How Much Should You Tip Around the World?

Figuring out when and how much to tip service workers is tricky enough in the States, but things get even more confusing when you travel abroad. While tipping is prevalent in beach towns across Mexico and sit-down eateries in the U.K., it's frowned upon in countries like Japan and South Korea, and not something that’s expected when you grab a pint from the bartender at a British pub. To ease any uncertainty, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you navigate the world of tipping, from what percentage you should give your European tour guide to whether tipping in U.S. dollars versus the local currency is best. 

Simple Guidelines for Tipping Abroad

Don't overtip.

Even if the exchange rate has you feeling like you're the Sultan of Brunei (or at least wealthier than you are at home), curb the urge to pass on your perceived riches. It spreads the notion that Americans have excess money to throw around and can often seem like charity. If you feel like you've received exceptional service and want to add a little more money to your tip, give it discreetly and directly to the person who assisted you.

Whenever possible, always tip in cash.

According to guidebook guru and TV personality Rick Steves, lots of European countries consider tips to be their drinking money. It often takes a few days for servers to receive their credit card tips, if at all in some places. But cash assures that they have money to spend on a few fizzy cocktails, and may even be able to purchase a round or two for friends.

Tip in the local currency.

Although some countries may prefer tips in U.S. dollars for the exchange rate, many residents may find it to be more of a hassle than a boon. Tipping in the local currency also allows you to keep better track of your spending as a whole, and eliminates any uncertainties.

Always hand a person their tip.

It’s a better practice than leaving a tip on the table, where it might end up in the pockets of someone other than the person you’d intended it for. 

Do a little extra research when it comes to all-inclusive tours.

Find out if tipping is included and if so, whether this includes everyone from the tour guides to hotel housekeeping. Unfortunately, “all-inclusive” sometimes leaves certain service individuals overlooked. If you'd like to show your appreciation in the moment, a few extra dollars (or their equivalent) can go a long way.

Check whether a service charge has been added to your bill.

While countries from Sweden to Switzerland are known to tack on service fees that take the place of traditional tipping, it's also occurring in countries where tipping is uncommon: for example, South Korea's high-end hotels. Avoid double-tipping by always checking first.

In countries where tipping isn't expected, tourist areas and urban centers often follow their own set of rules.

Expect to leave a few extra pounds if you're in London, but not when you visit the Cornwall countryside.

Similarly, in countries where tipping isn’t common practice, tipping your tour guide is the exception.

Their expertise goes a long way toward making your trip memorable. Ten to 20 percent of the overall tour cost (and $2/day to the driver, if it's a bus tour) is typical.

The Universal Rule

While tipping etiquette varies across the globe, giving a dollar or two to hotel porters and leaving a little something for housekeeping staff (the equivalent of a couple of U.S. dollars) is the overall norm wherever you go. When in doubt, do what the locals do. An extra 5 to 10 percent is considered a good tip in many countries (outside of North America) where tipping is standard.

How Much to Tip in the U.S.

Almost no other country's service industry relies so heavily on tips for a livable income, and while some places—such as San Francisco's Zazie restaurant—are doing away with tipping entirely, it remains a huge part of our culture. With so much fluctuating info, it's sometimes difficult to know how much to tip the pizza delivery person or whether to tip your Uber Eats courier. Here's a handy tipping guide to make things easier.

Restaurant servers: 18-22 percent of the bill is the going rate these days. The national minimum wage for many U.S. servers remains $2.13 an hour, and they depend on tips for their livelihood. If they show you some love, reciprocate.

Bartenders: $1 per drink is standard when ordering at the bar (though if that cocktail you've ordered is complex—say, with muddled mint or frothed egg white—put down $2), or 15-20 percent of the overall tab.

Baristas: Fifty-cents to $1 for a simple coffee or snack, and 15-20 percent for more complex orders.

Spa services (hair-stylist, massage therapist): 18-20 percent of the total service.

Uber Eats, Doordash, and other restaurant deliveries: a flat fee (anywhere between $3 to $8) depending on the distance they travel, increasing with the total cost of the order, and factors such as weather (some food deliverers travel by bicycle, which can be downright harrowing in the rain). 

Take out: Tipping is not expected, but some customers like to leave a dollar or two.

Movers: 10-29 percent of your total moving costs, depending on how they did. With multi-day, long-distance moves the tip is often incorporated into the overall fee, so check beforehand.

Hotel porters: $1-2 per bag.

Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left each morning with a note and/or in an envelope so that the intended person receives it.

Hotel concierge: $5-10, depending on the service. If they’ve hooked you up with something like a difficult-to-get reservation at the hottest restaurant in town, consider doubling the amount. 

Valet: $5-10 at pick-up.