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Tipping can be confusing when you are traveling — it can be insulting to leave money on the table in some countries, in others leaving too large a tip is considered a sign that you loved the service, and in others tipping is different depending on the service you are receiving.
So, how do you avoid awkward moments when paying the cheque? You read this blog of course!
This blog is not extensive, but will give you a guide to tipping in the 20 most popular countries to visit in 2025.
France
Tipping in France is not expected but appreciated, in fact, there is often a service charge added to restaurant bills already (usually around 15%).
Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% if the service was exceptional.
Hotels: €1-€2 per bag for porters; €1-€2 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up or leave 5-10%.
Japan
Tipping is not part of the culture in Japan and can sometimes be considered rude or insulting. Bowing and saying thank you (in Japanese if you can) will more than cover your “tip”.
Restaurants: No tipping, service staff will usually refuse it if you try.
Hotels: No tipping.
Taxis: No tipping.
Italy
Tipping in Italy is not expected in most situations — some restaurants already include a cover change on the bill (this can be substantial in tourist areas, so make sure you read the fine print on the menu).
Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for excellent service.
Hotels: €1-€2 per bag for porters; €1-€2 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.
United Kingdom
Tipping in the UK is customary but not excessive — many restaurants include a service charge on their bill already.
Restaurants: 10-15% if a service charge is not already included.
Hotels: £2-£5 for porters; £2-£5 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up or add 10%.
Australia
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, as customer service workers are paid a fair living wage, though in tourist-heavy areas, it is more common.
Restaurants: Round up or leave 10% for excellent service.
Hotels: Tipping is rare; occasional tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
Taxis: Round up or leave 10%.
Canada
Tipping is second-nature in Canada and restaurant servers especially rely on it to supplement their low hourly wage.
Restaurants: 15-20% of the bill.
Hotels: $2-$5 per bag for porters; $2-$5 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.
Thailand
Tipping in Thailand is not necessary, but appreciated, and starting to be more expected from foreign tourists.
Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 10% at upscale venues.
Hotels: 20-50 THB for porters; 20-50 THB per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest 10 baht.
Spain
Locals rarely tip in Spain, but as in most countries, it is welcome in busy tourist areas.
Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for great service.
Hotels: €1-€2 per bag for porters; €1-€2 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up or leave a few euros.
Germany
In Germany tipping is normal but modest, make sure you hand the tip directly to your server instead of leaving it on the table with the rest of your bill.
Restaurants: 5-10% of the bill.
Hotels: €1-€3 per bag for porters; €1-€2 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up or add 5-10%.
Mexico
In Mexico tipping is a normal part of the service industry, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill.
Hotels: 20-50 MXN per bag for porters; 20-50 MXN per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Tipping is not expected for standard fares, but round up for private drivers.
South Africa
Tipping is normal and expected in South Africa. Also make sure that you tip gas station attendants 5-10 ZAR for refueling services.
Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill.
Hotels: 20-50 ZAR per bag for porters; 20-50 ZAR per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: 10% for private taxis.
China
Tipping in China is not normal, but (I feel like a broken record) it is becoming more common in tourist areas.
Restaurants: Tipping is not expected unless in high-end restaurants.
Hotels: 10-50 CNY for exceptional service.
Taxis: No tipping.
Brazil
In Brazil tipping is modest but appreciated — as with some of the other countries above, bills often have service charges already.
Restaurants: No tipping.
Hotels: 5-10 BRL per bag for porters; 5-10 BRL per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest real
United Arab Emirates
In the UAE tipping is common but not an obligation. Many restaurants also add service charges to their bills.
Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge is not included.
Hotels: 5-10 AED per bag for porters; 10-20 AED per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest 5 AED.
Singapore
In Singapore, like Japan, tipping is not normal or expected.
Restaurants: No tipping.
Hotels: No tipping.
Taxis: No tipping.
New Zealand
Tipping is not expected, but appreciated for excellent service (especially in tourist areas) in New Zealand.
Restaurants: Round up or leave 10% for exceptional service.
Hotels: No tipping.
Taxis: No tipping.
Turkey
Tipping is normal in Turkey and considered polite. Make sure you have cash for tips, as credit/debit machines don’t include the option.
Restaurants: 5-10% for table service.
Hotels: 10-20 TRY per bag for porters; 20-40 TRY per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up the fare.
Greece
Tipping in Greece is common in tourist spots, but not as normal in local areas. Tip amounts are not large though, just a few dollars here and there.
Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for great service.
Hotels: €1-€2 per bag for porters; €1-€2 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.
Indonesia
Tipping in Indonesia is expected from tourists, though only in small amounts — carry cash in small denominations.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service charge isn’t included.
Hotels: 10,000-20,000 IDR per bag for porters; 10,000-20,000 IDR per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest 5,000 IDR.
United States
Tipping is a deeply ingrained part of the culture in the U.S. In fact, in some states, salaries are so low for service workers that tips make up most of their wages.
Restaurants: 15-20% of the bill.
Hotels: $2-$5 per bag for bellhops; $2-$5 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.
Looking for more travel tips?
Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
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