Index № 001 — 12 countries
A country-by-country field guide for restaurants, taxis, hotels, tours and the rest. Written for the traveler who'd rather not guess.
East Asia · JPY
Tipping is often refused and can be seen as an insult. Quality service is the standard, not an extra owed.
North America · USD
Tipping is a core part of service wages. Under-tipping in restaurants is considered rude in most of the country.
Western Europe · EUR
Service is legally included in the bill (service compris). A small extra is a gesture, never an obligation.
Southern Europe · EUR
The coperto (cover charge) already sits on your bill. Extra tipping is warm but never assumed.
North America · MXN
Tipping supports service workers directly. Cash in pesos is preferred over card add-ons.
Western Europe · GBP
Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge. Outside of that, tipping is modest and situational.
East Asia · CNY
Tipping is uncommon in mainland China and can confuse staff. High-end hospitality is the main exception.
Central Europe · EUR
Round up the bill and state the total when paying. Handing the tip directly is the rule, not leaving it on the table.
Southeast Asia · THB
Tipping is not deeply rooted but is warmly received in tourist zones. Small notes in cash are the standard.
Oceania · AUD
Hospitality staff earn a living wage. Tips are for genuine appreciation, not routine.
South America · BRL
Restaurants add a 10% service charge (couvert / serviço) that mostly goes to staff. Extra is optional.
North Africa · EGP
Baksheesh — small cash tips — greases nearly every service interaction. Carry small notes at all times.