Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the growing expectation to tip in the US, perhaps even for quick fast-food takeout? This feeling, often called tip fatigue, is common among many Americans today.
If you find yourself weary of the standard American tipping practices, exploring countries where tipping isn’t customary might offer a refreshing change. In some places, offering a tip can even be considered impolite or rude.
In the United States, it’s customary to tip servers between 15 to 20% of the total bill amount. While higher percentages are typically reserved for exceptional service, tipping 20% or more has increasingly become the norm.
However, this expectation isn’t universal. Let’s explore some countries where the tipping culture is vastly different.
Here are 9 countries where tipping is often frowned upon or simply not expected:
1. Japan
When traveling in Japan, there is generally no need to worry about leaving a tip. The Japanese people often perceive tipping as unnecessary, and service workers like waiters and waitresses are likely to decline any extra money offered.
For them, receiving the total payment for the meal or service at the end is sufficient and confirms that the service provided was satisfactory. Therefore, you can confidently keep your tipping money put away when visiting Japan.
2. South Korea
Similar to its neighbor, South Korea does not have a customary practice of tipping. Many service employees in South Korea might actually view the act of attempting to give a tip as disrespectful or impolite.
To avoid any potential awkwardness or misunderstanding, it is best to refrain from tipping and keep your change in your wallet. The provided price is considered full compensation for the service rendered.
3. Brazil
Tipping is not compulsory in Brazil. However, you might sometimes see a line item on your receipt labeled “servicio” which indicates a service charge, typically around 10-15%, that has already been added.
This service fee is usually optional, and you are not strictly required to pay it. If you received exceptional service and no such fee was included on your bill, offering a small tip to show your appreciation is considered perfectly acceptable.
Note that Brazil is also a country where a “sit-down fee” might be customary when dining in a restaurant.
4. China
While leaving a tip can sometimes be acceptable in China, it is rarely an expected or required practice. Similar to the US, offering a tip can serve as a way for a customer to express satisfaction with the service they received.
However, it is very important to be aware that in China, tipping can be considered disrespectful.
Therefore, the general advice is often to err on the side of caution and avoid tipping, unless you are specifically in an area that caters heavily to tourists, where customs might differ.
5. Denmark
In Denmark, the decision to leave a tip is entirely up to the customer. This is largely due to the fact that employees within the service industry receive full compensation through their wages and do not depend on tips to supplement potentially low earnings.
Compensation for workers in Denmark is determined through negotiations involving employee unions and associations.
The sources mention that the average minimum wage in Denmark is around $18 per hour. Consequently, leaving a tip is completely optional.
6. Belgium
It is uncommon for service workers in Belgium to anticipate receiving a tip. While it’s not a widespread practice, some larger or more upscale restaurants might choose to include a service fee as part of the total bill amount.
Despite this possibility in certain establishments, travelers visiting Belgium should not feel any obligation whatsoever to leave an additional tip beyond the listed cost or any included service charge. Tipping is generally not an expected part of the culture.
7. Australia
The subject of tipping in Australia can sometimes lead to differing opinions depending on who you speak with.
As a general guideline, the sources suggest that most services across Australia do not require a tip.
However, if you were particularly pleased with the quality of the service you received, leaving a tip of around 10% is generally appreciated by most service employees. So, while not mandatory, it is accepted and appreciated for good service.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand’s approach to tipping is one that involves the customer using their own discretion. Visitors can decide whether or not they wish to leave additional money based purely on their personal preference and satisfaction level.
If you genuinely feel that you received truly exemplary service during your visit, you are welcome to leave whatever percentage you feel is appropriate as a tip. However, it is crucial to understand that leaving a gratuity is not required.
9. Estonia
Estonia, known for its history and architecture, follows the trend of many other European countries in that it does not have a significant tipping culture. Tipping is not a common practice among locals.
While it’s not customary, if you do choose to leave a tip, perhaps because you are used to tipping or felt the service was exceptional, it is unlikely that the local people will perceive this as rude. This contrasts with some parts of Asia where tipping might be viewed negatively.
Alicia Richards