Tipping can be a minefield when you're travelling. In some countries, adding to the bill after a good meal is expected, while in others, leaving extra cash on the table might raise a few eyebrows. Tipping culture varies worldwide, and what's expected in one country might be considered unusual — or even rude — in another.

To help you avoid any awkward moments on your next trip, we've rounded up 10 tipping customs around the world that every traveller should know.

What is tipping culture?

Tipping culture refers to the customs and expectations for leaving an extra amount when paying for a service in different places.

Leaving a tip might seem simple, but the rules and norms are different all over the world. In some countries, tipping is seen as a standard part of paying your bill and skipping it could be seen as rude. In others, it's not common at all, and what was supposed to be a nice gesture could actually end up offending the staff.

Whether you're grabbing a coffee, hopping in a taxi, or dining out during your holiday, tipping culture plays a big role. Learning the customs before you travel is a great way to show cultural etiquette and avoid those awkward "Should I tip?" moments.

Is it customary to tip?

Whether you should tip or not depends on where you are — what's expected in one place might be completely unnecessary in another. While there are no official laws forcing you to tip, skipping it in certain locations can be seen as bad manners and might impact how locals treat you during your trip.

On the flip side, some countries don't have a tipping culture at all. If you're ever unsure, it's always worth checking the local customs online or reading a tourist guidebook before travelling. That way, you can avoid any uncomfortable experiences and make sure you're respecting the traditions of the countries you're visiting.

10 need-to-know tipping customs around the world

Nothing throws you off quite like that moment when the bill arrives, and you're not sure whether to leave a tip or pay it straight.

If you're not sure which countries have a tipping culture, don't panic. 

To take the guesswork out of your next holiday, we've rounded up 10 tipping customs from around the world — so you'll always know when to tip, how much to give, and when it's best to avoid adding anything extra to your bill.

1. United States

(Image Source)

The US has one of the strongest tipping cultures in the world, especially in restaurants, bars, and hotels. Service industry workers usually rely on tips to bump up their wages, so leaving one isn't just polite — it's expected.

When to tip

If you're heading to the US on holiday, it's good to know when and how much to tip. Here's a quick guide:

• Restaurants — Ideally, you should tip 15-20% of the bill before tax.

• Bars — $1 per beer, or 20% for cocktails.

• Food delivery — $3-$5 per delivery, or more in bad weather like storms or snow.

• Taxi drivers — It's recommended to tip at least 15% of the fare.

• Valets — $2-$3 when they return your car.

• Spas and salons — 15-20%, depending on the service.

How to tip

Many restaurants automatically add a gratuity for larger groups or on public holidays like Thanksgiving, so double-check your bill before adding a tip. If you see "gratuity included", there's no need to give anything extra — though you can still add more if you want to!

Some self-service kiosks in coffee shops or fast-food chains might prompt you to tip for counter service even though you haven't interacted with any staff. This can be confusing, but don't feel pressured — just give what feels right based on your experience.

2. Japan

(Image source)

There's no strict tip culture in Japan, and in many cases, giving extra money to staff can be seen as rude. This is because the belief is that excellent service should be the standard, so leaving a tip can imply that the worker wouldn't normally do a good job without an incentive.

When to tip

While tipping is usually not recommended, there are a few rare cases where it might be appropriate:

• Private guides and interpreters — A tip isn't required, but it might still be accepted as a kind gesture.

• Ryokans (traditional inns) — Some high-end ryokans might accept a small tip for particularly great service.

• Geishas — If you're planning a private dinner with a geisha, leaving a tip in an envelope is customary. Most guests offer around 3,000 JPY (around £15) per person.

How to tip

If you decide to leave a tip while travelling in Japan, you should place the money inside a small envelope rather than handing over loose cash. These can be purchased from convenience stores, stationery shops, or 100-yen stores across the country — so it might be worth picking up a few at the start of your trip.

When giving the envelope, use both hands and offer a slight bow as a sign of respect.

3. France

(Image source)

If you're travelling to France, there's no expectation to tip. Many restaurants and cafes already include a service charge ("service compris") in the bill, so leaving anything extra isn't required. However, if you want to show your gratitude by giving an additional tip, it's always appreciated.

When to tip

Tipping in France is more about rounding up than calculating a certain percentage:

• Restaurants and cafes — If a service charge isn't included, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a few extra euros is a nice way to say thank you.

• Taxi drivers — Rounding up the fare or adding a couple of euros for luggage assistance is appreciated.

• Hotel staff — Porters usually receive €1-€2 per bag, and housekeepers may get €2-€5 per night for great service.

• Hairdressers and salons — Leaving a small tip of €1-€2 is common, especially if you're happy with the service.

How to tip

Unlike in other countries, tipping in France should be done quite subtly. Instead of handing cash directly to your server or driver, you can leave it on the table or tell them to "keep the change" ("gardez la monnaie") when paying.

