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Tipping Around the World: A Country-by-Country Guide

You've just finished a beautiful meal in Tokyo. The service was impeccable. You leave 2,000 yen on the table - and the server chases you down the street to return it. What's generous in one country is offensive in another.

The global tipping divide

Professor Michael Lynn at Cornell University has spent decades studying tipping behavior across cultures. His landmark 1993 study with Zinkhan and Harris examined tipping customs in 30 countries and found something surprising: the practice varies so dramatically that there’s no universal “right” approach.

70%of the world’s countries have little to no tipping culture.
The American model is the exception, not the rule.

Lynn’s research identified a clear pattern: countries with higher individualism scores (like the US and Canada) have stronger tipping norms. Collectivist cultures (like Japan and China) view tipping as unnecessary or even insulting - good service is a professional duty, not something requiring additional payment.

18-25%expected tip in the United States
0%expected tip in Japan
10-15%average where tipping exists

Source: Lynn, Zinkhan & Harris, “Tipping and Its Alternatives: A Cross-National Study,” Journal of Consumer Marketing, 1993

Why tipping norms differ so dramatically

Ofer Azar’s comprehensive 2007 review in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology identified three key factors that determine whether a country develops strong tipping norms:

Labor law structure

Countries with sub-minimum wages for tipped workers (US: $2.13/hour federal) create tip dependency. Countries with universal minimum wages (Australia: $23.23/hour) don’t.

Cultural individualism

Individualist cultures reward personal service with personal payment. Collectivist cultures view service as a team effort included in the price.

Service charge tradition

Many European and Asian countries include service in menu prices by law (service compris). Tipping on top feels like double-paying.

Income inequality

Higher inequality correlates with stronger tipping norms. Tips become a wealth redistribution mechanism in economically stratified societies.

“The institution of tipping is economically inefficient - it creates uncertainty, inequality, and social discomfort. Yet it persists in some countries because of path dependency and cultural inertia.”

- Ofer Azar, “The Social Norm of Tipping: A Review,” Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 2007

Source: Ofer Azar, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 2007

North America: The tipping heartland

North America has the world’s strongest tipping expectations. The US federal tipped minimum wage has been frozen at $2.13/hour since 1991, making tips essential income rather than a bonus.

United States
18-25%restaurants, bars, taxis, hotels

Tipping is mandatory in practice. Servers earn $2.13-$7.25/hour base. Not tipping is a serious social violation. Counter service: 0-20%. Delivery: 15-20%.

Canada
15-20%similar to US but slightly lower

Strong tipping culture mirroring the US. Provincial minimum wages apply but tips remain expected. Quebec tends toward the lower end (15%).

Mexico
10-15%restaurants, services

Tipping (propina) is expected at restaurants. 10-15% is standard. Tourist areas may expect US-style 15-20%. Street food and markets: not expected.

The $2.13 problem: The US federal tipped minimum wage hasn’t increased in over 30 years. In states without higher tipped minimums, servers legally earn $2.13/hour before tips. This is why American tipping expectations are so high - and why the norms don’t apply elsewhere.

Western Europe: Service included

Most Western European countries include service in menu prices by law or custom. The phrase service compris (service included) means staff are paid living wages and tipping is genuinely optional.

France
0-5%service compris by law

Service is included in all prices since 1987. Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but never expected. 15-20% would be excessive.

Italy
0-10%coperto + servizio often included

Look for coperto (cover charge) and servizio (service) on your bill - usually 1-3 euros each. If included, additional tip unnecessary. If not, round up.

United Kingdom
10-12.5%discretionary but expected

Check if service charge is included (common at 12.5%). If not, 10-12.5% for good service. Pubs: not expected for drinks at bar. Taxis: round up.

Germany
5-10%round up or small percentage

Tipping (Trinkgeld) is modest. Round up to the nearest euro or add 5-10%. Say the total you want to pay when handing over money: “Stimmt so” (keep the change).

Spain
0-10%appreciated but not expected

Locals rarely tip beyond small change. Tourists may leave 5-10% at nicer restaurants. Bars and cafes: round up or leave coins. Taxis: round up.

Netherlands
5-10%service included, extra appreciated

Service is included in prices. Leaving 5-10% or rounding up is a polite gesture for good service, not an obligation.

Belgium
0-10%service compris by law

Like France, service and VAT are included in prices. Rounding up is common. 10% would be generous.

Portugal
5-10%appreciated but modest

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. 5-10% at restaurants, rounding up for taxis and cafes.

