[Map] How Much Should You Tip In Each Country? Where Not To?
Whether it's to express satisfaction with a tasty meal in a restaurant, a pleasant night in a hotel or exceptional service in a taxi, tipping is common practice in many countries around the world. But not always! Here's an overview of tipping practices around the world.
Source : Hawaiian Islands.com
The United States has the highest tipping rate: leaving 20% is usual
If you're planning to travel to the United States this summer, you should know that tipping is a must! In American restaurants, it is customary to leave the waiter around 20% of your final bill to express your appreciation for his service. Tipping is often the main source of income for American waiters, whose wages are low.
After the United States, Canada (15-20%) and Mexico (15%) are among the biggest tippers. Tipping is also required in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates: around 10-15% of the bill.
Source: Hawaiian Islands.com
In Asia, it can be considered very rude to offer a tip
In some countries, tips may be small or non-existent, due to certain cultural practices or specific remuneration systems. The following are countries where tipping may be perceived negatively.
China
Modesty is highly valued in China.
Ostentatious displays of generosity or wealth can be frowned upon. For example, tipping a waiter could be very badly perceived by the local population.
Japan
In Japan, customer service is generally exceptional. There is an expectation that service is included in the price paid, and tipping could be seen as an insinuation that the service was unsatisfactory.
Korea
Korean society has been strongly influenced by Confucian principles: social harmony, modesty and equality. Tipping can be seen as a way of creating a hierarchy or showing off one's wealth.
How do you have to tip in Europe?
If you're travelling to Europe this summer, it will be useful to know how much to tip. Here's a summary of best practice in a range of countries you may be visiting this summer.
| Country | Tipping details |
|---|---|
| Italy | If you're travelling in Italy, you'll see "servizio incluso" or "coperto" on some restaurant bills. These words mean that the service is included in your bill, so there's no need to add a tip. However, if you particularly liked the service, it is perfectly possible to give your waiter 5 or 10% of the final price of the bill as a tip. |
| Poland | If you want to tip a Polish waiter, it is better to give it to them directly rather than leaving it on the table. |
| Croatia | In restaurants and bars in Croatia, it is common to leave a tip in cash. You can give it directly to the waiter by adding cash to the total bill that you hand over to the server. You can also leave the tip on the table after paying. |
| Portugal | In Portugal, the practice of tipping, known as 'gorjeta,' is common but not as widespread or mandatory as in some other countries. The usual amount for a tip generally ranges between 5% and 10% of the total bill amount. |
| Spain | In Spain, you can round up the bill amount: a common practice is to round up the bill to the nearest higher 'round' number. For example, if your bill is 23 euros, you can leave 25 euros, with 2 euros remaining as a tip for the server. |
| Netherlands | In some establishments in the Netherlands, the service charge may be included in the bill, indicated as "servicekosten" or "bedieningsgeld". In this case, it is not necessary to leave an additional tip unless you wish to express great satisfaction for exceptional service. |
In many European countries, service is already included in the final bill. In theory, therefore, there is no need to leave a tip. Here are some examples:
- France
- Spain
- Portugal
- Italy
- Sweden
- Greece
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Denmark
- Austria
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Norway
Methodology
In addition to its expert editorial line around insurance and financial products, HelloSafe explores broader topics relating to global consumption in Canada and around the world. The aim is to decipher certain complex subjects for consumers and to provide everyone with the latest information. It is within this framework that HelloSafe regularly carries out studies on trends relating to current personal finance in Canada.
The map at the top of this page is based on data shared by Hawaiian Islands .com for the year 2023. These tip labels for each country were collected from each country's TripAdvisor tip guide. The data was then cross-referenced with at least one other source. For countries without TripAdvisor tip guides, at least two sources were used to find accurate tip amounts.
About HelloSafe Canada
HelloSafe is an insurtech specialist in travel insurance on the Canadian market. Using proprietary technology, we provide access to the best travel insurance solutions and expert advice via a single, anonymous platform. Our team supports thousands of travellers every month with dedicated products, continuously updated content and innovative digital tools.
How can we help you?
Contact HelloSafe’s Team
Do you have a question? A suggestion on what we can do better? We would love to hear from you.
Alexandre Desoutter
Head of PR
Follow us
Find us on social media
MEDIA KIT
