Navigating tipping customs can be a tricky task for even the most seasoned of travellers, as a new study by Saga Holidays highlighted that three-quarters of Brits (73%) find international tipping etiquette confusing when on holiday.
Tipping customs across the globe
Tipping customs can vary across the world from continent to continent. But as a general guide, North America is the strictest with the highest average tips and Asia is the lowest where you are not expected to tip at all.
The study also found that on average, Brits typically tip between six and ten percent of the total bill if they enjoyed the meal with a further 22% tipping between one and five percent.
To explore this further, Saga Holidays have also uncovered the top ten holiday destinations where Brits are struggling the most based on the number of UK Google Searches for ‘Tipping in X’.
The United States – 18,000 Searches
Tipping is expected.
The United States is notorious for its strict, almost mandatory tipping customs. In the US, it is the standard to tip a minimum of 15% in restaurants, even if you didn’t particularly enjoy the meal. This tip can increase up to 18% for a ‘great’ meal and 20% for an ‘excellent’ meal.
When at a bar you are also expected to tip the bartender – usually at least $1 per drink although for cocktails this can be higher.
- Italy – 12,550 Searches
Tipping seen as a generous gesture.
European countries are far more relaxed when it comes to tipping, but there are still some customs.
In Italy, tipping is not very common in their culture as you will often see the words “Servizio Incluso” which equals to service included. This includes the price of the tip into the price of the meal, so it isn’t necessary to leave a tip.
“Coperto” is another common sight on receipts which translates to covered. In this instance, this covers the expense of any complementary bread or olives and goes directly to the restaurant rather than the staff. In these circumstances, leftover tips will be appreciated by wait staff.
- France – 10,570 Searches
Tipping seen as a generous gesture.
Generally, tipping is neither expected nor required in France. Usually, you will see “Service Compris” which means a service charge has been automatically added to the bill. This is usually 15% of the bill and in most cases gets shared amongst the staff members.
Big tips are considered strange or flashy in France, it is much more acceptable to leave behind some change or to simply round up the bill when it comes.
- Spain – 8,980 Searches
Tipping seen as a generous gesture.
The golden tip rule in Spain is 10% of the bill. Like the French, the Spanish find large tips strange so anything over 15% can be seen as awkward. Again, like other European countries you will typically see a service charge or “Servicio Incluido” has been added to the total amount.
Taxi drivers and porters typically do not expect a tip in Spain, so it’s entirely up to you if you decide to give one for helping you out.
- Greece – 7,100 Searches
Tipping seen as a generous gesture.
In Greece having a service charge or “κουβερ” on the bill doesn’t imply or substitute for a tip. So, leaving 10-15% on top is a common practice and is seen as a gesture of appreciation.
It is not expected in taxis or hotels, but again if they have provided help or assistance to you it would be seen as a way of saying thank you.
- Portugal – 6,820 Searches
Tipping seen as a generous gesture.
In Portugal, if locals do tip, they typically round up the bill or tip a small percentage usually 5-10%. Sometimes a service charge “Taxa de Serviço” is added to the bill so you’re not expected to leave an extra amount.
In tourist destinations such as the Azores, a bag handling fee may be automatically added by any taxi drivers or hotel porters.
- Germany – 5,440 Searches
Tipping seen as a generous gesture.
In Germany, tips work a bit differently. “Bedienung” which translates to a service charge is automatically added to the final bill, but this is taxable and so does not go to the waiting staff.
Unlike in other countries, leaving a tip on the table is not customary. Instead, when you go pay the bill with a member of staff you let the server know what you want the final total to be or how much change you’d like to get back, if any.
- Canada – 4,970 Searches
Tipping is expected.
Just like its neighbour, in Canada tipping is expected at 15 to 20 percent for servers in a restaurant and a dollar per drink for bartenders.
However, in Canada, a goods and services tax (GST) is printed on the bill and can be used to work out the tip amount. In most cities this is 5% of the bill so can times this number by three to work out your amount.
- Turkey – 4,580 Searches
Tipping is expected in some circumstances.
In Turkey, as a rule of thumb, you are expected to tip 5 to 10 percent in restaurants, cafés and bars – especially in tourist or business areas.
Especially at a Turkish baths or Hammam, you are expected to tip the attendants before you leave. Typically, you should divide 10 to 20 percent of the total amount amongst the attendants.
- Japan – 3,680 Searches
Tipping is seen as insulting.
Japan is a stand-out country as not customary here, it can be sometimes considered impolite and rude. The golden rule of Japan is to not leave a tip and simply be polite and to show your gratitude by thanking the restaurant or hotel staff.
Some general expert guidance
Laura Evans-Fisk, Head of Digital and Engagement at eurochange has also shared some general advice to tipping etiquette when on holiday. She explains:
- Cash is preferred– Despite three-quarters of Brits (73%) using cards as their preferred payment method abroad, cash is often required for tipping. Almost anywhere in the world, cash is king when it comes to tipping, so be sure to take travel money on your next trip abroad.
Cash tips are usually preferred by hospitality workers for their immediacy, and because card tips often come with deductions. Make sure to always tip in the local currency.
- Check for service charges– In a lot of countries, the classic tipping method is being replaced by service charges. Whilst in some countries its mandated that this get shared by the staff, in others, the money goes directly to the establishment.
- If in doubt, round-up– If you are unsure of the tipping customs in that country it is always a safe option to round up the final bill to the largest whole amount of note.
- Always tip tour guides– The one exception to tipping etiquette which is almost universally recognised is to tip your tour guides.
