Tipping Guide by Country
A traveler’s guide to tipping customs in 9 countries: rates, etiquette, and common mistakes.
United States
In the US, tipping is essential because service staff rely on it for income. Restaurants expect 15 to 20 percent, with 18 percent a common default and 20 percent the modern standard for good service. Bars take $1 to $2 per drink or 15 to 20 percent of the tab. Taxis and rideshares get 10 to 15 percent. Hotels take $1 to $2 per bag for bellhops and $2 to $5 per night for housekeeping. Hairdressers and delivery drivers also expect 15 to 20 percent. Large groups often have an automatic 18 to 20 percent gratuity already added.
Europe
Europe is mixed. In the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain a service charge is often already included, so extra tipping is optional rather than required. France prints "service compris" by law. Germany prefers rounding up and handing the tip to the waiter. Italy often adds a "coperto" cover charge instead of a tip. Spain tips lightly, usually just rounding up. Across the region, 5 to 10 percent is a kind extra for good service, not a duty. The UK is the closest to the US habit, especially in London.
Asia
Asia is the weakest tipping region for travelers who assume a US habit. Japan does not tip at all and may return your money. China and South Korea also do not expect tips. In tourist-facing luxury settings a discreet token may be welcomed, but it is never required. Australia, though not in Asia, shares the "not expected" approach because staff earn a living wage; rounding up is a gentle optional gesture there.
Quick comparison table
| Country | Typical rate | Service included? | Extra tip? |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 15 to 20% | No | Expected |
| United Kingdom | 10 to 12.5% | Often yes | Optional |
| Canada | 15 to 20% | No | Expected |
| Australia | 0 to 10% | No | Optional |
| Germany | 5 to 10% | No (round up) | Optional |
| France | 5 to 10% | Yes (compris) | Optional |
| Italy | 5 to 10% | Coperto often | Optional |
| Spain | 5 to 10% | No | Optional |
| Mexico | 10 to 15% | No | Expected |
| Japan | 0% | N/A | Not done |
Common mistakes travelers make
- Double-tipping. If the bill already shows a service charge or auto-gratuity, do not add the same percentage again. Use the country or service calculators with the "service included" box ticked.
- Tipping where it is not done. In Japan especially, leaving a tip can confuse or offend. Pay the bill and say thank you.
- Calculating on the wrong amount. In the US, tip on the pre-tax subtotal; in Europe, the service is often already in the price so an extra percentage double-counts.
- Forgetting the currency. A 15 percent tip feels different in yen, euros and dollars. Switch the calculator currency so the number reads in local money.
- Ignoring headcount. Large groups in the US frequently have an automatic gratuity; check before adding more.
Customs current as of 2026. Tipping is a social habit that changes over time and varies by venue, so always read the bill and follow the local norm. GratuityGuide is a planning aid, not an authority.