Tipping customs around the world
Expected in the US, seen as odd in Japan: a tour of tipping customs by region, so you get it right while travelling.
Broad trends by region
| Region | Common practice |
|---|---|
| US, Canada | Expected, 15-20% at restaurants, server base pay is often low without tips |
| Western Europe | Appreciated but not mandatory, often already included ("service included") |
| Japan, South Korea | Not customary, can even feel awkward or out of place |
| Mainland China | Generally absent, growing in some tourist-facing contexts |
| Middle East | Common, variable by country |
These customs evolve and vary a lot by specific country and context (restaurant, taxi, hotel) — checking up-to-date local customs before you leave beats any general rule.
Contexts where tipping is most common
- Table-service restaurants (more than fast food or self-service).
- Taxis and rideshares: often rounding up to the next amount.
- Hotels: bellhop, room service.
- Tour guides and drivers on organised tours.
"Service included" vs. tipping
In France and several European countries, service is legally included in the price shown on a restaurant menu — an extra tip is a welcome gesture but not expected, unlike in countries where service isn't part of staff's base pay.
How to tip depending on the context
| Situation | Common practice |
|---|---|
| Restaurant with a bill | In cash on the table, or added to a card payment depending on the country |
| Hairdresser, spa | Directly to the person, in cash |
| Home delivery | Increasingly built into the app (optional tip at checkout) |
| Cruise | Often a fixed daily amount, sometimes already included in the fare |
Tipping and card payments
In some countries (the US especially), the payment terminal often suggests tip percentages directly (15%, 18%, 20%) at checkout — convenient, but it can create social pressure to pick a higher amount than originally planned.
When unsure of the local custom, discreetly watching what other customers around you do is often the best indicator — more reliable than a general rule found online.
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