Tipping etiquette can be confusing, as customs vary greatly around the world. In some places like the US, tipping is expected and makes up a large portion of service workers’ income. However, in other countries tipping is less common or even considered offensive. So where is it rude to leave a gratuity?
Should you tip in the US?
In the United States, tipping is standard practice for certain services. Some of the most common situations where you should tip in the US include:
- Restaurants – 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for wait staff
- Taxis & rideshares – 15-20% of the fare
- Hotels – $2-5 per night for housekeeping, $5-10 for bellhops
- Salons & barbershops – 15-20% of the bill
- Bars – $1-2 per drink
- Food delivery – 15-20% of the pre-tax bill
Tipping shows appreciation for good service in the US and many workers rely on tips to make a living wage. Stiffing on tips at restaurants, in particular, is considered very rude.
When in doubt, don’t tip in Japan
In Japan, tipping is not customary or expected. In fact, leaving a tip could potentially offend staff or cause confusion. Some reasons tipping is frowned upon in Japan include:
- Service charges are already built into prices
- Tipping is considered demeaning, as if staff need extra charity
- Tipping is associated with bribery
- Japanese culture emphasizes providing good service regardless of reward
Some situations where you should avoid tipping in Japan:
- Restaurants – Service is included, tips may be refused
- Taxis – Tipping not expected, round up the fare at most
- Hotels – Tip only for special service, like large luggage
- Salons/spas – Tips not customary
Though well-intentioned, leaving a tip could be seen as patronizing. When in doubt, err on the side of not tipping in Japan.
Carry small bills for tipping in Egypt
In Egypt, tipping is very much expected for services, especially at tourist sites. Carrying small bills makes it easy to tip in the customary amounts, which include:
- Restaurants – 10-15% tip, unless already added to bill
- Taxis – Round up the fare or add $1-2 tip
- Hotels – $1-2 per night for housekeeping
- Tour guides – 10-15% or $5, whichever is greater
- Public bathrooms – Small fee of 20-50 cents
Some things to keep in mind when tipping in Egypt:
- Tipping is appreciated for good service
- Locals depend on tips as supplemental income
- Under tipping can be considered rude
- Over tipping does not buy better service
While it’s good etiquette to tip in Egypt, don’t feel pressured to over-tip. Pay what you can afford and what you feel the service merits.
Tipping is not customary in China
In China, tipping is typically not expected or practiced. Some reasons tipping is uncommon in China include:
- No tipping tradition or customs
- Service charges are already added to bills
- Wait staff are paid a living wage without tips
- Tips may be refused due to cultural norms
Situations where you should not tip in China:
- Restaurants – Tipping not expected
- Taxis – Drivers do not expect tips
- Hotels – Tipping not standard practice
- Tour guides – Tips not expected
Though well-meant, tips in China could cause confusion or be perceived as bribery. When in doubt, follow the local custom and refrain from tipping.
Always tip 10-15% at restaurants in Canada
In Canada, tipping customs closely follow the US. You should plan to tip about 15-20% for meals at sit-down restaurants. Some other tipping guidelines in Canada:
- Taxis – Tip 15-20% or round up fare
- Hotels – $2-5 per night for housekeeping
- Salons – 15-20% tip expected
- Tour guides – 10-15% of fee
Key things to know about tipping in Canada:
- Tips provide a large portion of servers’ income
- Not tipping is considered rude in most cases
- Some restaurants may include automatic gratuity
- Smaller tips (10-15%) are standard for average service
Tipping customs don’t differ too drastically between Canada and the US. Follow similar guidelines for when and how much to tip north of the border.
Carry cash for tipping in Argentina
Tipping customs in Argentina are similar to the US, with tips making up a significant portion of wages for service workers. Carrying cash makes it easy to tip in the local currency. Standard tipping amounts in Argentina are:
- Restaurants – 10% tip or 15%+ for exceptional service
- Taxis – Round up the fare, no need to tip for short drives
- Hotels – 20-50 pesos per night for housekeeping
- Tour guides – 10-15% of fee
- Beauty services – 10-15% tip
Key tipping etiquette to know in Argentina:
- Tipping is expected and makes up a large part of service wages
- Under tipping is considered rude
- Locals often tip in cash rather than adding to credit cards
- Tip tour guides, porters, and drivers in addition to wait staff
Show your appreciation for good service by leaving a 10-15% cash tip, when in Argentina.
Tips are included in bills in France
In France, a service charge is typically included in restaurant bills and prices at hotels, so additional tipping is not necessary or expected. Some guidelines for tipping in France:
- Restaurants – Service is included, no need to tip
- Taxis – Round up the fare or include 5-10% tip for special service
- Hotels – Tipping not expected
- Salons/spas – Include 5-10% tip if you wish to tip
Key differences in tipping culture in France:
- Tips are seen as included in pricing, not additional gratitude
- Tips may be refused due to cultural norms
- Small tips appreciated for going above and beyond
- No tips expected for average/standard service
When in doubt, check your bill first before adding a tip in France.
Tip 10-15% at South African restaurants
In South Africa, tipping is common and expected in the service industry. Some standard tip amounts include:
- Restaurants – 10-15% tip for wait staff
- Taxis – Round up the fare for a 10% tip
- Hotels – $1-2 USD per night for housekeeping
- Tour guides – 10-15% of fee
Key tipping etiquette in South Africa:
- Tipping is very much expected and customary
- Under tipping considered rude
- Many workers depend on tips as income
- Tips appreciated in cash rather than on cards
Remember to budget a 10-15% tip at minimum when dining or using services in South Africa.
Tipping not expected in New Zealand
In New Zealand, tipping is not generally practiced or expected. Reasons tipping is uncommon include:
- Hospitality staff make a living wage
- No tipping custom or tradition
- Tips may be refused due to cultural norms
- Service charges included in pricing
Situations where tipping is not standard in New Zealand:
- Restaurants – No need to tip, though rounding up bill is ok
- Taxis – Drivers do not expect tips
- Hotels – Tipping is not standard practice
- Tours – Tips not expected
Thanks to fair wages, tipping is not considered necessary in New Zealand. When in doubt, you can skip the tip.
Conclusion
To summarize, tipping customs, expectations, and taboos vary enormously worldwide. Tipping is considered obligatory in some countries like the US, but may be refused or seen as rude in others like Japan. When in doubt, do some research on the tipping practices at your travel destination to avoid missteps.
Being aware of local tipping etiquette shows respect for other cultures. While tips are always appreciated for good service, they should not be given if they go against local norms. Knowing when and where tips are not expected prevents awkward situations. With the proper etiquette, tipping can show your gratitude rather than cause offense.
| Country | Tipping Expectations |
|---|---|
| United States | Tipping is standard practice (15-20%) |
| Japan | Tipping is uncommon and can offend |
| Egypt | Tips are expected (10-15%) |
| China | Tips are not customary |
| Canada | Tips expected like in the US |
| Argentina | Tips make up much of service wages |
| France | Tips included in pricing |
| South Africa | Tips are standard practice (10-15%) |
| New Zealand | Tipping is not generally expected |