It’s the age-old question: to tip or not to tip?
In the US, tipping is de rigueur on everything from coffee to a haircut, but how much is appropriate?
Elsewhere, the protocol is more nuanced – gratuities are expected in certain places but not others, while the amount you add to the bill may be dependent on the level of service you receive.
To add to the confusion even more, in some countries, tipping is actually considered disrespectful.
It’s a minefield when you’re travelling, with a new study by Saga Holidays revealing that 73% of Brits find international tipping etiquette confusing when on holiday.
Travel money expert Laura Evans-Fisk at eurochange says: ‘On average, Brits typically tip between 6% and 10% of the total bill if they enjoyed the meal, with a further 22% tipping between 1% and 5%.’
But since this could be seen as stingy or excessive depending on where you are, doing your homework before a trip can help you avoid awkward situations, as well as ensuring staff are suitably remunerated for their efforts.
Here, Laura shares her top tipping tips for the countries whose rules we Google search most, so next time you jet off, you can get the check without fear of offending.
The USA
Tipping is expected.
With 18,000 monthly UK searches for what to tip in the US, it’s the one we worry about most.
‘The United States is notorious for its strict, almost mandatory tipping customs,’ says Laura.
Here, she advises a standard minimum tip of 15% in restaurants – ‘even if you didn’t particularly enjoy the meal’ – which can increase up to 18% for a ‘great’ meal and 20% for an ‘excellent’ one.
‘When at a bar you are also expected to tip the bartender,’ Laura adds. ‘Usually at least $1 per drink, although for cocktails this can be higher.’
Italy
Tipping is seen as a generous gesture.
While gratuities are more of an ad hoc thing in Italy, you will often see the words ‘Servizio Incluso’ on your bill, which includes the price of the tip and means it’s not necessary to leave extra.
Laura says: ‘“Coperto” is another common sight on receipts which translates to covered. It refers to the expense of any complementary bread or olives and goes directly to the restaurant rather than the staff, so in these circumstances, leftover tips will be appreciated by wait staff.’
General tipping advice
Cash is preferred
Although three quarters of Brits use their card to tip, Laura advises: ‘Cash tips are usually preferred by hospitality workers for their immediacy, and because card tips often come with deductions. Make sure to always tip in the local currency.’
Check for service charges
‘In many places, the classic tipping method is being replaced by service charges,’ says Laura. ‘While in some countries it’s mandated that this get shared by the staff, in others, the money goes directly to the establishment.’
If in doubt, round-up
Aside from in Japan, if you’re unsure of the tipping customs in that country, Laura says, ‘it’s always a safe option to round up the final bill to the largest whole amount of note.’
Always tip tour guides
Laura adds: ‘The one exception to tipping etiquette which is almost universally recognised is to tip your tour guides.’
France
Tipping is seen as a generous gesture.
Continuing the European tradition, tipping is neither expected nor required in France, but you may see a service charge of around 15% on your bill – ‘Service Compris’ in the language of love.
‘Big tips are considered strange or flashy in France,’ Laura continues. ‘It is much more acceptable to leave behind some change or to simply round up the bill when it comes.’
Spain
Tipping is seen as a generous gesture.
According to Laura, ‘the golden tip rule in Spain is 10% of the bill.’
She adds: ‘Like the French, the Spanish find large tips strange so anything over 15% can be seen as awkward. Again, like other European countries, you will typically see a service charge or “Servicio Incluido” has been added to the total amount.’
Taxi drivers and porters typically do not expect a tip in Spain, so it’s entirely up to you if you decide to give one to say thanks – but you won’t be seen as stingy if not.
Greece
Tipping is seen as a generous gesture.
You may see a service charge labelled ‘κουβερ’ added to your bill in Greece, but this ‘doesn’t imply or substitute for a tip’, so an additional 10% to 15% is common and seen as a gesture of appreciation.
Laura says: ‘It is not expected in taxis or hotels, but again, if they have provided help or assistance to you, it would be seen as a way of saying thank you.’
Portugal
Tipping is seen as a generous gesture.
Locals in Portugal are likely to leave around 5% or 10% as a tip, or round up the bill, but you aren’t expected to leave extra if a ‘Taxa de Serviço’ service charge is included.
The hard work is also done for you in tourist destinations like the Azores, where Laura says, ‘a bag handling fee may be automatically added by any taxi drivers or hotel porters.’
Canada
Tipping is expected.
Like their American neighbours, Canadians typically tip 15% to 20% for servers in restaurants and $1 per drink for bartenders.
‘However, in Canada, a goods and services tax (GST) is printed on the bill and can be used to work out the tip,’ advises Laura. ‘In most cities this is 5% of the bill, so you can times this number by three to work out your amount.’
Turkey
Tipping is expected in some circumstances.
Laura explains: ‘In Turkey, as a rule of thumb, you are expected to tip 5% to 10% in restaurants, cafés and bars – especially in tourist or business areas.’
Turkish baths or Hammams are slightly different though; here, you should share 10% to 20% of your total between the attendants before you leave.
Japan
Tipping is seen as insulting.
Not only is a tip not required in Japan, it can be considered impolite or rude, suggesting the establishment isn’t paying its staff well enough or you don’t agree with the price.
‘The golden rule of Japan is to not leave a tip and simply be polite, and to show your gratitude by thanking the restaurant or hotel staff,’ Laura adds.
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