Tipping customs vary widely across the world, with some countries expecting tips as a standard part of service, while others may discourage or even prohibit tipping.
Here’s a list of 23 countries where restaurants typically expect the highest tips, based on local customs and service standards:
United States
In the United States, tipping is an essential part of the dining culture, where servers often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income.
Tipping 15-20% is standard, and for excellent service, you might consider leaving a higher percentage.
The custom exists across most of the country, from casual eateries to fine dining, as service staff are often paid a lower minimum wage, with tips making up the difference.
Canada
In Canada, tipping practices are similar to the U.S. but with a few variations. Service workers in Canada typically expect a 15-20% tip in restaurants, though some regions may be a little more or less.
While tips are important for waitstaff, they tend to be paid higher wages than their American counterparts, but tipping is still widely appreciated.
In tourist areas, you might find higher expectations, especially in fine dining establishments.
Mexico
In Mexico, the tipping culture is ingrained in the service industry. A tip of 10-15% is expected in most restaurants, though it’s not mandatory.
The service charge is often included in the bill, but it’s common practice to leave an additional tip for exceptional service. The higher the quality of the establishment, the more the tip should generally be.
Brazil
Brazil has a 10% service charge often automatically added to the bill at restaurants, but it’s still customary to leave an extra tip if the service has been outstanding.
This extra tip could range from 5-10%, especially in finer dining experiences. Tipping in Brazil is not as rigid as in the U.S., but it is still an appreciated gesture that rewards excellent service.
Argentina
Argentina follows a similar tipping culture to Brazil. A 10% tip is standard in restaurants, though it’s not a strict rule.
Many diners round up their bills or leave small extra amounts to show their appreciation for good service.
In upscale restaurants or in tourist-heavy areas, a 10% tip is more expected, but even casual diners may leave a few extra pesos.
Germany
In Germany, tipping practices are relatively straightforward. A 5-10% tip is common in most restaurants, though diners often round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave a small tip to show appreciation.
Unlike some countries, tipping is not seen as mandatory in Germany, but it is a way to acknowledge good service. It’s common to pay the tip directly to the server rather than leaving it on the table.
France
In France, a service charge is typically included in the bill (service compris), but it’s customary to leave an additional 5-10% if the service was exceptional.
This is especially common in Paris or other tourist-heavy areas, where the cost of dining is higher. Some casual eateries may not expect tips, but in more formal settings, a little extra is appreciated.
Italy
In Italy, tipping is more casual. A service charge called “coperto” is often included in the bill, and it’s not always necessary to leave an additional tip.
However, for great service, a tip of 5-10% is often appreciated, especially in high-end or tourist-heavy locations.
In smaller, family-owned restaurants, tips may be less expected, but rounding up the bill is common.
United Kingdom
Tipping in the UK is less mandatory than in some countries, but it’s still appreciated. A tip of 10-12% is typical in restaurants, and many places include a service charge in the bill.
In upscale dining establishments, a higher tip may be expected for exceptional service, but in casual dining settings, it’s entirely up to the customer.
Waitstaff in the UK are paid relatively well compared to other countries, so tipping tends to be more of a reward for good service than a necessity.
Spain
Spain has a diverse tipping culture, with expectations varying between regions. In general, tipping is not compulsory, but a small tip of 5-10% is often left in higher-end restaurants or for particularly attentive service.
In casual eateries, tipping is less common, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. In more tourist-oriented areas, a larger tip might be expected for excellent service.
Australia
Australia does not have a strong tipping culture, and it’s not compulsory to leave a tip. However, in upscale or fine dining establishments, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated for excellent service.
Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas, but overall, restaurant staff are paid well enough that tips are not expected in the same way they are in countries like the U.S.
New Zealand
Like Australia, tipping is not as ingrained in the culture of New Zealand, and it’s not a traditional practice.
However, in higher-end restaurants or for exceptional service, leaving a tip of around 10% is appreciated.
In casual dining spots, tipping is less common, and waitstaff are generally paid a fair wage. While tipping is not expected, it is seen as a positive gesture for good service.
Sweden
Sweden has a very different approach to tipping. Service charges are typically included in the bill, and tipping is not expected in restaurants.
However, if the service is exceptional, leaving a small tip of around 5-10% is appreciated.
In Sweden, tipping is viewed as a gesture of gratitude rather than an obligation, and many people opt to round up the bill or leave small amounts of change.
Norway
Norway generally includes service charges in the bill, and tipping is not obligatory. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a tip of around 5-10% for good service is common.
While waitstaff in Norway are paid a decent wage, leaving a tip is a nice way to show appreciation for excellent service.
Denmark
Denmark shares a similar tipping culture with other Scandinavian countries, where tipping is not mandatory.
A tip of around 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants for outstanding service, but it’s not expected.
Diners may round up the bill or leave a small tip as a gesture of thanks, especially in more formal or high-end dining establishments.
Finland
In Finland, tipping is not a traditional part of the culture, and service charges are typically included in the bill.
However, for excellent service, a small tip of 5-10% is often left as a token of appreciation.
It’s not common to leave large tips, and waitstaff are generally paid a fair wage, but tipping is still appreciated in upscale restaurants.
Japan
In Japan, tipping is not part of the culture and may even be considered rude in some situations.
Service in Japan is typically excellent, and workers take great pride in their work, so tipping is not seen as necessary.
However, in very high-end or exclusive restaurants, some customers might choose to leave a tip in a discreet manner, though it is rare.
South Korea
Tipping is not expected in South Korea, and in fact, it can sometimes be seen as inappropriate.
The concept of tipping is still relatively new in South Korea, and most restaurants do not encourage it.
However, in more tourist-oriented or luxury establishments, tipping may be accepted, but it’s not the norm.
China
China does not have a strong tipping culture. In fact, tipping is not generally expected, and in some places, it may be frowned upon.
In high-end hotels or international restaurants, a tip of 5-10% may be appreciated, but it’s not common. Tourists are often encouraged to tip in these areas, but it’s not a widespread practice.
India
In India, tipping is expected in most restaurants, with a customary tip of around 10-15%. In high-end restaurants, tips may be higher, but in casual eateries, the tip can be smaller.
While tipping is common, the amount varies by location, with tips being larger in tourist-heavy areas.
Thailand
Tipping in Thailand is not mandatory but is appreciated in tourist areas. A tip of around 10-15% is typical for good service, though in casual restaurants, it’s not mandatory.
It’s common to leave small tips in tourist spots, and waitstaff often rely on tips as part of their income.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE, tipping is encouraged and appreciated. A tip of around 10-15% is typical, and many restaurants add a service charge to the bill.
In high-end or luxury restaurants, tips can be higher, and it’s common for tourists to leave a generous tip in these upscale establishments.
Egypt
Tipping is a cultural norm in Egypt, especially in tourist areas. A tip of around 10-12% is common in restaurants, and it’s considered a sign of appreciation for good service.
Waitstaff in Egypt often depend on tips as a significant part of their income, so leaving a tip is customary in most dining situations.
Alicia Richards