How much to tip abroad: a country-by-country cheat sheet
Short answer: in the US and Canada tipping is expected (15–22%); across most of Europe service is included or a 5–10% tip is a kind extra; in Japan, Korea and China tipping is not expected. Always check the bill for a service charge first.
Where tipping is expected
United States: 18–22% at restaurants, 15–20% for bars, taxis and delivery. Canada: 15–20%. Mexico: 10–15%. Egypt, Israel, South Africa: 10–15%.
Where service is usually included
France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Brazil, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia commonly add a service charge. Rounding up or leaving small change is a nice gesture, not an obligation.
Where a small tip is appreciated
Germany and Austria (5–10%, often by rounding up when you pay), the UK and Ireland (10–12.5% if no service charge), Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Greece, Turkey and Poland (5–10%).
Where tipping is not expected
Japan, South Korea, China and Finland. Leaving money can be confusing; a thank-you is enough.
Taxis, hotels and delivery
Taxis are usually rounded up outside North America. Hotel porters and housekeeping get a small note in most tipping countries. Delivery follows the restaurant custom in the US and Canada; elsewhere it is optional.
Doing it with Tabwise
Tabwise has an offline tipping guide for 49 countries with restaurant, bar, taxi, hotel and delivery customs. Open a country and tap “Calculate with” to apply its usual tip to your bill.
FAQ
Do I need to tip in Japan?
No. Tipping is not expected in Japan and can cause confusion; good service is already included in the price.
How much should I tip in the United States?
About 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and delivery, and a small note per bag or night for hotel staff.
What does “service included” mean on a European bill?
A service charge is already added (common in France, Italy and Belgium). Rounding up or leaving small change is optional.