Source: Lynn, Gelb & Milliman, “National Values and Tipping Customs,” Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 2002

Scandinavia: No tipping necessary

Scandinavian countries have some of the world’s highest wages and strongest labor protections. Service workers earn $20-30+/hour with full benefits. Tipping is genuinely unnecessary and can feel awkward.

Sweden
0%not expected

Tipping is uncommon. Service industry workers earn living wages through strong union contracts. Rounding up is fine but never expected.

Norway
0%not expected

With some of the world’s highest wages, tips are truly unnecessary. Locals rarely tip. Tourists may round up at upscale restaurants.

Denmark
0%included in price

Service charge is included by law. Additional tipping is unusual. If service was exceptional, rounding up is a kind gesture.

Finland
0%not part of culture

Tipping is not customary. Service workers are well-compensated. No need to tip unless service was truly extraordinary.

Iceland
0%may cause confusion

Tipping is not part of Icelandic culture. Attempting to tip may create an awkward moment as staff may not know how to respond.

Switzerland
0-5%service included

Service is included in prices by law. Rounding up is common. 5% is considered generous. Never expected.

The Scandinavian model: When servers earn $25-30/hour with healthcare, pension, and 5+ weeks vacation, tips become genuinely unnecessary. This is what “service included” actually means - not a hidden fee, but a living wage built into the price.

Eastern Europe: Modest expectations

Eastern European countries generally have modest tipping expectations - typically rounding up or 10%. Post-Soviet nations have developed varying customs as their tourism industries have grown.

Poland
10%for good service

10% is standard for good restaurant service. Not required but appreciated. Rounding up for taxis and cafes.

Czech Republic
10%round up or 10%

Round up the bill or leave 10% for good service. In Prague tourist areas, some may expect more. Locals typically round up.

Hungary
10%expected at restaurants

10% is customary at restaurants. Note: some restaurants automatically add service - check your bill. Taxis: round up.

Croatia
10%increasingly expected

Tourism has strengthened tipping culture. 10% at restaurants is now common. Round up for other services.

Greece
5-10%appreciated

Service charge may be included (check bill). If not, 5-10% is appreciated. Tavernas: round up. Taxis: round up.

Austria
5-10%round up or small tip

Similar to Germany. Round up or leave 5-10%. Say the amount you want to pay: “Machen Sie [amount].”

East Asia: Where tipping doesn’t belong

East Asian countries represent the clearest “no tipping” zone globally. In Japan, South Korea, and China, tipping can cause genuine confusion or discomfort. It implies the establishment isn’t paying fair wages - a subtle insult.

Japan
Don’t tipcan be offensive

Never tip. Good service is a point of professional pride. Tips imply inadequate wages. Staff may chase you down to return money left on the table.

South Korea
Don’t tipnot customary

Tipping is not part of Korean culture. International hotels may accept tips but local restaurants won’t expect them. Can cause awkwardness.

China
Don’t tiptraditionally not done

Tipping is not traditional and can cause confusion. High-end international hotels are the exception. Local restaurants: never expected.

Hong Kong
10%often included

Service charge (10%) is typically added automatically. Additional tipping is not expected. Check your bill first.

Taiwan
0-10%not expected

Tipping is not common or expected. Upscale restaurants may add 10% service charge. Otherwise, not necessary.

Singapore
Don’t tipdiscouraged

Tipping is officially discouraged. Hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge. Additional tips are unnecessary.

“In Japan, the concept of ‘omotenashi’ - wholehearted hospitality - means excellent service is an inherent part of the experience, not something to be purchased separately.”

- Cross-cultural hospitality research, Journal of Travel Research

Southeast Asia & Oceania

Southeast Asia has mixed practices, often influenced by tourism and Western visitors. Australia and New Zealand, like Scandinavia, have living wage structures that make tipping unnecessary.

Thailand
0-10%appreciated in tourist areas

Not traditional but increasingly expected in tourist areas. 10% at upscale restaurants. Round up elsewhere. Leave coins (respectfully) at street food stalls.

Vietnam
5-10%appreciated

Not expected but appreciated, especially from tourists. 5-10% at restaurants. Tour guides and drivers: $2-5 USD common.

Indonesia
5-10%appreciated in Bali

Bali has stronger tipping culture due to tourism. 5-10% at restaurants. Check if service charge included. Other islands: less expected.

Philippines
10%service charge common

Many restaurants add 10% service charge. If not included, 10% is appropriate. Tipping is appreciated given lower wages.

Australia
0%not expected

Minimum wage is $23.23 AUD/hour (~$15 USD). Tipping is genuinely optional. Some upscale restaurants may see 10% but never expected.

