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17th May 2017
There are 196 countries in the world, and they all have a different attitude toward tipping.
In New Zealand, you don't have to tip – ever – unless you want to. It's pretty similar in Australia, too. But hop a plane to your dream holiday destination, and tipping could be commonplace.
But how much do you tip? Do you just round up the bill? Leave 10%? 20%? We're glad you asked!
Follow this guide to tipping practices in some of the most common holiday destinations around the world.
Where to Tip
In many countries, tipping is standard practice. Whether that’s because it's entrenched in their culture or because service employees have a low minimum wage, it doesn't really matter. All you need to know is, when you're travelling in these countries, you should work tips into your travel money budget.
America
Tipping is standard practice in America. In New Zealand, the minimum wage is pretty high - around $15.75 per hour for an adult. In the USA, the federally set minimum wage is about $9 per hour (US$7.25), but legally, employers are allowed to lower the minimum wage – to as little as US$2.13 per hour – for employees that earn tips.
Tips are pretty important to service employees in the USA, as they rely on them to supplement their income. So, as a general rule of thumb when travelling the States: don't be a schmuck – leave a tip!
Unfortunately, this is about the only general rule of thumb when it comes to tipping in the US, as the percentage of the tip you should leave varies according to the service received. But, as a rough guide, you can keep the following in mind:
- In restaurants, it’s standard to leave a 15-20% tip (of the value of the bill)
- If you're at a bar, the standard is a US$1 tip per drink (less if you're ordering multiple drinks)
- At a hotel, you can work on US$1 per bag for the porter carrying your luggage, and US$2 - US$5 per day for housekeeping
- If you take a taxi, aim at giving a tip of 10-15% of the fare.
You’ll find having a stack of dollar bills is really handy for tips, so make sure you break up some of your larger notes when you arrive!
Canada
Canada has adopted much of the same practice as the USA, but just make sure you’re tipping in Canadian dollars and not in USA dollars – the locals will appreciate it, eh! Again, as a guide you can work towards 15 -20% tip at a restaurant, 10-15% for a taxi ride, and $1 per drink at a bar.
Mexico
While we're talking about this side of the world, let's look at Me-hi-co!
Again, Mexico has followed the path of the US when it comes to tipping practices, especially in high-tourist areas. It has become customary to leave a 10-15% tip at a restaurant, but if you're at a bar or a casual eatery, a tip is not expected. In Mexico, the minimum wage is really low – about 80 Mexican pesos per day (about AU$6), so it won't hurt to be generous!
South Africa
In South Africa, the minimum wage is about R20 an hour (less than AU$2), so tips play an important part in supplementing the income of many people. So, when you're travelling around South Africa, tipping is expected.
- In a restaurant, a 10-15% tip is the norm, and really, you only tip 10% if your service was standard. If it’s above standard, you would tip more. In the case of poor service, you don't need to tip, but you should explain it to the restaurant manager so they know why
- Parking attendants and security guards are commonplace in SA, and you would tip them about R2 each, depending on how long you are parked for
- Petrol attendants are at every service station, and they will help you fill your tank, check your oil and water and wash your windscreen – so you would typically tip them about R2 too
- Porters at the airport would usually receive R5 to R10 per bag, while hotel porters would be tipped R10 to R20 per bag.
To Tip or Not to Top?
If you travel to any of these countries, tips are not necessarily expected, but they are appreciated (and in some cases, becoming more standard practice than not).
The UK
The Brits perceive tipping quite differently to the Americans, and while tipping is common in some places, in others it can be considered quite rude. If you went to a fancy restaurant, then yes, a tip would be expected, but it probably wouldn't be more than 10%.
In a less fancy setting, a small tip is appreciated but anything more than 10% could be seen as condescending. And there is definitely no need to leave a tip at a pub.
The best way to think of a tip is really as a service fee – if you don't get good service, you don't leave a tip for the server. If the service is good, a 10% tip will do, and if it's really good, then go ahead – be daring – and leave a 15% tip!
Vietnam
In Vietnam, tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated as wages are typically low. A good guide to keep in mind is a 5-10% tip at a restaurant, and for porters and taxi drivers, you can just leave your change. In upscale hotels or restaurants, there may be a service charge already included in your bill, usually of around 5-10%, but this rarely goes to the service staff.
France
The French typically only tip what they deem as worthy service, so there’s no real standard when it comes to tipping. In a restaurant, you will usually find a service charge "compris", which means it’s included in the bill. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped, but you can round your fare up to the nearest euro as a small gesture. At a bar, tips are not expected at all.
Italy
After a meal in Italy, you may typically leave a few Euros on the table for the wait staff, but it really wouldn't be more than 10% of the bill. But, before you do that, just check your bill to make sure you don't already have a "coperto" or cover charge added on, because this is basically your tip already included. This has become more common in touristy areas in the country.
No Tip Required - You Keep the Change!
There are a few countries where tipping just isn't done. Not because the minimum wage is enough, like in New Zealand, but because it just isn't part of the culture of that country, and can even be taken as an insult. So, if you're travelling to any of these countries, you don’t need to leave your change behind.
China
Tipping is seen as borderline offensive in China. At local restaurants and hotels, tipping is not expected, and in some it is not even allowed. If it is required anywhere, it will be done discreetly and will usually be added to the bill as a service fee.
Japan
If China sees tipping as mildly offensive, in Japan it is seen as really offensive. It’s best to avoid tipping as to not insult the locals.
Good service is part of the Japanese culture, so it’s seen as an insult if you pay extra for this – almost as if you're saying the employer isn't doing well enough to pay their staff properly "so here's a little something extra for you".
The gesture is not wanted or welcomed, and if you do tip service staff, they may accept it awkwardly (to save face) but be upset about it, or they may even chase you to return the money to you.
Singapore
Tipping is not part of the Singaporean culture and it is not expected of anyone. But, if you do want to leave a tip, they won't chase you down the street to return it.
It’s best to just use your own judgment, and be discreet about it. You can maybe leave a small gratuity for porters, taxi drivers or tour guides, and at a restaurant a 10% service charge may be added to your bill to cover the tip.
Indonesia
Tipping is not common practice here, as you will find most hotels will charge you a 21% tax, with 10% going to the government and the rest going to service staff. Most restaurants will also include a service charge, and taxi fares are usually just rounded up.
If you feel you want to leave a tip, you can, but it isn't expected.
When you're travelling, it is expected that you would respect and follow the cultural etiquette of that country. If you're in Vietnam and get invited to someone's home, cultural etiquette is to bring fruit, sweets, or flowers as thanks. If you're in Turkey, you'll need to dress more reservedly, with your shoulders and knees covered. In France, you greet a friend with a kiss on both cheeks.
Following the tipping etiquette of the country you're visiting is no different to following cultural practices like these. So, before you go, brush up on when to tip and when not to tip, how much to tip, and who to tip, and you'll be good to go!
Looking for advice on tipping for another country? Or simply looking for a travel money solution for your next holiday? Speak to one our friendly FXperts at your nearest store.
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