TIPPING CHEAT SHEET

Many countries do not have tipping as part of their culture (eg. Netherlands); therefore. tipping is not really required but often appreciated. Other destinations, such as Hungary, it is considered rude not to tip. This can get confusing especially if you are travelling through a number of countries on one trip so it appears that 10% is a good rule of thumb. In North America, up that norm to at least 15%. But be very careful in Asia as it is often considered rude to tip and you may offend your server!
Also remember when tipping, it is imperative to have a good grasp on the exchange rate.
Below is a quick cheat sheet for tipping for many popular travel destinations.
Country or Area | Tip Per Cent (Before Tax) |
---|---|
United States | 15-20% |
Canada | Min. 10 %, usually 15-20% |
Mexico | 15% |
Caribbean islands | 15% |
Peru | 10% |
Ecuador | 10% |
Argentina | 10%* |
Brazil | 10%* |
Colombia | 10-15%* |
England, Scotland & Wales | 10-15%* |
Ireland | 10-15% |
France | 15%* |
Germany | 5-10% |
Switzerland | 10% |
Hungary | 10% |
Czech Republic | 10% |
Netherlands | 10% |
Norway | 10-20% (no tips for taxis or hotel cleaning) |
Sweden | 5-10% |
Finland | 10-15%* |
Iceland | 10% |
Spain | 5-10% |
Portugal | 10% |
Italy | 5-10% |
Croatia | 10-20% |
Greece | 10-15% |
Turkey | 10-15% |
India | 10% |
Egypt | 15% |
Israel | 12-15% |
Dubai, SAE | 10-15%* |
South Africa | 10-15% |
Philippines | 10%* |
Vietnam | Tour guides, hotel cleaners, etc. US$1-3 |
Cambodia | Tour guides, hotel cleaners, etc. US$2-4 |
China | Upscale restaurants may include the tip; otherwise $0 |
Japan | Do Not Tip. may be considered rude |
New Zealand | 10% |
Australia | 10% |
French Polynesia | Not expected |
The above are guidelines only. If you get exemplary service by all means tip more – except where no tipping is the cultural norm (and often considered insulting).
*Some countries or areas such as the United Kingdom actually add the gratuity to your bill so tipping on top of this is just for extra-great service (check the per cent amount you are being charged); however, with this convenient “gratuity added to your bill”, you have no choice for poor service: you are still paying the tip.
A great article on the subject of tipping on your travels: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/international-tipping-confusion
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