Coming from countries where tipping is the exception rather than the norm, many Aussies and Kiwis find the practice confusing and in some cases annoying. Us Antipodeans even hold a reputation for being bad tippers in the international service industry.
Down Under, tipping is reserved for only the most exceptional service and not as a matter of course so when tips are expected for lacklustre service overseas it’s understandable people can feel more than a little put out.
However, even if you’re willing to break the mould and follow local customs the rules surrounding tipping around the world are enough to cause an etiquette headache.
So here’s a helpful guide to the ins and outs of how to tip around the world.
Europe
In the UK and Italy a tip of around 10 per cent is customary, though this is not said to apply to vaporettos and gondoliers in Venice. In Spain a tip of between 7 and 13 per cent is commonplace in restaurants, according to the level of service received, though travellers are unlikely to get a slap on the wrist if no tip is left. In France seeing “service compris” on the end of a bill means that no tip is required and the level of tip left is said to be largely up to the customers’ discretion. Many restaurants across the continent will include a service charge. This means your tip has been paid, though you are free to give more for excellent service.
Asia
In destinations such as China, Japan and Korea tipping is still alien for service, although, according to Conde Nast Traveler, hotel staff may expect a tip for hauling your bags up to your room. In India a tip of around 250 Rupees is expected for hotel housekeeping staff, while a 15 per cent tip will hit the right mark in restaurants.
The Americas
In no other part of the world is tipping such a way of life than in North America. In the US and Canada a tip of around 15 to 20 per cent is customary and it has been known for bar staff to expect a tip of a dollar or so every time you head up to the bar for a drink. It’s also a nice gesture to leave a $1 note on your bed per person for hotel porters or housekeepers.
In Argentina a tip of 10 per cent is normally required in restaurants, while a 10 per cent fee is automatically added to restaurant bills in Brazil, doing away with the need for a tip altogether.
In Mexico a tip of between 10 and 15 per cent will mean you get the thumbs up from service staff.
The Middle East
In Dubai, a 10 per cent service charge is added to bills at hotels, restaurants, and bars, and if you feel that service is exceptional you can add a few more dirhams to this figure.
In Egypt you should expect to pay a further 5 to 10 per cent on top of the 5 to 10 per cent already added to your bill.
In Israel, a tip of around six shekels per bag for porters and about four shekels per day for housekeepers is expected in hotels, with a shekel or two for the hotel’s concierge. Although service charge is included in restaurant bills, adding a few shekels on top of this figure is customary.
Featured image by epSos .de
