Traveling the world offers countless opportunities to experience new cultures, landscapes, and traditions. One of the most universal yet often misunderstood customs among tourists is tipping.
While tipping is an ingrained practice in many countries, especially in the United States, it is not a global norm. In fact, many countries do not expect tips, and in some, offering a gratuity can even be considered disrespectful.
If you’re planning a trip and want to avoid any awkward tipping situations, here are nine countries where the no-tipping culture is prevalent.
1. Japan: The Land of Respectful Service
Japan is known for its meticulous attention to detail, high standards of service, and respect for customers. When dining or receiving any kind of service, you won’t be expected to leave a tip.
In fact, tipping in Japan can be seen as disrespectful, as it may imply that the worker’s wage isn’t enough, which can undermine the culture of respect and humility that permeates Japanese society.
In restaurants, cafes, and even hotels, employees work with a mindset that providing exceptional service is simply part of their job and not a means to earn extra money.
The price you pay for a meal or service includes the entire cost, and there is no need to offer additional compensation.
Some even feel uncomfortable if you try to leave a tip. Instead of offering extra cash, it’s best to show your appreciation with polite words and respect.
2. South Korea: No Need for Tips
Like Japan, South Korea does not have a tipping culture. The people of South Korea take pride in providing excellent service, and the notion of tipping is foreign to many of them.
If you offer a tip, it may be perceived as rude or disrespectful, as it suggests that the worker requires additional compensation for their duties.
South Koreans do not expect any gratuity for their work, and the idea of tipping could create an uncomfortable situation.
Instead of leaving a tip, the best way to show appreciation is by offering a simple “thank you” or a polite gesture of acknowledgment. This is enough to demonstrate that you value the service provided.
3. Brazil: A Mixed Tradition
In Brazil, tipping is not mandatory, but it is still somewhat common in certain situations. The country’s culture is relaxed about gratuities, and tipping is often left to personal discretion.
In restaurants, it’s important to check your bill first, as many establishments automatically include a “serviço” (service fee) of 10-15% in the final price.
This fee is intended to cover the service, so you are not expected to tip additionally unless the service has been exceptional.
If you do wish to offer a tip beyond the service charge, it’s always appreciated but not expected. Tipping in taxis or for other services like tour guides is also optional and should reflect the level of service received.
While tipping is not mandatory, small gestures of gratitude are still welcomed in Brazil.
4. China: Tipping Can Be Unwelcome
Tipping is not a customary practice in China, and in some cases, it can be seen as rude or inappropriate.
The concept of tipping is relatively new in China and is generally only expected in tourist-heavy areas, particularly where foreign tourists frequent.
In many other parts of the country, offering a tip may confuse or even offend the recipient.
Chinese service workers are paid salaries that are intended to cover their work, and they do not rely on tips to supplement their income.
However, in high-end restaurants or international hotels, a tip may be accepted if left discreetly.
Still, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid offering a tip unless it’s clearly expected in a tourist area. Most locals will appreciate your respect for the country’s cultural norms.
5. Denmark: No Tipping Required
Denmark is known for its high standard of living, strong social welfare system, and excellent service in all sectors.
Workers in the service industry, from waitstaff to hotel employees, are paid fair wages, and there is no need for customers to leave tips to supplement their income.
Tipping is neither a requirement nor a custom in Denmark, and employees do not expect tips for their services.
The Danish culture is based on egalitarianism, and everyone is paid a fair wage for their work, meaning tips are not part of the compensation package.
If you want to show appreciation for exceptional service, it’s common to simply round up the bill to the nearest whole number or leave a small amount if you feel it’s deserved. However, tipping is completely voluntary and not an obligation.
6. Belgium: A More Relaxed Approach to Gratuities
In Belgium, tipping is not a significant part of the culture, and it is rare for service workers to expect tips.
Like other European countries, Belgium operates on a system where workers in the hospitality industry are paid fair wages, and tips are seen as an optional gesture rather than an expectation.
While some upscale restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, smaller establishments typically do not expect tips.
If you receive excellent service, you are welcome to leave a tip, but it is entirely up to you. In general, it’s considered courteous to round up the bill or leave a small amount as a token of appreciation.
Belgian workers are used to receiving regular wages, so you are not obligated to leave extra money, and the absence of a tip won’t be seen as a sign of dissatisfaction.
7. Australia: Tipping is Optional
In Australia, tipping is not a cultural requirement. Australians generally feel that service workers are already adequately compensated for their work, and the expectation of tips is minimal.
While tipping is not compulsory, it is still sometimes appreciated for exceptional service, especially in higher-end restaurants or more tourist-heavy areas.
In cafes, restaurants, and pubs, tipping is not the norm, and many Australians will simply round up the bill or leave spare change.
If you receive outstanding service and feel inclined to tip, leaving around 10% is considered generous. However, in most situations, you will not be expected to leave a gratuity.
8. New Zealand: A Flexible Gratuity Culture
New Zealand, like Australia, has a relaxed approach to tipping. Gratuities are not a standard part of the culture, and service workers are paid fair wages for their labor. As a result, tipping is not expected in most situations.
However, if you feel that a waiter, bartender, or other service employee has gone above and beyond, it is perfectly acceptable to leave a small tip.
In restaurants, cafes, or bars, if the service has been exceptional, you may leave around 10% as a token of appreciation.
However, this is completely optional, and the staff will not expect it. New Zealanders prefer a more laid-back attitude toward tipping, and they do not rely on it to supplement their income.
9. Estonia: A European Approach to Tipping
Estonia is another country where tipping is not a major part of the culture. While service workers in Estonia are generally paid a decent wage, they do not rely on tips as a primary form of compensation. In restaurants, cafes, and hotels, tipping is not expected, and it is entirely optional.
However, if you choose to leave a tip for exceptional service, it will likely be appreciated but not required.
Tipping in Estonia is not a common practice, and if you do so, it is generally seen as a nice gesture rather than an obligation.
The Estonian approach to tipping aligns with much of Europe, where workers are compensated through regular wages rather than tips.
Alicia Richards