour cost. In European countries such as Greece and Spain, 10-20 euros per day is quite standard. On a safari in an Africa country, you might expect to tip guides and drivers the local equivalent of 10-20 US dollars a day.
If you’re not sure whether or how much to tip, it’s best to watch what locals do or ask your hotel or a guide for advice. If in doubt, it’s usually a safe bet to round up the bill or leave a modest gesture. But always make sure you’re aware of and respect local customs.

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