FAQs
When you're out to eat on vacation, tipping 10 percent is expected in 66 countries, with the majority of those countries being in Europe. Servers in the U.S. and Canada expect the highest tip (between 15 percent and 20 percent) because tips make up most of their wages.
How much should you tip in every country? ›
Key Findings. You should give restaurant staff a 10% tip in over a third of countries. The United States is the only nation where an exact 15% tip is standard for taxi drivers. You're never expected to leave a tip in some nations like Japan and South Korea.
What is the proper amount of tip? ›
Deciding how much to tip depends on what kind of service provider you're working with and how well they do their job. But if you're looking for a general rule for services in the U.S., you should typically tip 15% to 20% of the bill, according to most etiquette experts we interviewed.
Which country has the most tipping in the world? ›
The United States has the highest tipping rate: leaving 20% is usual. If you're planning to travel to the United States this summer, you should know that tipping is a must! In American restaurants, it is customary to leave the waiter around 20% of your final bill to express your appreciation for his service.
How much do Americans really tip? ›
Most Americans tip 15% or less at a restaurant — and some tip nothing, poll finds. Fifty-seven percent of people tip 15% or less for a sit-down meal at a restaurant, according to a Pew Research Center poll. Of those, 37% said 15% is their standard tip and 18% tip something less than 15%.
Do you tip in all countries? ›
While tips are appreciated no matter where you travel, tipping in Europe isn't as automatic nor as generous as it is in the US, and in many countries, tips aren't expected at all. The proper amount depends not only on the country you're in, but also on your resources, tipping philosophy, and the circ*mstances.
What country doesn t like tipping? ›
Japan. Unlike Spain, Japan is a country where you should not tip at all; it's actually offensive. In the majority of Japanese restaurants a bill is not brought to the table.
Is it rude to not tip? ›
While in a professional setting, this should not be the case, feeling guilty about not tipping is understandable. The complicated etiquette around tipping culture can make it feel mandatory, but while tip money is essential for workers, what you decide to tip is ultimately up to you.
Who should you not tip? ›
As a blanket rule, you don't need to tip anyone who earns a salary or performs a trade. That means you don't have to tip doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers or cable technicians. “Not only would it not be expected, it would be highly unorthodox and very awkward,” says Farley.
Why is tipping so big in America? ›
At the end of the Civil War, America's labor force “was flooded” with formerly enslaved people and immigrants, says Zagor. Employers took advantage of this class of “low-educated, low-income” workers, he says, and hired them for jobs that paid very little, encouraging patrons to tip as a supplement to wages.
20 Countries Where You Don't Need to Leave a Tip
- Paraguay.
- Singapore.
- Slovenia.
- South Korea.
- Spain.
- Sweden.
- Switzerland.
- Vietnam.
What country invented tipping? ›
And of course, there's the widely accepted tipping system from the 15th century in England. There are many sources that claim any time from the 1400s to the 1700s for the true start of tipping in England. However, most sources accept that Tudor England is when the practice really began to take hold.
Do you tip at McDonald's USA? ›
Discover the intriguing explanation behind why McDonald's workers in the United States are not allowed to receive tips, according to the company. In the United States, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, the minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour.
How much do you tip in Canada? ›
Common tipping practices include tipping restaurants, bars, hotels, taxi services, train assistants, and other personal services. The standard tipping percentage in Canada is 15 to 20 percent for servers and a dollar a drink for bartenders.
How many Americans don't tip? ›
A majority of Americans say they would tip 15% or less for an average meal at a sit-down restaurant. Nearly six-in-ten (57%) say this, including 2% who say they wouldn't leave any tip. Only a quarter of people say they'd tip 20% or more. For most people, tipping is first and foremost about service.
Is it rude to tip less than 20%? ›
20% is the REAL standard for tips
Industry insider: common consensus says 15-20% is considered a normal tip, but honestly any amount less than 20% is considered a bad tip. If I (or the other servers I worked with) got less, we wondered what we did wrong. We weren't money-hungry monsters, though.
Is 20% tip acceptable? ›
No matter if you are dining in or opting to carry out, try to stick within 15 to 20 percent of the pretax bill. Servers: At sit-down restaurants, tip 15 to 20 percent pretax. If you received exceptional service, feel free to tip above 20 percent, but it's not expected.
Is 20% a good enough tip? ›
The appropriate amount to tip servers depends on your service. 15% is appropriate for average service ; 20% if your server is above average. You should feel free to tip above 20% if you received excellent service. If you received poor service, it is better to talk to the manager than skip on the tip.
Is 20% a generous tip? ›
It is customary to leave a tip or gratuity for waitstaff and bartenders to recognize the quality of service a customer receives. People generally tip 15-20% of the bill.