How Much to Tip: A Country-by-Country Guide
Tipping customs vary wildly around the world. Here's how much to tip in restaurants, taxis and hotels across popular destinations, with quick math.
Few travel moments are as quietly stressful as the bill arriving in an unfamiliar country. Tip too little and you seem rude; tip in a no-tipping culture and you cause confusion. Tipping customs are genuinely local, so here's a practical guide to what's expected where.
The golden rule: check for a service charge first
Before you calculate anything, scan the bill for a service charge (sometimes "service compris" or "coperto"). If it's already included, an extra tip is optional, usually just rounding up. Tipping on top of an included charge is how travelers accidentally over-tip.
Restaurant tipping around the world
| Country | Typical restaurant tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 15–20% | Expected; core part of worker pay |
| Canada | 15–20% | Similar to the US |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% | Often a service charge is added |
| France | Round up / small | Service usually included by law |
| Germany | 5–10% | Round up to a tidy number |
| Japan | None | Not customary; can offend |
| Australia | Optional / 10% | Not expected, appreciated for great service |
| UAE | 10–15% | Common in tourist areas |
Where percentage tips apply, they're usually calculated on the bill before tax. Our tip calculator handles the math and splits it between a group in seconds.
Beyond restaurants
- Taxis / ride-share: round up or 10% in tipping cultures; not expected in no-tip countries.
- Hotels: a small amount per bag for porters and per night for housekeeping in the US; far less common elsewhere.
- Cafés and bars: round up or drop small change; a tip jar is an invitation, not an obligation.
- Tour guides: a tip for a good private or small-group tour is widely appreciated.
For a 20% tip, take 10% (move the decimal one place) and double it. For 15%, take 10% and add half of it. Fast, and accurate enough for any bill.
When in doubt
If you can't remember the local norm, a modest tip for genuinely good service is rarely wrong, except in clear no-tipping cultures like Japan, where it's best to simply say thank you. A quick check of local custom before you travel saves both money and awkwardness.
Split the bill without the mental math. Enter the total, pick a tip percentage and the number of people to see who pays what.
Open the Tip Calculator →The bottom line
Tipping is local custom, not universal math. Check for an included service charge, learn the norm for where you are, and calculate the percentage on the pre-tax bill. Do that and you'll tip appropriately, without overpaying or causing offense, anywhere in the world.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant in the US?
In the United States, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down service, with 18% a common default. Tipping is a major part of service workers' income there.
Do you tip in Japan?
No. In Japan, tipping is not customary and can even cause confusion or offense. Excellent service is expected as standard and included in the price.
How do I know if service is already included?
Check your bill for a 'service charge' or 'service compris' line, common in parts of Europe. If it's there, an additional tip is optional, usually just rounding up.