Tipping can be a confusing aspect of dining and service when traveling. While many cultures see it as a way to show appreciation, others reject the practice entirely.
In 18 countries around the world, tipping is not just uncommon; it’s often considered unnecessary or even disrespectful.
These nations prioritize fair wages for service workers, ensuring they receive proper compensation without relying on gratuities.
In these cultures, good service is a point of pride, and appreciation is expressed through kind words or gestures rather than cash.
Understanding these customs can enhance the travel experience, allowing visitors to engage more meaningfully with local traditions.
As travelers seek to navigate the nuances of tipping etiquette, exploring these 18 countries offers insight into a refreshing perspective on service and appreciation.
1: Australia
Australia’s tipping culture is unique. Tipping isn’t standard practice here, and service workers typically earn fair wages.
Diners often leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation, but it’s not expected. In casual settings, rounding up the bill is common.
Customers can express gratitude through genuine compliments or positive reviews instead. This approach reinforces the idea that good service should stand alone, highlighting respect for employees in the hospitality industry.
2: Japan
Japan is renowned for its no-tipping culture, where exceptional service is considered a standard part of the job. Offering a tip can sometimes be viewed as confusing or even disrespectful.
Service staff take pride in their work, and customers are expected to show appreciation through polite behavior, saying “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you), or returning to the same establishment.
Instead of gratuities, a respectful attitude and verbal compliments go a long way, reflecting Japanese values of humility and professionalism.
3: New Zealand
New Zealand proudly embraces a no-tipping culture that highlights fairness, respect, and authentic hospitality. Service workers are paid fair wages, so gratuities are neither expected nor customary.
Most restaurants and cafes include service charges in the bill, eliminating the need for additional tips. While leaving a small amount for exceptional service might be appreciated, it’s rare and not a common practice among locals.
Instead, New Zealanders value verbal appreciation and genuine kindness, believing that treating others well is more meaningful than financial rewards.
By respecting this cultural norm, travelers can enjoy a deeper connection with the local people and experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Kiwi hospitality.
4: Laos
Laos embraces a no-tipping culture, making it a unique destination for travelers. Service charges aren’t standard practice, and staff members receive fair wages.
While tipping isn’t expected, leaving a small amount as a gesture of appreciation can be welcomed, especially in tourist areas.
Travelers can show gratitude through kind words or positive feedback, aligning with Laotian values of respect and hospitality.
Understanding this cultural norm enhances the travel experience, allowing for genuine connections with locals.
5: Cambodia
Cambodia’s no-tipping culture emphasizes fair wages for service workers, minimizing the practice of gratuities. In restaurants, service charges are often included in the bill, making tips unnecessary.
Locals appreciate honesty and respect, so instead of tipping, travelers can express gratitude through friendly interactions or words of thanks.
In tourist-heavy areas, small tips may be accepted but aren’t expected, allowing visitors to fully engage with Cambodian traditions while showcasing appreciation for quality service.
6: Samoa
Samoa boasts a no-tipping culture, reflecting its values of respect and hospitality. Service workers receive fair wages, so gratuities aren’t necessary.
Instead of tipping, travelers can express gratitude through warm words or friendly interactions. In restaurants and hotels, staff will appreciate sincere compliments, fostering genuine connections.
While it’s perfectly acceptable not to tip, kind gestures can enhance the overall experience in this welcoming island nation.
7: China
Tipping isn’t traditionally expected in China, as gratuities can be seen as unnecessary or even disrespectful. Service charges are often included in bills at restaurants and hotels.
In cities with heavy tourism, however, small tips are occasionally appreciated for exceptional service.
Travelers should express gratitude through kind words or positive reviews, fostering a respectful interaction aligned with local customs. Understanding this can enhance visitors’ experiences while honoring China’s cultural values.
8: Fiji
Fiji’s no-tipping culture reflects its focus on respect and fair wages for service workers. It’s uncommon to tip; in most dining establishments, staff receive adequate pay, and gratuities aren’t expected.
While tourists in popular areas might occasionally leave small amounts as friendly gestures, it’s best to appreciate service through sincere compliments and kindness.
Emphasizing personal connections over cash, Fiji offers travelers a unique opportunity to engage meaningfully with the local culture.
9: South Korea
South Korea proudly embraces a no-tipping culture, emphasizing fair wages for service workers. Travelers find that service charges are typically included in bills at restaurants and hotels.
