Tipping is more than just a gesture of appreciation; in many countries, it’s an integral part of the service industry’s economy. While some places embrace a strong tipping culture, others leave it up to personal discretion.
In countries where tipping is expected, generous gratuities can significantly impact a worker’s income, especially in sectors like hospitality and transportation.
From bustling cities to serene resorts, understanding the tipping norms can enhance travel experiences and ensure proper etiquette.
In this guide, we’ll explore 23 countries where tipping big isn’t just welcomed but expected. Whether you’re dining at a lavish restaurant or hailing a taxi, knowing how much to tip can make all the difference in showing gratitude and respect for excellent service.
1: United States
Tipping in the United States is customary, with expectations set between 15 to 20 percent of the bill. It’s essential to tip service workers like waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers as many rely on tips for their income. Failure to tip can lead to a negative reputation in the service community.
2: Canada
Canadians typically tip between 15 to 20 percent of the bill, especially in restaurants. In Quebec, tipping can reach up to 25 percent.
It’s crucial to leave an appropriate gratuity, as not tipping or tipping too little can be viewed unfavorably. Tipping also extends to bartenders, with a dollar expected for each drink served.
3: Norway
Norway has a unique approach to tipping. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s common to leave between 10 to 20 percent for excellent service at restaurants.
Most bills already include a service charge, but rounding up or leaving small change can express appreciation. Also, customers can show gratitude in casual settings like cafés or bars when service surpasses expectations.
4: Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, tipping is a vital part of the dining and service experience. Tourists should tip around 10 to 20 percent at restaurants, depending on the service quality.
It’s common to tip hotel staff, like bellhops and housekeeping, a few dollars for their assistance. Also, taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare as a token of gratitude.
5: Serbia
Serbia’s tipping culture is generous, with patrons expected to tip between 10 to 15 percent in restaurants. Guests usually round up the bill or leave cash on the table rather than adding it to the card payment.
Besides dining, it’s common to tip taxi drivers a bit extra and give small gratuities to hotel staff, recognizing quality service.
6: Armenia
In Armenia, tipping is customary and generally expected. Diners often tip between 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, especially for good service.
Travelers should note that rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated as well. Tipping extends to taxi drivers, where rounding fares up or adding a couple of dollars shows gratitude for good service. Hotel staff also appreciate tips for their assistance.
7: Jamaica
In Jamaica, tipping is not just appreciated; it’s an integral part of service culture. Diners typically tip between 15 to 20 percent at restaurants, especially for exceptional service.
It’s also common to tip hotel staff, such as housekeepers and bellhops, with gratuities of a few dollars. Taxi drivers also welcome tips, often expecting patrons to round up the fare.
8: Mexico
In Mexico, tipping is an important aspect of dining and service culture. It’s customary to tip between 10 to 20 percent at restaurants, with higher tips expected at beach resorts.
Travelers should also consider tipping taxi drivers by rounding up the fare and leaving a few extra pesos for hotel staff, ensuring memorable service.
9: Belize
In Belize, tipping is customary, with patrons expected to tip between 10 to 15 percent at restaurants. It’s common for service charges to be included in the bill, but leaving additional gratuities for exceptional service shows appreciation.
Tourists should also consider tipping tour guides, taxi drivers, and hotel staff, typically rounding up fares or providing a few dollars for quality service.
10: Cuba
Cuba’s tipping culture encourages generosity, with expectations typically set around 10 to 15 percent in restaurants. Many locals and tourists round up bills, especially for excellent service.
Tipping hotel staff, like bellhops and maids, with a few CUCs is common, as is giving taxi drivers small amounts for good service.
11: Honduras
Honduras has a vibrant tipping culture, with expectations leaning towards generosity. Patrons typically tip between 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, ensuring good service is acknowledged.
Tourists should also consider tipping hotel staff with a few dollars, while taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare as a gesture of thanks.
12: Antigua and Barbuda
In Antigua and Barbuda, tipping is commonly expected in the service industry. Patrons typically tip around 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, making it a significant part of workers’ earnings. It’s also customary to tip hotel staff and taxi drivers, ensuring high-quality service is recognized.
13: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, tipping is expected as a sign of appreciation for good service. Patrons should tip around 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, often leaving cash directly on the table.
Also, hotel staff like bellhops and housekeeping typically receive a couple of dollars for their efforts. Taxi drivers also appreciate tips, especially when the fare is rounded up.
14: Argentina
Tipping in Argentina is appreciated, though not strictly required. Diners typically give around 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, and tips are often paid in cash.
Tip jars at bars suffice, while taxi drivers usually don’t expect anything extra. Cash tips in US dollars remain common due to currency issues.
15: Guyana
In Guyana, tipping is not just appreciated; it’s expected in various service sectors. Patrons generally tip between 10 to 15 percent at restaurants to acknowledge good service.
It’s common for guests to leave a few dollars for taxi drivers and hotel staff, especially if the service exceeded expectations. Tipping in Guyana plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of service workers.
16: Cameroon
Cameroon embraces a strong tipping culture, especially in urban areas. Tippers usually give around 10 to 15 percent of the total bill at restaurants, recognizing good service.
Patrons are also advised to round up taxi fares or offer small gratuities, such as 1,000 to 2,000 CFA francs for hotel staff like bellhops and housekeepers.
17: Poland
In Poland, tipping is appreciated though not strictly enforced. Servers expect a little extra, often around 10 percent, especially in upscale restaurants.
When paying in cash, patrons should wait to thank the server until they receive change, ensuring proper tipping etiquette. Always tip in cash to guarantee the server gets the gratuity directly.
18: North Macedonia
In North Macedonia, tipping is expected and appreciated. Diners typically tip between 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, acknowledging good service.
Patrons often leave cash, either in person or placed on the table, as staff rely on these gratuities for their income.
Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff with small amounts is also customary, enhancing the service experience.
19: Mauritius
In Mauritius, tipping is common and appreciated, with patrons typically expected to tip around 10 to 15 percent in restaurants.
Service staff, including waiters and taxi drivers, rely on these gratuities to supplement their income. Tourists should also consider leaving a few dollars for hotel staff, enhancing their service experience.
20: Saudi Arabia
Tipping isn’t a common practice in Saudi Arabia, surprising many visitors. Service charges are usually included in restaurant and hotel bills, reducing the need for additional tips.
Some may view tipping as unnecessary or even rude, as it could imply staff aren’t adequately compensated. Instead, showing appreciation through small gifts or kind words is customary.
21: Bahrain
In Bahrain, tipping is generally expected, with patrons usually giving around 10 to 15 percent in restaurants.
It’s common to tip hotel staff and taxi drivers a few Bahraini Dinar for excellent service. Rounding up bills or leaving small change enhances the appreciation shown to service workers.
22: Qatar
In Qatar, tipping is appreciated and generally expected in the service industry. Diners typically leave around 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, even when a service charge is included on the bill.
Hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, often receive tips of a few riyals, while taxi drivers also appreciate rounding up the fare. While not mandatory, tipping is seen as a courteous gesture that reflects gratitude for good service.
23: United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, tipping is customary but varies by location. Diners typically tip between 12 to 15 percent in restaurants where a service charge is often included.
Customers may also round up the bill or leave extra for exceptional service. Many workers, from waitstaff to hotel staff, appreciate gratuities, recognizing that it enhances their income in this hospitality-focused culture.
Alicia Richards