How To Tip When Traveling To Popular Destinations Around The World
Whether you live in the United States where tipping is a standard practice or you're traveling through Italy on vacation and charges are often optional, there are customs that should be followed and they vary differently in every country. Let's take a look at how you should tip wait staff, transportation people, and hotel workers when heading off to popular travel destinations.
Brazil
When eating at restaurants in Brazil you're not expected to tip, although bars and restaurants often include a 10 percent service charge at the bottom of bills which is completely optional.
It's not customary to provide a tip for hotel staff but we still choose to give them at least a few dollars for moving our luggage into the room. If you're traveling throughout the country, it's considered a good gesture to round up to the nearest whole amount when service is really good.
Canada
Americans traveling in Canada can following the same type of tipping guidelines they utilize in the United States when eating out or ordering delivery. Tipping at 15 to 20 percent when eating out is a safe bet at any establishment.
If you're staying at a hotel, a customary tip ranging anymore from $1 to $10 will cover your bases, while adding 10 percent to the cost of taxies and Uber trips is considered customary throughout Canada.
China
Eating out at a restaurant in China is not something that requires a tip, regardless of the establishment you're eating at. Just pay your bill and be on your way.
When a bellhop in the country brings your bags to the room there's also no need to pull out your wallet, as this is not a practice that is observed in the country. When traveling throughout the country it's actually illegal to tip taxi drivers in parts of China. The one exception is tour guides. A standard $10 per person is customary since they earn most of their income through tips.
Costa Rica
When eating at a restaurant in Costa Rica a customary 10 percent service fee is often added at Tamarindo restaurants. Others may leave a notice that proclaims "service not included." If you're uncertain about tipping, many waiters will leave a note to say tips are appreciated.
When a hotel porter takes your bags to your room a $1 tip is considered a nice gesture. It's also recommended that you leave $1 per day for housekeeping services. When taking a taxi or other paid form of transport, tips can rank from $1 for a short trip to $10 for an all-day hire.
France
When traveling in France you'll be happy to know that gratuity is automatically added to your bill. The service charge is actually paid to the establishment's owner under French law. The owner, in turn, is supposed to take care of their workers. If your service was amazing, a 10 percent tip is always appreciated.
At hotels, a 1 to 2 Euro tip is appreciated per bag while 2 euros for housekeeping is the customary payment. For transportation services, paying 10 to 15 percent is suggested. Have a tour driver? Twenty-five euros per person for an entire day of service is the standard tipping protocol.
Germany
In Germany, service charges are included with your final bar or restaurant tab. Unlike in the United States, if you want to add an additional 10 percent, ask your server to include it with your final bill and don't leave the tip on the table.
When traveling in the country be sure to tip 1 to 2 euros per bag when checking into your hotel. Five euros for housekeeping is also suggested, although not required. For transportation services, simply round up your bill by having your driver keep the change.
Greece
In Greece, a service charge is included with your final bill. The typical charge is 16 percent of the final bill and you don't have to tip any further. If you want to including an extra tip, just round up your bill and call it a day.
A customary 1 euro per bag tip is also suggested for hotel porters while housekeeping should receive 1 euro per day. When using public transportation it's suggested that you round up the final fare if leaving a tip is part of your budget.
India
When traveling in India check your final bill to see if a service charge was included. Some restaurants will include a charge while others will not. If gratuity is not automatically added, a tip between 10 to 20 percent is suggested.
A $1 tip in India per bag is typically considered a nice gratuity. The same tipping applies to housekeeping. Typically, the concierge will receive the biggest tips if they provide stellar services. For transportation, simply rounding up to the nearest whole amount or telling the driver to keep the change is enough in terms of gratuity.
Italy
Italy can be tricky when it comes to tipping. In many restaurants, a service charge will be applied and that's what you should pay. Some of the charges will be listed for such things as silverware usage and tablecloths. The one exception is Lazio where such charges are illegal.
For hotel staff, a bellhop typically receives five euros while housekeeping should receive one to two euros per night. In terms of transportation, no tipping is expected, even with Italy's famous gondola rides.
Ireland
The customary tip for travelers in Ireland is 10 percent. Don't be surprised if locals are not tipping as it's not a customary practice in Ireland, where servers made far more in hourly wages than waitstaff in America.
At hotels, a standard one to two euros per bag is recommended but it's also rare for a hotel porter to carry your bags to the room in Ireland. Tipping 10 percent for transportation is consider generous or you can simply round up your final bill.
