A Traveler's Guide to Tipping Around the World
Tipping can be one of the more confusing parts of traveling. What's considered polite in one country may be unnecessary in another—and in some places, tipping simply isn't part of the culture.
The safest approach is not to assume that the tipping habits you use at home apply everywhere you go.
🌎 Why Tipping Customs Vary
How service workers are paid, whether service is already included in the price and local customs all affect whether a tip is expected.
In the United States, tipping is customary for many services. In other parts of the world, a smaller amount, simply rounding up the bill or no tip at all may be more appropriate.
When you travel, follow the custom of the destination—not automatically the custom you use at home.
🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés
Restaurant tipping is one of the areas where customs vary the most.
- United States: Percentage-based tipping is customary at full-service restaurants.
- Much of Europe: Service may already be included or staff may not depend on tips in the same way. Rounding up or leaving a modest extra amount for good service is common in many destinations.
- Japan: Tipping is generally not customary in ordinary restaurants and many other everyday service situations.
🏨 Hotels
Hotel tipping can also depend on where you're staying. Bell staff, housekeeping, concierge services and valet parking may each have different customs.
At an American hotel or resort, tipping these service providers may be customary. Overseas, expectations can be quite different.
If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort, check the property's policy. Some resorts encourage gratuities, some include them and others may discourage or prohibit tipping.
🚗 Taxis, Rides & Private Drivers
Don't assume every taxi ride requires the same percentage tip you might leave at home.
Depending on the destination, travelers may tip a percentage, round the fare up to a convenient amount or not tip at all. Private transfers and hired drivers may have different expectations from ordinary taxis or public transportation.
🗺️ Tour Guides & Excursions
Guides and drivers are another category worth checking before your trip.
A gratuity may be customary for a private guide, motorcoach driver or excursion guide, but the appropriate amount varies by country, length of tour and type of service.
If you're taking an organized tour, check your travel documents. The tour company may provide its own tipping recommendations or may already include certain gratuities.
🚢 What About Cruises?
Cruising has its own tipping system. Many cruise lines automatically add daily crew gratuities or service charges to your onboard account, while others include them in certain fares.
Specialty dining, beverages, spa services and other purchases may also have a service charge automatically added.
⚠️ Watch for the Double Tip
Before adding an extra gratuity, check the receipt. A service charge may already be included.
You can certainly add more for exceptional service when appropriate, but you don't want to tip twice simply because you didn't notice the first gratuity.
💵 Cash or Card?
Even where tipping is customary, the way you leave it can vary. Some payment terminals allow you to add a gratuity, while in other places a small cash tip may be easier.
Keeping a few small-denomination bills or local coins can be useful for bell staff, drivers, guides or other situations where a small gratuity is customary.
🤔 Not Sure What to Do?
Before leaving home, look up the current tipping customs for the countries you're visiting. If you're already there and uncertain, your hotel staff, tour operator or travel advisor can often help clarify what's customary.
Is tipping customary here?
Is service already included?
What amount is considered appropriate?
❤️ One More Thing Before You Go
Tipping is meant to show appreciation—not create anxiety.
A few minutes spent learning local customs before your trip can help you feel more comfortable, avoid over- or under-tipping and show respect for the culture you're visiting.
Travel like a local: learn the custom, check the bill, and tip accordingly.