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

Tipping is where polite travellers most often get it wrong, because there is no global rule. In one country a tip is a warm gesture, in the next it is part of someone’s wages, and in a third it is mildly insulting.

Where tipping is effectively mandatory

• United States: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants. Tipped workers are legally paid a lower minimum wage, so this is not optional.
• Canada: 15–20%, with the same logic as the US.

Where a modest tip is expected

• UAE and Qatar: 10–15% if no service charge is on the bill.
• Egypt: small "baksheesh" notes everywhere, from restroom attendants to drivers.
• Morocco: around 10%, plus small change for porters and hammam attendants.
• South Africa: 10–15% in restaurants, plus car guards and petrol attendants.
• India: around 10%, ₹50–100 per bag for porters, ₹300–500 per day for guides.
• Mexico: 10–15%, plus small amounts for bag boys and restroom attendants.
• Kenya and Peru: around 10%, plus daily gratuities for guides, trackers and porters.

Where tipping is modest and optional

• France: service is included by law. Round up or leave one or two euros.
• Italy: check for "coperto" or "servizio" first, then a few euros is plenty.
• Spain, Portugal and Greece: rounding up or 5–10% for good service.
• Brazil: a 10% service charge is usually included; anything extra is a bonus.
• Thailand and Vietnam: not required, but increasingly welcome in tourist areas.

Where you should not tip

Japan, South Korea and China: tipping is not customary and can cause confusion or mild embarrassment. A sincere thank-you — or a small wrapped gift in Japan — is the appropriate gesture instead.

Australia and New Zealand sit in between: hospitality wages are reasonable, so tipping is genuinely optional. Rounding up for excellent service is welcome, and nobody will think less of you for not doing it.