Tipping can be one of the most confusing parts of travelling and tipping norms vary hugely around the world. In some countries it’s expected and built into workers’ income; in others it’s unnecessary or even rude. Understanding when and how to tip helps you avoid awkwardness, overpaying, or guilt.
What Tipping Is (and Isn’t)
Tipping is a social convention, not a universal rule. It exists to reward good service in cultures where gratuities are expected. It is not a moral obligation, and it is not meant to compensate for bad service. The most important thing to understand is that tipping norms are local. What is polite in one country can be rude in another.
Why Tipping Norms Differ
Tipping systems often reflect local wage structures rather than generosity or politeness. In some countries, service workers are paid lower base wages with the expectation that tips will supplement their income. In others, wages are structured so that tipping is unnecessary.
Understanding this context helps explain why tipping is expected in places like the United States and discouraged in places like Japan, without requiring travellers to make ethical judgments.
Tipping norms are becoming less clear in some countries that have not traditionally relied on tips. In popular tourist destinations, especially those with a high number of American visitors, tipping practices are increasingly influenced by US customs.
This can create confusion for travellers and locals alike. In some places, tipping may be welcomed in tourist-facing settings while remaining uncommon or unnecessary elsewhere. Importantly, this shift does not mean tipping has become mandatory or culturally expected. In many cases, it reflects exposure to international visitors rather than a genuine change in local norms.
Travellers should not feel pressured to adopt American-style tipping in countries where it is not traditionally part of the culture. When in doubt, following local behaviour rather than tourist habits remains the most reliable approach.
When You Should Tip
You should tip when the service is personal, attentive, and discretionary, and when local culture expects it. This most commonly applies to restaurants, bars, taxis, hotels, and personal services such as hairdressers or tour guides. In these situations, tipping is a way of recognising good service rather than simply paying a fee.
When You Should Not Tip
You should not tip when a service charge is already included in the bill, when the service is poor, or when the local culture does not support tipping. You are also not expected to tip retail staff, government employees, medical professionals, or people providing basic, non-personal services.
In countries where tipping is not customary, the best alternative is polite, respectful behaviour. A verbal thank you, a smile, or a small gesture of appreciation is often more appropriate than money.
How Much to Tip
Recommended amounts vary widely by country. In some places, a percentage of the bill is expected, while in others rounding up the total is sufficient. Importantly, tipping more than the local norm does not usually improve service and can create discomfort, particularly in countries where tipping is rare.
Country-by-Country Tipping Guide
| Country | Restaurant | Taxi / Uber | Bar | Hotel Bellboy | Housekeeping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 18–25%* | 10–20% | $1–2 per drink | $1–2 per bag | $3–5 per night |
| UK | 10–12.5%* | Round up | Optional | £1–2 | Optional |
| France | Optional | Round up | Optional | €1–2 | Optional |
| Germany | 5–10% | Round up | Round up | €1–2 | Optional |
| Italy | Optional† | Round up | Optional | €1–2 | Optional |
| Spain | Optional | Round up | Optional | €1 | Optional |
| Japan | Don’t tip | Don’t tip | Don’t tip | Don’t tip | Don’t tip |
| Australia | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Thailand | Optional | Optional | Optional | Small tip | Optional |
| UAE | 5–10% | Round up | Optional | Small tip | Optional |
* Only if no service charge † “Coperto” (mandatory cover charge) often already included
Cash vs Card Tips
In some countries, cash tips are still preferred, particularly in taxis, hotels, and smaller establishments. In others, card and app-based tips are increasingly common and accepted.
Carrying small notes when travelling can be helpful, but lack of cash is generally not considered rude where digital payments are widely used.
Avoiding Double Tipping
Always check the bill carefully. Many restaurants automatically add a service charge, particularly in the UK, Europe, and tourist-heavy areas. If a service charge is included, you are not required to tip again. Additional tipping should only be considered if the service was genuinely exceptional.
Bad Service and Guilt
You should never feel guilty for not tipping after bad service. A tip is a reward, not an entitlement even where tipping forms part of wages.
Cultural Extremes: The USA and Japan
The United States represents one end of the tipping spectrum. Tipping is deeply embedded in the culture, and many service workers are paid below minimum wage on the assumption that tips will make up the difference. Not tipping in the US is seen as socially unacceptable except in cases of very poor service.
Japan represents the opposite extreme. Tipping is not part of the culture and can be perceived as rude or confusing. High-quality service is considered standard and is already included in the price. Attempting to tip may result in the money being politely refused or returned.
Digital and App-Based Tipping
Card machines, tablets, and apps increasingly prompt customers to tip, even in situations where tipping has not traditionally been expected. These prompts are often software defaults rather than reflections of local culture. The presence of a tipping screen does not mean you are required to tip.
When service is minimal, transactional, or non-personal, it is entirely acceptable to select “no tip” without embarrassment. Tipping should reflect service, not pressure created by technology.
Many payment systems now also use behavioural “nudge” techniques, such as offering pre-set tip options or highlighting a suggested middle choice. These are designed to influence behaviour and can result in tips that are significantly higher than what people would previously have given in cash or by manually adding an amount to the bill. You should feel comfortable overriding these suggestions and tipping only what feels appropriate to you.
Automatic Gratuities and Group Dining
In many countries, particularly the United States and in tourist areas, restaurants may automatically add a gratuity for large groups. This charge replaces discretionary tipping and is intended to ensure staff are fairly compensated.
When an automatic gratuity or service charge is included, additional tipping is not expected—as this is double tipping . Extra gratuity should only be considered if service was genuinely exceptional, and never out of obligation.
Business Travel vs Leisure Travel
Tipping norms do not change when travelling for business, but consistency and discretion become more important. Extremely high or very low tips can appear unprofessional, particularly when dining with colleagues or clients.
Following local norms and rounding sensibly helps avoid drawing attention while still being respectful to service staff.
Final Advice
When in doubt, observe what locals do and follow their lead. If you are unsure, a polite thank you and respectful behaviour are always appropriate substitutes for a tip. Tipping should never cause anxiety. Understanding local norms allows you to be fair, respectful, and confident—without overpaying or feeling pressured.
Holiday Nerd 