New Zealand
0%not part of culture

Like Australia, strong minimum wages mean tips aren’t expected or necessary. Locals don’t tip. Tourists sometimes round up.

Middle East & Africa

Middle Eastern countries generally have moderate tipping expectations, often around 10-15%. Africa varies widely - tourist-facing services expect tips, while local establishments may not.

United Arab Emirates
10-15%appreciated

Service charge often included in Dubai. If not, 10-15% appreciated. Hotel staff: 5-20 AED. Many service workers are expats with lower base wages.

Israel
10-15%expected at restaurants

Strong tipping culture. 10-15% at restaurants. Some add service charge - check bill. Taxis: round up.

Egypt
10-15%baksheesh culture

Baksheesh (tipping) is an integral part of the economy. 10-15% at restaurants. Small tips expected for many services throughout the day.

Morocco
10%appreciated

10% at restaurants. Small tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff. Riads may include service. Check before adding more.

South Africa
10-15%expected

Tipping is expected and important given wage structures. 10-15% at restaurants. Petrol attendants, car guards: R5-20.

Kenya
10%appreciated

10% at restaurants. Safari guides and drivers: $10-20 USD per day is customary. Tips meaningful given local wages.

South America

South American tipping customs generally fall between European modesty and North American generosity. Many countries include service charges (taxa de servico) automatically.

Brazil
10%usually included

Taxa de servico (10%) is typically added automatically. Check your bill - it’s usually there. Additional tipping not expected.

Argentina
10%expected

10% is standard at restaurants. Some upscale places may expect more. Propina appreciated for good service.

Chile
10%expected

10% is customary. Service charge may be included at some restaurants - check the bill. Taxis: round up.

Colombia
10%often voluntary

Restaurants may ask “Desea incluir el servicio?” (Do you want to include service?). 10% is standard if you say yes.

Peru
10%expected at restaurants

10% expected at restaurants. Check if service included. Tour guides and porters appreciate tips in USD or local currency.

Quick reference: All 30 countries

The complete at-a-glance guide. Green = no tipping expected. Yellow = modest (round up to 10%). Orange = expected (10-15%). Red = high expectations (15%+).

CountryRestaurantKey Note
United States18-25%Mandatory in practice
Canada15-20%Similar to US
United Kingdom10-12.5%Check if included
Mexico10-15%Expected at restaurants
Israel10-15%Strong tipping culture
UAE10-15%Service often included
Egypt10-15%Baksheesh culture
South Africa10-15%Important for workers
France0-5%Service compris by law
Germany5-10%Round up
Italy0-10%Check for coperto
Spain0-10%Appreciated, not expected
Netherlands5-10%Service included
Brazil10%Usually auto-added
Argentina10%Standard
Thailand0-10%Tourist areas expect more
Japan0%Can be offensive
South Korea0%Not customary
China0%Causes confusion
Singapore0%Officially discouraged
Australia0%Living wages
New Zealand0%Not part of culture
Sweden0%High wages
Norway0%High wages
Denmark0%Included by law
Finland0%Not customary
Iceland0%May cause confusion
Switzerland0-5%Round up only

When NOT to tip (anywhere)

Regardless of country, certain situations don’t call for tips:

Service charge included

Always check your bill. If service is already added (common in UK, Hong Kong, tourist areas), additional tipping is optional.

Business owners

Don’t tip the owner of a business. They set prices and take profits. Tips go to employees.

Government employees

Never tip government workers, customs officials, police, etc. In many countries this is illegal (bribery).

Healthcare workers

Doctors, nurses, and medical staff should not be tipped. Professional ethics prohibit it in most countries.

Where it’s refused

If your tip is declined, don’t insist. In Japan, South Korea, and elsewhere, pushing tips can be uncomfortable for everyone.

All-inclusive resorts

Check your package terms. Many all-inclusive resorts include gratuities. Additional tips may not reach staff.

The universal challenge: group bills abroad

Here’s what the research tells us about international dining - and how it informed splitty’s design:

Tipping norms vary 0-25% by country→Adjustable tip percentage - set it to match local customs
Service charges often included in price→Easy to set 0% tip when service is already in the bill
Cash tips in local currency preferred globally→See exact totals before paying - know what cash to bring
Groups of 6+ tip 42% less (diffusion of responsibility)→Everyone sees their individual tip contribution - no hiding in the crowd

Related guides

Cross-Border Dining: Currency Complications Who absorbs exchange rate loss when splitting abroad
American Tipping Guide 2026 The complete US tipping reference
Why Fair Splits Matter The psychology behind unequal ordering

Split bills fairly - anywhere in the world.

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