Kindness and respect replace monetary gestures, as staff are trained to provide excellent service without expecting tips.
If one tries to tip in a taxi or during a hotel stay, staff might politely refuse or return the money. Expressing gratitude through verbal appreciation is the preferred way to acknowledge good service.
10: Singapore
Singapore upholds a no-tipping culture that emphasizes efficient service and fair compensation. In most restaurants, a 10% service charge is already included in the bill, making tipping unnecessary.
Locals rarely leave tips, and staff do not expect them. Good service is a point of pride and is acknowledged through kind words or a friendly demeanor.
By respecting this cultural norm, travelers can fully immerse themselves in Singapore’s blend of tradition and modernity without worrying about tipping etiquette.
11: Costa Rica
Costa Rica embraces a no-tipping culture rooted in fair wages for service workers. Service charges are typically included in bills, making gratuities unnecessary.
Travelers may leave small amounts in tourist areas as a nice gesture, but it’s not expected. Expressing appreciation through warm words or compliments is highly valued, showcasing respect for the local customs.
This practice fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the friendly Costa Rican hospitality, enhancing the overall travel experience.
12: Nigeria
Nigeria reflects a no-tipping culture centered on fair wages for service workers. It’s common for restaurants and hotels to include service charges in bills, making additional tips rare.
While leaving a small tip for exceptional service might be appreciated, travelers should prioritize expressing gratitude verbally.
Compliments about service quality resonate well with Nigerian hospitality, establishing a deeper connection with locals and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Engaging in friendly conversations often proves to be more meaningful than monetary gestures.
13: Djibouti
Djibouti embraces a no-tipping culture, underscoring respect for service workers. Service charges are included in restaurant and hotel bills, making gratuities unnecessary.
Locals value genuine appreciation expressed through kind words or gestures. Instead of tipping, travelers can share compliments to show gratitude, enhancing connections with the warm Djiboutian hospitality.
This cultural norm reflects the nation’s commitment to fair wages and high-quality service without the pressure of tipping.
14: Tajikistan
Tipping isn’t customary in Tajikistan, especially in smaller cities and budget accommodations. Service charges are generally included in bills, so travelers don’t need to leave additional gratuities.
At upscale hotels and in larger cities, while tipping isn’t expected, it may be appreciated, highlighting the culture’s focus on fair wages for service workers.
Showing gratitude through kind words or a simple smile can enhance interactions, reflecting respect for local customs.
15: Vanuatu
Vanuatu proudly maintains a no-tipping culture, emphasizing respect and fair compensation for service workers. Staff in most establishments receive adequate wages, making gratuities unnecessary.
While small tips may be welcomed in tourist areas, it’s not customary. Instead, travelers can show appreciation through genuine compliments or kind gestures, fostering connections with locals.
Understanding this cultural norm enhances the overall experience in this beautiful island nation, aligning with Vanuatu’s values of hospitality and community respect.
16: Taiwan
Taiwan proudly showcases a no-tipping culture that emphasizes respect for service workers. Service charges are typically included in bills at restaurants and hotels, making additional tips unnecessary.
While leaving a small token of appreciation may be welcomed, it’s not customary. Customers often express gratitude through sincere compliments or positive feedback.
This practice aligns with Taiwan’s values, focusing on delivering excellent service without the expectation of gratuity, creating a more genuine connection between patrons and staff.
17: Denmark
Denmark proudly embraces a no-tipping culture that reflects its values of fair wages and respect for service workers. In Denmark, service charges are already included in menu prices, making gratuities unnecessary.
Workers are paid well, so they don’t rely on tips for income. While leaving a small amount as a gesture of goodwill is appreciated, it’s not expected.
Travelers can express gratitude through kind words, enhancing their dining experiences without the pressure of tipping.
18: Kosovo
Kosovo embraces a no-tipping culture that reflects its commitment to fair wages for service workers. In restaurants and cafes, service charges are often included in the bill, making additional gratuities unnecessary.
Travelers can show appreciation through kind words or a friendly smile, aligning with local customs. While tipping isn’t expected, expressing gratitude verbally enhances the experience and fosters genuine connections with the welcoming people of Kosovo.
Understanding these practices deepens travelers’ interactions and enriches their visit to this unique region.
Alicia Richards