Tipping practices vary greatly around the world. And so it’s always hard to know who, where, when and how much to tip. Fortunately we have put together a guide to help do the right thing when traveling. If you’re ever in doubt, tip more, usually the gesture will come back to you with kindness and thanks.
Restaurants
In North America it is customary to leave a tip of 15-20% for good service at a restaurant. These days tipping more than usual is very much appreciated, so feel free to tip even higher when a server has been extra nice.
In South America, tipping practices vary by country. In Brazil, for example, it is common to leave a 10% tip, while in Chile a tip is not usually expected.
In Europe, a service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants, so a tip is not always necessary. However, if you received exceptional service, a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated. In the UK, it is common to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants, though customers usually leave less at pubs.
Tipping practices vary by country in Asia. In China, Japan, and Korea, tipping is not customary and sometimes is even considered rude.Although this is also changing, so if you’re in doubt simply ask. In India, it is common to leave a 10% tip. In Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, a 10% tip is appreciated but not always expected, as often a service charge is added automatically to a bill, especially in hotels. While in Vietnam, it is common to round up the bill to the nearest thousand dong or leave small change.
Taxi Drivers
In North America, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% for good service from a taxi driver.
In South America, tipping practices vary by country. In Brazil, for example, it is common to leave a 10% tip, while in Chile a tip is not usually expected.
In Europe, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. However, if you received exceptional service, a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated. In the UK, it is common to leave a 10-15% tip for good service from a taxi driver.
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Asia, with the exception of Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines where a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated. Again it if in doubt as he Concierge at your hotel before heading out.
Hotel Staff
In North America, it is customary to leave a tip of $1-$2 per bag for good service from a bellman. This increases in places like New York and Las Vegas. It is also commonplace to leave $2-5 per day, per guest for maids.
Remember housekeeping staff work long, hard hours for minimal pay, so tipping is always appreciated. Click to see our global tipping guide.
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In South America, tipping practices vary by country. Brazilians typically leave a 10% tip, while most Chilean bell staff do not expect a tip. Maids generally are not tipped.
In Europe, bellman do not expect to be tipped. However, if you received exceptional service, a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated, and in cities with a lot of American tourists such as Paris, Prague, Madrid, etc, tipping has become more commonplace and expected. Maids in general are tipped less than in North America but the practice of leave a Euro or two per day/per guest is growing.
In Asia this is more complex. Service is usually offered with a smile and without expectation. But tipping the bell staff is growing in popularity in places like Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan, as is leaving a tip for the maid.
Generally speaking, tipping is not as common in Asia as it is in North America or Europe. However, there are some exceptions. In Indonesia and Philippines, it is customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) for good service. In Vietnam, it is common to round up the bill to the nearest thousand dong or leave small change.
Is There A Bottomline To Tipping?
It’s complex! When in Doubt Google it as values and expectations do change over time. And these days everyone in the hospitality industry is feeling a little under appreciated so tipping is a nice way to brighten a day and thank someone for helping you. We tend to be large tippers and it never has been a problem, far from it, we tend to get excellent and authentic service in return.
