Guide to International Tipping

In honor of Father’s Day, I am sharing my type-A tips on tipping while traveling internationally. Besides being a great dad, my father is also the world’s expert on tipping. So, as his child, I feel obligated to make this post about tipping. 

As an American, tipping internationally can be very confusing… We tip almost everyone, but this isn’t true in many other nations. I have done a lot of research, and each country has its own rules; however, as tourism increases, tipping is becoming more popular. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. Below are some tips (pun intended) and a history of tipping. 

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History of Tipping:

Tipping started in Europe in the Middle Ages when patrons at a tavern would slip extra money to the waiter hoping to get their drinks more promptly. In the USA tipping didn’t really start until after the Civil War. Like in Europe tipping initially was reserved for taverns and dining halls. Over the years it has expanded to across the world, and to multiple service lines. In the USA tipping is expected and necessary in resturants. Most servers are paid below minimum wage (which is still very low), due to the fact that they often make double in tips.

USA & Canada:

Restaurants: tip 15-20% of the meal (some fancier restaurants already include the tip)

Taxis: tip about 10%

You might notice that tip jars and asking for tips with digital payments have increased in the USA. Again, tips at fast-food restaurants and cafes, aka places where you pay at a counter and pick up your food from the counter, is not expected! However, you will find that tips are asked for. Personally, I do tip in these locations, but I do it because I know many people are hurting for money, and they are paid meager rates. Do not feel obligated to tip if you don’t want to.

Australia & New Zealand:

Servers and Taxi drivers are paid a livable wage, so tips are not expected. If you receive exceptional service, it is acceptable to leave a small tip.

Europe:

Most European countries pay their servers a living wage, meaning they don’t expect a tip. However, as tourism increases, tipping is becoming a bit more popular. So, it is not rude to leave a tip. Below are countries that are the exception to this rule:

UK & Ireland: tip 10-15% at restaurants if service is not included

Lisbon: tip about 10% at restaurants

Hungary: tip 10-15% at restaurants if service is not included

Latin America:

Mexico: Most restaurants and bars expect 5-10% tips. Rounding up for taxi fares is appropriate. 

South America:

It is safe to tip 10% at restaurants if service is not included in your bill, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to tip. This may vary from country to country. 

Africa:

Make sure you have cash handy. Most staff are unable to make changes. Across Africa, it is safe to tip about 10% at restaurants if service isn’t included. A few extra dollars on top of the fare are appreciated by taxi drivers. 

Asia:

Most of Asia is non-tipping. However, in some countries, this is changing. Assuming service isn’t included, a 10% tip wouldn’t be wrong. Below are some exceptions: 

Japan: Do not tip! It is not expected even with the increase in tourism.

China: Tipping is not expected. But if you must, just a small amount

Thailand: Just a few baht’s for restaurants and taxis

Vietnam: Tip 5-10% at restaurants, and no tip is expected for taxis 

Nepal: about 10% at restaurants if service is not included

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My father is the world’s expert on tipping (he has a Wikipedia page). If you want to read more about him and some of his interesting research, check out his personal website: http://www.tippingresearch.com/

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I hope this has helped you feel more prepared for your trip. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you!

-Teresa, the Type A Trekker

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