Where You Should (and Shouldn’t) Tip When Traveling Abroad
If you have ever traveled the world, you know that when visiting another country, there is not only a language barrier, but also a different culture of tipping. Do you tip when you eat at a restaurant? And in a coffee shop? And what percentage do you tip? What if you are in Venice? Singapore? All this to the point that there are many variables that affect the tip when you leave the United States.
Because standards change by region and scenario, you need to make sure you don’t accidentally judge (or offend) your waiter, bellboy, taxi driver, etc. If you’re not sure what it’s polite to move, take a look at these tips to see when it’s appropriate to show your gratitude.
In which countries should you tip?
The culture of tipping is alive and well in the United States, so it’s not surprising that countries with a similar attitude towards the practice are countries that have seen large influxes of American tourists. According to the Travel Channel , countries where tipping has become common include Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In these regions, tipping between 10 and 15% for restaurant service is the norm, although anything above this amount is by no means inappropriate. In addition, you will be required to tip hotel staff, car service, and baristas just as you would in the United States. Basically, when you are in any of the aforementioned countries, you don’t need to change your tipping behavior at all.
Additionally, tipping is a common practice in some countries in the Middle East . In Israel, you are expected to tip between 10% and 15% if the restaurant has not yet added a service charge. The United Arab Emirates will add a 10% service charge and a 6% tourist tax, although a further 10% tip is usually added to these fees. In Egypt, a 10% tip is expected on top of the 10% service charge; the first goes to the waiters of the restaurant, while the second does not.
Where should you refrain from tipping?
Quite a few countries around the world have abandoned the practice of tipping and instead allow their diners to predict the final cost of their meals just by looking at the menu – what a concept! In European countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Scandinavia and France, they will take the decision out of your hands and add some kind of service charge – usually 15%, of which you are not expected to receive a tip. from. Also, it is not customary to tip for service in pubs or fast food restaurants.
In Asian countries such as China, Japan and Singapore, tips are generally not expected. The Travel Channel even goes so far as to say that tipping can be construed as rude in these countries, with the exception of Singapore, where a large expat community has made this American custom more common. Similarly, tipping is not customary in Australia, except in high-end restaurants, where tipping is typically 10%.
When to tip and when not to tip
Restaurants are not the only service where tips are discussed. In tourist areas around the world, it’s customary to tip guides for any tours you take in the area ( U.S. News & World Report points out that this is the only time it’s appropriate to tip in China).
Also, depending on the country you’re visiting, it may be appropriate to tip hotel staff, including bellboys, concierges, and cleaners. A similar standard applies to drivers or any other person providing personal transport. Conde Nast Traveler has an amazingly detailed country-by-country guide on when to tip for each of these services.