The Lofty Traveler

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Travel Planning With A Personal Touch

 

Tipping

Did you know that tipping can be insulting in Japan?

 

Were you aware that many European hotels and restaurants add the tip to your bill?

 

 

 

 

 

Tipping can be a puzzling experience for overseas travelers. It’s commonplace in some countries, in others it’s expected only in major cities, and in some it simply isn’t done. The rules are also in a constant state of change, so what was appropriate the last time you visited your favorite foreign destination may be completely inappropriate the next time you go.

 

The Worldwide Tipping Guide is designed to advise travelers of common tipping practices in over 70 countries. Please remember, however, that it is only a guide – tipping is a reward for good service, and in the end the value is up to you.

 

 

Country Restaurants Porters Taxis
Argentina 10% $1 Round up taxi fare or small tip.
Armenia 10% 50 cents – $1 per bag None
Australia 10% in fine restaurants only $2 per bag Round Up
Austria 5% above service charge $1 – $2 per bag Round Up
Azerbaijan 10% 50 cents – $1 per bag None
Bahamas 10% $1 per bag 10%
Bahrain 10% $1 – $2 per bag 10%
Belgium 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Bolivia 10% 75 cents per bag 10%
Brazil 10 – 15% $1 per bag 10%
Brunei None None None
Bulgaria 10% $1 per bag Round Up
Canada 15% $1 – $2 per bag 10%
Cayman Isles 15% if no service chrg $1 per bag 10%
Chile 10% in addition to service chg $1 per bag None
China 3% in major cities $1 – $2 total None
Colombia 10% 75 cents per bag None
Costa Rica None $1 per bag 10%
Cuba $1 for special service $1 for special service $1 for special service
Czech Rep 5 – 10% $1 per bag Round Up
Denmark None $1 per bag Round Up
Ecuador 10% if no service charge 75 cents per bag None
Egypt 5-10% + service charge $1 per bag Round Up
England 10% if no service charge $1 per bag 15%
Fiji None None Round Up
Finland 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
France 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up
Germany 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up
Greece 5-10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Guatemala 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag 10%
Holland 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up
Hong Kong 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Hungary 10% if no service charge None Round Up
Iceland 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
India 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Indonesia 10% 50 cents total Round Up
Ireland 10 – 15% $1 per bag Round Up
Israel 12 – 15% if no service charge $1 per bag 12 – 15%
Italy 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Japan Tipping is perceived as insulting None None
Kenya 5% if no service charge 50 cents per bag None
Luxembourg 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up
Macao 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Madagascar 10% 50 cents per bag Round Up
Malaysia None None None
Mexico 10-15% $1 50 cents
Morocco Leave loose change 50 cents per bag Round Up
New Zealand None None None
Nicaragua 10% for special service $1 per bag 10%
Norway 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Oman None None None
Paraguay 10% 75 cents per bag 10%
Peru Up to 10% for special service 75 cents per bag None
Philippines 10% 50 cents – $1 per bag Round Up
Poland 10% $1 per bag Round Up
Portugal 10 – 15% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Romania Round Up $1 per bag Round Up
Russia 10 – 15% $1 per bag Round Up
Samoa None None None
Saudi Arabia 10-15% $1 – $2 per bag 10%
Scotland 10-15% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Singapore None None None
South Africa 10% if no service charge 50 cents total 10%
South Korea None None None
Spain 7 – 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag 10%
Sweden 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Switzerland Round up $1 per bag Round Up
Taiwan 10% if no service charge $1 per bag None
Tanzania 10% None None
Thailand None None None
Turkey Round Up $1 per bag Round Up
Ukraine 10% $1 per bag Round Up
United Arab Emirates None None None
United States 15-20% $1 – $2 per bag 10 – 15%
Venezuela 10% 75 cents per bag 10%
Vietnam None None None
Wales 10% if no service charge $1 per bag 10%

 

General Tipping Information:

 

Asia and the Pacific: Special care must be taken to insure that your well-meaning gesture is not taken as insulting. If you are unsure, it is best not to tip. If possible, observe the locals and follow their lead.

 

Europe: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill. In most cases, an additional tip is unnecessary. If no service charge is added to your bill 10% is the general rule for restaurant service, a dollar per bag will be appreciated.

 

Middle East/Africa: While your tip will not be seen as insulting, it may be unnecessary. Once again, the best bet is to do as the locals do.

 

Central/South America: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill, and an additional tip is unnecessary. If not, 10% is the general rule for restaurant service, and a dollar per bag will be appreciated.