Our global guide to tipping and tipping culture

If you’ve ever worked in the service industry in the US, you know tipping is not only just appreciated, it’s a significant part of how many workers make their living. However, the practice of adding gratuity isn’t the same around the world, and figuring out exactly how much to tip – and whom to tip – while traveling can be confusing, but we’re here to help.

General Tipping Guidelines

In many countries, tipping is customary. It’s used as a way to acknowledge great service and to show appreciation for the people who are enhancing our lives in some way – whether they’re serving a meal, carrying suitcases or driving us from point A to point B. Plus, service workers oftentimes receive lower wages, and tipping helps boost their take-home pay, and, as a result, the local economy.

This type of tipping culture isn’t universal, though. In places like Spain and Portugal, tipping is more relaxed and centered around appreciation, instead of being seen as an obligation. In Japan, leaving gratuity isn’t expected at all; in fact, it can even come across as confusing or rude.

Before you brush up on the specifics of how to tip in different countries, though, it’s important to start with a few general guidelines for tipping.

Tipping culture in the US is deeply ingrained in the service industry – from restaurants and bars to hotels, taxis and coffee shops. It also comes with mixed feelings and sparks a larger debate because many service workers are paid less than minimum wage and wholly rely on tips to make a living.

In the past few years, tipping has become an even larger conversation, often referred to as “tipflation.” According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 72% of US adults say tipping is currently expected more often and in more places than it was five years ago. The same percentage of US adults also oppose restaurants including automatic service charges in bills, a practice that is commonly used in European countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic played a strong role in this shift, as the service industry was hit particularly hard and those frequenting businesses were encouraged to tip higher. There’s also the rise in digital payment systems, which present gratuity amounts on a range of transactions that, in previous years, didn’t require tipping.

While the larger tipping conversation continues, most Americans consider 20% to be the standard tipping rate across industries and services.

*beyond ordering cabs or making dinner reservations

Tipping culture in Canada closely resembles how we tip in the United States, with a few small differences. While it’s not as strictly enforced as it is in the US, tipping is still appreciated and a general good practice.

This is especially the case at restaurants, where Canadians and travelers usually tip the highest. The exact percentage will vary, but 15% is considered the minimum (it used to be the maximum), and 20% is awarded for excellent service.

If you’re traveling to Mexico, be prepared to tip in cash – preferably pesos, for different services rendered. In a pinch, you can tip with USD, but pesos (notes, not coins) are preferred; the smallest note is 20 pesos and equals about $1.

Tipping is appreciated at restaurants, bars, and hotels (housekeepers, porters and valets), but taxi drivers – with the exception of those driving for Uber or Lyft – don’t typically expect a tip. If they go above and beyond, helping with bags or stopping so you can get food or water, feel free to offer 10 or 20 pesos on top of the fare. Uber and Lyft drivers are the exception, and riders are encouraged to tip via the app.

In tourism-heavy destinations (like Cancún or Los Cabos), the percentage for tipping increases. Plan on tipping 15 -20% while frequenting these popular destinations.

Tipping in Italy isn’t mandatory – but it’s always a thoughtful gesture. Unlike service workers in the US, Italians are paid a salary and don’t rely on tips as their wages.

Many restaurants include a service charge of 10%; 5-10% of the bill can be added as additional gratuity for great service. In more casual places, you can round up the bill or leave a few euros.

Outside of restaurants, where service charges (coperto) are usually added to the bill, a good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest euro or leave a couple of euros for the services. This applies to cafes, taxis and bars. If you’re staying at a hotel, have euros on hand to tip small amounts to bellhops, housekeeping and concierge as you see fit.

You won’t have to use your phone calculator to figure out how much to tip at a restaurant in France. That’s because French law requires all restaurants to add a service charge to the bill; it’s usually about 15%.

These service fees are also calculated into the final bills for both hotels and taxis, and employees are paid a living wage and aren’t reliant on tips to make a decent living. Still, if you’re extremely happy with the service – let’s say the waiter was extra attentive – an additional tip of a few euros is always appreciated.

Tipping culture in Ireland certainly exists, but it’s not as strict of a requirement as it is in the US. Gratuity is used as a way to express gratitude, but service workers don’t rely on it to make their living.

One of the biggest differences in tipping in Ireland, compared to the US, can be found inside the pub. While you might tip per drink in the States, Irish tipping customs include providing a few euros if the drinks are brought to your table, or if you’re ordering a larger round (or multiple complicated cocktails) at the bar.

For the most part, tipping in Spain is optional. There are a few exceptions – it’s suggested to leave a few euros for bellhops, housekeepers and concierge at hotels – but, for the most part, tipping isn’t as commonplace across the service industry as it is in the US.

You will want to have cash on hand, though, as cash tips are usually preferred, whether you’re showing thanks at a hotel or a restaurant. If you’re at the latter and you’re not sure how much to tip, first look for the words “servicio incluido” on the bill. If you spot them, you know the tip is already factored into the final cost. If not, consider leaving a 10-15% if your server did a nice job.

Tipping in Portugal isn’t necessarily obligatory, and tipping culture is a bit hazy, but it’s recommended to carry some euros with you in case the occasion arises. One of those instances could be a taxi ride; consider leaving 5-10% of the total fare, especially if the driver helps with your luggage.

When dining at a restaurant in Portugal, you’re only expected to tip when there isn’t already a service charge added (which is usually around 10%) or when the service is great. If the service is bad, don’t worry about tipping.

When it comes to tipping culture in England – and London, in particular – you should generally expect to give a smaller tip to service workers than you do in the US.

When dining at restaurants, plan on adding 10-15% of the total bill as the gratuity. If you’re at a cafe or bar, you aren’t required to tip per drink, though rounding up to the nearest pound or leaving 1-2 pounds is appreciated.

It’s also a good idea to offer hotel bellmen or porters 1-2 pounds per bag if they’re bringing the luggage to your room. If the concierge performs the near impossible during your stay (e.g gets you a reservation at a popular restaurant), slip them 5-10 pounds. Lastly, if you’re using cabs as transportation, be sure to factor in a tip of about 10% per ride.

Tipping in Japan is rarely practiced and, for the most part, it isn’t expected. Offering gratuity for services – or additional gratuity on top of restaurant service charges – may potentially result in an awkward moment, as you’ll likely be refused.

There are a few notable exceptions to this rule: private guides, ryokans (traditional Japanese-style inns) and housekeepers. If you do decide to tip your guide, the room attendant or proprietor of the ryokan, or the person cleaning your hotel room, you must use clean bills and place them into an envelope. Use both hands to offer the envelope if the gift is presented in person.

Conclusion

Understanding tipping culture is one of the most important aspects of traveling. By following local gratuity customs and practices, you show both gratitude for your experience and respect for the locals and service workers whose presence and hard work make it all happen.