Maldives
Traveling in the Maldives means paying a 10 percent service charge that is added to the final bill at restaurants. With that being said, we still recommend an additional 10 to 20 percent tip. Restaurant workers are grossly underpaid in the country and every dollar can make a big difference in their lives.
Much like restaurant service, tipping for hotel workers isn't expected but is very much appreciated. Keep in mind that services charges in the country are not typically shared with essential workers. Finally, transportation doesn't require a tip but it's much appreciated. In general, if anyone in a service industry offers excellent service, consider giving them a tip.
Jamaica
If a service charge is not included, it's customary to include a 10 to 18 percent gratuity. There is one big exception: at many all-inclusive resorts, staff are not allowed to accept tips.
When arriving at your hotel you may find service charges on your bill, if there are no charges, tipping $1 to $2 per bag and for each day of housekeeping is suggested. For transportation that ranges from taxis to buses, a tip of 10 to 15 percent is suggested.
Japan
Traveling in Japan is hit or miss when it comes to tipping. If you're in a restaurant and you want to tip, you can place the money in an envelop and hand it directly to your server. Just don't be surprised if your tip is outright refused.
The same tipping principles apply at hotels and with transportation services. If someone in Japan looks confused about your tipping practices or they won't accept your tip, don't be offended.
Mexico
Tipping in Mexico follows a similar protocol to the United States and several other countries on our list. While some restaurants may include a tip in the bill, it's not always included. The typical tip from travelers in Mexico is 10 to 15 percent.
When staying at a hotel in Mexico it's customary to give 10 to 20 persons per bag carried to your room by the porter. Housekeeping typically receives 20 to 50 pesos and concierge services bring an extra 100 pesos to the table. For transportation, a tip of 10 to 100 pesos, depending on the length of the trip, is fairly standard.
Netherlands
Many restaurants in the Netherlands will including service charges with the final bill. While tipping isn't customary, exceptional service often allows for a five to 10 percent tip that will be gladly accepted by your server.
Most hotels in the country include fixed costs which work the cost of tips into the final bill. When using transportation in the country a one to two euro tip is a nice gesture, otherwise, the price of services, including service charges, are worked into the bill.
Spain
When traveling in Spain it's a nice gesture to leave a tip between seven and 15 percent if you receive excellent service. Don't feel bad if you don't tip after a bad experience since it's not expected to begin with.
The tipping in Spain all comes down to your hotel stay. Housekeeping expects five to 10 euros per day for their work while special services from concierges usually come with the expectation of 10 euros. If you're using transportation, simply round up your cab fare. For private tour guides, it's customary to provide $30 per day.
Taiwan
The average added gratuity at many restaurants in Taiwan ranges from 10 to 15 percent. Check your receipt and if the charge isn't included you can add the same 10 to 15 percent if your service was up-to-par.
For hotel staff and bellhops, it's customary to offer $2 per day for cleaning services and $20 for concierges who go above and beyond with your requests. Just keep in mind that only employees working inside international hotels expect these tips. For transportation, you don't need to tip taxi drivers while 10 percent for tour guides is appreciated.
Switzerland
For restaurants in Switzerland, service charges are included in the prices on the menu. Still, many people will round up their bill, adding a few francs to the final bill. For large groups, a nice tip is always appreciated and often given.
If you're staying at a hotel in Switzerland you can following the same tipping we've listed multiple times already, just keep in mind that it's not expected. Workers at hotels in Switzerland are paid a living wage without tips. For transportation, you can offer five to 10 percent to drivers and $40 per person, per day for tour guides.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a bit laxer with tipping than the United States but that doesn't mean there are no gratuities. Most restaurants will include service charges with the bill. If you're confused by your bill, feel free to ask. If tips are not included, 10 to 15 percent is an acceptable amount to offer.
With hotel staff, porters typically receive 1 or 2 pounds for helping with bags. You don't have to tip housekeeping and valet staff, but that's up to you. For transportation, you don't have to tip for a flat fare but you should add 10 percent if your ride is metered.
Iceland
In Iceland, they've largely streamlined the process for restaurants. Most places will add 15 percent to the bill. If the service you receive is exceptional you can add a bigger tip but it's definitely not expected. An additional 10 percent to show your appreciation is more than enough.
You can tip hotel staff in Iceland but they don't expect to receive extra money for any services they provide. As for transportation, $10 to $20 per day for tour guides or a private driver is suggested.
