Tipping Etiquette Across the World

Avril- Ann Braganza

A generous offer in one country may offend the people of another country. A few tipping tips will come in handy as you travel across different countries and learn about their cultures.

Singapore

Tipping is not appreciated or expected at restaurants and by taxi drivers in Singapore. A 10% service charge is often added to the bill. Although it is not a usual practice, locals would be happy if you handover some change. Tips are usually not allowed at airport restaurants.

Australia

Tipping is not a common practice in Australia

Restaurants: While tips are not expected, generally 10% of the total bill can be left as a tip if it has not already been included in the bill as a service charge.

Taxi drivers: A tip is not expected but you can let them keep small change

Porter: Approximately 2 Australian dollars per piece


South Africa

Restaurants: Most staff in South Africa depend on tips, as the wages they receive are low. It is customary to pay 10-15% of the bill as tip. For a party larger than six, a service charge might be added to the bill.

Taxi drivers: 10%

Porter: 10 Rand per bag

United Kingdom

Restaurants: If you order at a table, restaurants in Britain will usually add a service charge of 10-12.5 %. If a service charge is included then there is no need to tip. If the service charge is not included, then a 10-15 % tip can be left. Tips are not usually expected if you order at the counter. You are not expected to tip at fast food joints, in cafeterias, for coffee or in pubs, bars and clubs.

Taxis: A tip is not expected but it is convenient to round up the fare to the nearest pound and leave the change.

Porter: 1-2 pounds per bag at a high end hotel.

Germany

Restaurants: A 5-10 % tip is generally expected in Germany. You can simply add it your bill or round it up to the next Euro.

Taxis: It isn’t necessary to tip taxi drivers but the fare can be rounded up to the nearest Euro.

Porter: 1-3 Euros per bag

France

Restaurants: Restaurants, in France, generally add a service charge. Therefore, a heavy tip is unnecessary. However, if you are happy by the service, you can leave a 10% tip or a bit of change at a bar or a cafe.

Taxis:10% tip for taxi drivers and bus drivers should be tipped 1-2 Euros a day per person

Porters: upto 2 Euros per bag


United States of America

Restaurants: In United States of America, people in the service industry are underpaid and largely rely on tips as as part of their income. Waiters, therefore, do expect a generous tip which is calculated as a percentage of the bill not including tax. If you are unsatisfied with the service, you can leave a few pennies or 10% of the bill. If you don`t leave anything, they will assume that you have forgotten and might follow you and ask if you were unsatisfied with the service. A tip anywhere between 15-25 % indicates good to outstanding service.

At a bar you can leave leave $1- 2 per drink.

Taxis: Between 10-15%

Porters: $1-5 per bag

Japan
Fees for services in Japan, are already included in the bill, and so tipping is not expected at restaurants, hotels, at beauty salons or by taxi drivers

Italy

Restaurants: A 10-15 % service charge is usually included in the restaurant bill and most restaurants also charge a coperto (cover charge). If the service charge isn`t included, it is not unusual to round up the bill (you can leave a 20 Euro bill for an 18 Euro meal). While it is never expected, a tip may be left if the service is exceptional.

Taxis: Not necessary but a tip is appreciated if they have been extra helpful

Porters: upto 5 Euros

Canada

Restaurants: Tips aren`t usually included in the bill unless you are in a group of eight or more. Hence, 15-20 % of the bill before tax, is the standard tipping amount in restaurants in Canada. Tip upto 10% if you were unsatisfied with the service, and talk to the manager if the service was terrible. Tipping is not necessary for counter service. At bars approximately Canadian $2 per drink is expected.

Taxis: Most people tip 10% but if the service is exceptional a 15% tip is appreciated.

Porters: Canadian $1-2 per bag

China
While tipping is now slowly becoming common in China, tipping is not part of the culture and may be considered rude. High end hotels and restaurants might add a 10- 20% service charge. Other than that tipping is neither necessary nor expected.

Turkey

Restaurants: It is customary in Turkey to leave a 10% tip. If the service is bad, don’t tip. Tips are preferred in Turkish Lira and must be given in cash. In larger cities like Istanbul, a service charge might be added to the bill.

Taxis: A tip is not expected, but the fare can be rounded up to the nearest figure.

Porter: 4-5 Turkish Lira per bag