Do you tip? When traveling abroad, you'll inevitably encounter the question of tipping. Tipping rates vary from country to country and region to region, so don't treat it as a trivial matter. Treat it seriously, respecting local customs, to avoid misunderstandings. Tipping originated in 18th-century London, England, where a bowl was placed on the table with the inscription "Service Guaranteed." Customers would place change in the bowl and receive prompt and attentive service. This practice continued and expanded, gradually becoming a custom in many countries around the world. Of course, some people don't value it.
Tipping etiquette in different countries
Austria Although service charges are already included in the fees, restaurants and drivers often expect an extra tip.
Switzerland In Switzerland, drivers are allowed to ask for a tip of 10% of the fare.
Italy Guests are happy to receive tips. When the waiter brings the bill, guests will quietly place the tip on the plate and then cover it with a napkin.
France The Ministry of Finance also includes tipping income in its tax statistics, stipulating that service industries such as restaurants should charge at least 10% tips.
USA Tipping is customary when taking taxis or dining at restaurants. At hotels, leaving a dollar on the table before leaving each day is sufficient.
North Africa and the Middle East In North Africa and the Middle East, tipping is common for almost everything: shoe shining, porters, tour guides, customs officials, and visa officers are no exception.
Canada Tipping is similar. The bill does not include service charge and other charges. If you are satisfied with the service, you can pay an extra 10%-15%.
Korea At all hotels, a service charge of 10% will be added to your bill.
United Kingdom The usual practice is to leave 10% to 15% of the bill amount as a tip.
Japan In Japan, tipping is generally not only unnecessary but also considered offensive. Neither waiters nor drivers expect to receive tips.
Singapore Tipping is prohibited in Singapore. Customers who tip are considered to have provided poor service.
In the era of electronic payments, is tipping the first step to maintaining propriety?
By 2026, travel around the world will be "cashless," with payments often made by phone or contactless credit cards. Many friends have asked me:"You don't have any loose paper with you, why don't you leave a tip?" Actually, that's not the case! Here are the latest tipping trends for 2026:
- 💳 The "Percentage" Trap in Card Rolling Machines: When paying the bill at restaurants in Europe and America, the phone often pops up options like 15%, 18%, 20%, or even higher. Remember to check carefully whether you've included Service Charge. If the service is average, manually entering 10-12% will still make sense in 2026.
- 📱 Delivery and electronic payment are accepted: When ordering takeout while traveling, it's common practice for the app to pre-set a tip, so you don't need to tip separately.
- 🏨 Hotel bedside bill: Although we live in the digital age, in Southeast Asia or parts of Europe, leaving a small denomination banknote on the bedside table is still the most direct way to show appreciation to the cleaning lady.
💡 Editor's Note: Group tours with Travel Mama are the most hassle-free!
The worst thing about traveling is not knowing how much or when to pay. Joining Travel Mama's exclusive small group tours ensures a comfortable trip without any anxiety:
- ✅ Clearly: We refuse to hide fees; driver and guide tip standards are open and transparent, so you don't have to guess.
- ✅ Professional advice: Our travel consultants will give you the most accurate advice on how to adapt to local customs based on your destination (such as Europe, Morocco, Japan).
Last updated: February 2026