Tipping can be a travel minefield. Some places expect it, some places refuse it and in some countries, it’s basically a second tax on your bill. No one wants to be that tourist who overtips where it’s not needed or stiffs someone who relies on tips to get by.
We’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s your straight-talking guide to tipping worldwide – so you know exactly when to leave extra, when to round up and when to just say “cheers” and move on.
First things first: Universal tipping rules
Where tipping is expected
Some countries build tipping into everyday service. If you’re traveling here, budget for tips like you would for transport or food.
🇺🇸 United States: Tip or risk side-eye.
In the US, tipping is non-negotiable—many service workers earn below minimum wage and rely on tips to make up their income.
- 🚕 Taxis & Rideshares: 10-20% (or round up)
- 🍽 Restaurants: 18-20% (more for excellent service)
- 🍸 Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total bill
- 🛏 Housekeeping: $3-5 per night
- 🛎 Concierge: $5-20, depending on effort
🇨🇦 Canada: Like the US, but nicer.
Canadians tip a little less aggressively than Americans, but it’s still expected, especially at restaurants.
- 🚕 Taxis: 10%
- 🍽 Restaurants: 15-20%
- 🍸 Bars: CAD $1-2 per drink
- 🛏 Housekeeping: CAD $5-10 per night
- 🛎 Concierge: CAD $10-15 for extra effort
🇲🇽 Mexico: Cash is king.
In Mexico, tipping is standard, but cash (pesos) is preferred. Avoid tipping in foreign currency when possible.
- 🚕 Taxis: Not expected (but MX$10-20 for extra service is nice)
- 🍽 Restaurants: 10-20% (higher in tourist areas)
- 🍸 Bars: 10-20% of the bill (or MX$20 per round)
- 🛏 Housekeeping: MX$25-50 per night
- 🛎 Concierge: MX$100-150
🇰🇭 Cambodia: Tip when you can.
Salaries in Cambodia are low, so even small tips go a long way—especially for hotel staff, guides, and drivers. It’s not expected everywhere, but it’s always appreciated.
- 🚕 Tuk-tuks & Taxis: Round up or tip KHR 1,000–2,000 (or a spare US dollar)
- 🍽 Restaurants: 5–10% if there’s no service charge
- 🍸 Bars: Not expected, but rounding up or $1 is a nice gesture
- 🛏 Housekeeping: KHR 4,000–8,000 per night (or $1–2)
- 🛎 Concierge: KHR 10,000+ (or $3–5) for extra help
Where tipping is optional (but appreciated).
Tipping isn’t expected in these countries, but rounding up or leaving a little extra is a nice touch.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Service charge first, tip second.
Tipping isn’t huge in the UK, but check if a service charge has been added before tipping extra.
- 🚕 Taxis: 10-15% (or round up)
- 🍽 Restaurants: 10-15% unless a 12.5% service charge is added
- 🍸 Bars: Not required, but £1-2 is a nice touch
- 🛏 Housekeeping: Optional, a few pounds at checkout
- 🛎 Concierge: At your discretion
🇫🇷 France: Tipping is built in.
French law requires a 15% service charge at restaurants, hotels and taxis. Tipping extra isn’t necessary, but small gestures are appreciated.
- 🚕 Taxis: Not required, but €1-2 is polite
- 🍽 Restaurants: Not required (€2-5 for amazing service)
- 🍸 Bars: Not required, but rounding up is fine
- 🛏 Housekeeping: €1-2 per night
- 🛎 Concierge: €5-10 for extra help
🇮🇹 Italy: Service charges do the work.
Most restaurants in Italy add a service charge (coperto) to the bill. If they don’t, 5-10% is fine.
- 🚕 Taxis: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated
- 🍽 Restaurants: If no service charge, tip 5-10%
- 🍸 Bars: Not expected, but leaving small change is nice
- 🛏 Housekeeping: €1-2 per night
- 🛎 Concierge: €5-10 for extra effort
🇮🇩 Indonesia (Bali): Small tips, big smiles.
Tipping isn’t compulsory, but in Bali—where tourism is huge—it’s become a norm, especially for services at hotels, spas, and restaurants.
- 🚕 Taxis: Round up or tip IDR 10,000–20,000
- 🍽 Restaurants: 5–10% if service isn’t included
- 🍸 Bars: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated
- 🛏 Housekeeping: IDR 20,000–50,000 per night
- 🛎 Concierge: IDR 50,000–100,000 for solid help
🇵🇭 Philippines: Tipping’s not required, but it’s nice
Tipping isn’t built into Filipino culture, but with many people working in tourism and hospitality, small tips are always welcome—and often expected in high-traffic areas.
🚕 Taxis: Round up or add PHP ₱20–50
🍽 Restaurants: Check for a 10% service charge—if there isn’t one, leave 5–10%
🍸 Bars: Not expected, but ₱20–50 if the service was great
🛏 Housekeeping: ₱50–100 per night
🛎 Concierge: ₱200+ for special requests
🇹🇭 Thailand: Not mandatory, but a nice gesture.
Tipping isn’t built into the culture here, but it’s common in tourist areas—and always appreciated. Small change goes a long way.
🚕 Taxis: Round up to the nearest 10–20 baht
🍽 Restaurants: Not expected, but leave 10% if there’s no service charge
🍸 Bars: Not expected, but round up or leave 20–50 baht
🛏 Housekeeping: THB ฿20–50 per night
🛎 Concierge: THB ฿100+ for special requests
🇳🇿 New Zealand: Tipping? Optional.
New Zealand keeps it chill. Tipping isn’t expected—but it’s gaining ground in upscale restaurants and tourist-heavy areas.
- 🚕 Taxis: Round up or tip 10% if the service was stellar
- 🍽 Restaurants: Not expected, but 5–10% for great service
- 🍸 Bars: Not expected (unless they really nailed your espresso martini)
- 🛏 Housekeeping: NZD $1–2 per night (optional)
- 🛎 Concierge: NZD $5–10 for special help
Where tipping is rare (or just weird)
🇯🇵 Japan: Just don’t.
Tipping is not part of Japanese culture, and in some cases, it’s seen as awkward or offensive.
🚕 Taxis: Do not tip
🍽 Restaurants: Do not tip
🍸 Bars: Do not tip
🛏 Housekeeping: Only tip discreetly (in an envelope)
🛎 Concierge: Do not tip
🇰🇷 South Korea: Tipping? Not really a thing.
Tipping isn’t part of the culture in South Korea, and in many cases, it may even be politely declined. That said, luxury hotels and tourist tours are an exception.
🚕 Taxis: Do not tip (rounding up is okay)
🍽 Restaurants: No tip needed—service is already factored in
🍸 Bars: No tip expected
🛏 Housekeeping: ₩1,000–2,000 per night at international hotels (optional)
🛎 Concierge: ₩5,000+ for special help, if accepted
Final thoughts: Avoid the awkwardness.
- Do your research before you go. It takes two minutes and saves a lot of weird looks.
- Always carry small cash. No one wants to break a $50 for a $5 tip.
- If you don’t see locals tipping, you probably don’t need to.
- In tourist-heavy areas, tip expectations are usually higher.
Now go forth, travel smarter, and tip like you actually know what you’re doing.