4. Germany

(Image source)

The tipping culture in Germany is pretty relaxed, but it's a common way to show appreciation for good service. Since most service workers earn a fair wage, the amount you're expected to pay tends to be smaller.

When to tip

While you don't need to leave a tip, it's appreciated in certain situations:

• Restaurants and cafes — Leaving 5-10% of the bill is standard, or up to 15% for excellent service.

• Hotels — Porters usually receive €1-€2 per bag, and €2-€4 per night is a nice tip for housekeeping.

• Taxis & rideshares — Rounding up the fare or adding €1-€2 is typical.

How to tip

Tipping in Germany is slightly different to other places. Instead of leaving change on the table, most people tell the server the total amount they want to pay. For example, if the bill is €42.80, you might want to round it up and say, "Make it €46, please" ("Machen Sie es 46 Euro, bitte.").

5. Australia

(Image source)

Tipping isn't a big part of Australian culture, and it's usually not expected at all. Workers in Australia earn a fair wage that already includes the service cost, so tipping is seen as more of a bonus than a necessity. However, it's still a great way to thank staff if you were pleased with the service.

When to tip

Tipping isn't necessary when you're in Australia, but if you want to, here's where it's most common:

• Restaurants and cafes — A small tip is a nice way to show appreciation at sit-down restaurants if you've had excellent service. Some restaurants will automatically add a service charge to your bill, so double-check before paying anything extra!

• Taxis and rideshares — Rounding up the fare is common, but anything more is optional.

• Bars and pubs — Bartenders don't usually expect tips, but you can leave any small change or round up the bill.

How to tip

Tipping in Australia is usually done with cash or by adding it to the bill when paying by card. However, many places don't even have a tipping option on card machines, so if you want to leave a tip, it's best to have some small change to hand.

6. Spain

(Image source)

Leaving a tip isn't a big part of Spanish culture, and in most cases, the locals don't do it at all. That said, if you want to recognise great service, a small tip is always welcome — but it's never expected.

When to tip

There aren't any strict tipping rules in Spain, but here's where you might leave something extra:

• Restaurants and cafes — Leaving a small tip of a few Euros or rounding up your bill is recommended if you've received great service, but double-check the bill to make sure you're not already being charged for service anyway.

• Hotels — It's customary to leave a tip of between €1-€2 per night or bag.

• Taxis and rideshares — A small tip for heavy luggage is appreciated but not essential.

• Bars and casual eateries — Tipping isn't expected, but leaving small change is a polite way to say thanks.

• Tour guides — A €5-€10 tip for a group tour guide is a common way to show your appreciation.

How to tip

Most Spaniards don't tip regularly, so there's no pressure. If you decide to tip, it's usually done in cash, as most card machines don't have a tipping option. The best way to tip is to round up your bill or leave a few euros behind — it's more about the gesture than the amount.

If you're in a tourist-heavy area, tipping might be slightly more common, but it's still not a requirement. Locals won't expect you to tip, so don't feel awkward if you choose not to!

7. Greece

(Image source)

You don't have to leave a tip when visiting Greece, but it's a good way to thank your servers when eating out. Locals don't always leave tips, but it's a bit more common in touristy areas like Athens.

When to tip

There's no pressure to tip, but here's where you might want to:

• Restaurants and tavernas — If you're eating out at a high-end restaurant, leaving a 10-20% tip is a nice touch. In traditional tavernas, a couple of euros per person is customary.

• Cafés & bars — There aren't any official rules about tipping, but leaving small change won't go unnoticed.

• Tour guides — A €5-€10 tip is a solid way to say thanks for a helpful tour.

How to tip

Tipping in Greece is fairly simple — just round up your bill or leave a few extra euros in cash. Some restaurants may also add a "kouver" charge for the bread and dips that are brought out at the start of a meal, so if you see this, you don't need to tip extra.

8. Portugal

(Image source)

Locals in Portugal don't usually tip for everyday services, but in more touristy areas, it's slowly becoming more common. While there's no expectation to leave any tip, adding a little extra to your bill is a great way to say thanks.

When to tip

If you're planning a holiday in Portugal, here are some of the situations where you might want to think about tipping:

• Restaurants and cafés — Rounding up the bill is the norm, or leaving 5-10% in higher-end restaurants. Just make sure you haven't already been charged for service on the bill.

• Hotels — A small tip of €1-€2 per night for housekeeping is a nice gesture.

• Taxis & rideshares — Adding a couple of euros or rounding up your fare is common.

• Bars and casual eateries — Leaving the small change from your bill is a polite way to show appreciation.

How to tip

Cash is best if you decide to tip, as most card machines in Portugal don't have a tipping option. A quick "obrigado" (or "obrigada" if you're female) — which means “thanks” — goes a long way, too! Check your bill before leaving a tip, as some restaurants in tourist areas might add a service charge. If it's included, you don't need to give anything else.

