Tipping Culture Around the World - Complete Guide
Tipping rules change dramatically from one country to another. In some places it's expected and forms a major part of a worker's wage, in others a small round-up is enough, and in a few cultures tipping can even be considered rude. Here's a quick worldwide guide so you always know what to leave.
United States & Canada
Tipping is essentially mandatory. In the USA, restaurants expect 18 to 20% of the bill, with 25%+ for excellent service. Bars: $1 to $2 per drink. Rideshare and delivery: 15 to 20%. Canada follows nearly the same rules with 15 to 20% standard at sit-down restaurants.
United Kingdom
A service charge of 12.5% is often added automatically at sit-down restaurants. If it's not included, leaving 10 to 12.5% is polite. No tipping is expected at pubs when you order at the bar. Black cabs: round up to the nearest pound or add 10%.
Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain)
Service is usually included by law (look for "service compris" in France or "coperto" in Italy). A small extra of 5 to 10% for good service, or simply rounding up the bill, is appreciated but never required. Cafes and bars: round up to the nearest euro.
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
Most upscale restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha add a 10% service charge. If they don't, 10 to 15% is standard. Hotel porters: 5 to 10 AED or SAR per bag. Taxi drivers: rounding up the fare is enough.
South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh)
Tipping is appreciated but modest. At restaurants, 5 to 10% of the bill is generous if no service charge is added. Many places add a 10% service charge automatically. Rickshaw and taxi drivers: rounding up is fine. Hotel staff: 100 to 200 PKR or INR per service.
East & Southeast Asia
In Japan, China, and South Korea tipping is generally not expected and can sometimes confuse staff. In tourist-heavy spots like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, leaving 5 to 10% at restaurants is becoming common. Hotels in luxury chains: 50 to 100 baht/yuan for porters.
Australia & New Zealand
Tipping is not customary because workers earn a full minimum wage. For exceptional service, 10% or rounding up is appreciated but never expected.
Splitting the Bill Fairly
For groups, the simplest method is to split the total (bill + tip) evenly. Our calculator does this for you in any currency: enter the bill, choose a tip percentage, set the number of people, and instantly see the per-person amount.