9. Italy

(Image source)

There's no specific tipping culture in Italy, and most of the locals don't tend to leave large tips. It's a nice gesture rather than an expectation, so there's no need to stress about getting it right during your trip.

When to tip

There's no set rule, but here's what's common:

• Restaurants — Rounding up the bill or leaving €1-€2 is polite. In high-end restaurants, a 5–10% tip is more common.

• Hotels — A few euros for housekeeping and €10-€20 for the concierge go a long way when staying in fancier hotels.

• Taxis and rideshares — While a tip isn't essential, leaving 5-10% of your fare is seen as polite.

• Tour guides — For longer or private tours, a 5-10% tip is appreciated.

How to tip

If you decide to tip, it's best to use cash — just hand it directly to your server or leave it on the table. Some restaurants charge a "coperto" fee (usually €1–€3 per person) for bread and table service, so if you see this on your bill, there's no need to tip extra.

10. United Arab Emirates

(Image source)

Tipping isn't mandatory in the UAE, but it's expected in many different service industries. While some places already include a service charge on the bill, an extra tip is still a good way to appreciate great service.

When to tip

If you're not sure where to leave something extra, here's a quick guide:

• Restaurants and bars — A 10-15% tip is standard, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

• Hotels — Tipping housekeeping staff AED10 per night and bellhops or valets AED5-10 per bag/vehicle is recommended.

• Taxis and rideshares — Adding AED5-10 to your fare is common.

• Beauty salons & spas — A AED10-20 tip is standard, with more for high-end treatments.

• Tour guides and desert safaris — A 10-15% tip is common, especially for longer experiences.

• Petrol station attendants and porters — A small tip of AED5 is a polite gesture.

How to tip

Most people in the UAE tip in cash, but many high-end hotels and restaurants also accept card tips. If a service charge is already included in your bill, an extra tip isn't necessary, but it's still appreciated.

Where did tipping culture come from?

Tipping might feel like a modern concept, but it actually goes way back — all the way to medieval Europe, where the rich would give small "vails" to their servants as a thank-you for good service. But why is tipping culture still a thing?

Fast forward a few hundred years, and the custom spread worldwide, evolving into what we know today.

In the US, tipping became more common after the Civil War, when businesses used it to keep wages low. Now, in places like America and Canada, tipping makes up a big part of workers' earnings, while in countries like Japan and Australia, it barely exists, thanks to higher wages.

Does the UK have any tipping customs?

Tipping in the UK is nowhere near as strict as in the US, but there are still some things to remember. Unlike some other countries, service charges are often included in the bill depending on where you are in the country — with major cities like London adding up to 25% — so it's always worth checking before leaving extra!

Here's a run-down on some of our tipping customs:

• Restaurants — If there's no service charge, tipping 10-15% is standard.

• Pubs and bars — Tipping isn't expected, but if you want to thank the bartender, you can offer to buy them a drink or leave loose change at the bar.

• Taxis — Most people round up the fare or tip 10% for great service.

• Hotels — It's polite to tip £1-£2 per bag for porters and £2-£5 per night for housekeeping when staying in London, but this isn't expected.

• Hairdressers and beauty salons — A 10% tip is standard, especially for regular clients.

Are tourists treated differently if they don't tip?

Skipping a tip won't always get you dirty looks from the locals, but it can make a difference in how you're treated in some countries. In places where tipping is a big part of workers' wages — like the US, Canada, and the UAE — not leaving a tip can be considered rude.

While you probably won't get refused service for not tipping, you might notice less friendly treatment if you're a regular at a particular bar or restaurant. In extreme cases, some businesses have even banned bad tippers from returning!

How can you find out more about local tipping customs?

If you're unsure what the tipping rules are for your next holiday, doing some research before you go can save you from awkward moments and help you show respect for local customs. 

Here are five easy ways to find out what's expected:

1. Check government travel sites — Many official tourism pages for popular destinations include need-to-know advice on tipping.

2. Look at recent travel blogs — These often have first-hand experiences and up-to-date information on how to behave when visiting.

2. Ask your hotel or tour guide — Locals will know what's expected (and what's too much).

4. Use travel forums — Websites like Reddit or TripAdvisor can be great sources for seeing what real travellers do during their trip.

5. Look at your bill — A service charge might already be included when you're dining in a restaurant, so no extra tip is needed.

A quick five-minute Google search before your holiday can make all the difference. That way, you can be confident leaving a tip (or keep your cash in your pocket where it's not expected!).

Travel confidently with Trtl Travel

Tipping customs aren't always straightforward — what's expected in one country might be completely unheard of in another! Whether you're dining out, taking a taxi, or staying at a hotel, knowing the local norms can help you feel more prepared while travelling.

If you need a smart way to keep your cash on hand during your trip, our Packing Pods are perfect for storing spare change and notes out of sight so you're never caught off guard.

For more travel tips and inspiration, from how to be a responsible tourist to the most searched-for destinations, visit the Trtl Blog.