Tipping, how much do you tip worldwide

In the Netherlands, do you have that ten-percent tip in the back of your mind, only to go on holiday and find that the tipping rules are completely different again? In some countries, giving a tip is an insult; in others, you’ll practically have the flower arrangement thrown at your head if you pay exactly the amount on your bill. What should you do, and above all: how much? We’re putting an end to the uncertainty.

Tipping on holiday: this is what’s expected of you

No tip

In Japan, it is not customary to tip, not even when the service is fantastic (because it almost always is) and the food was brilliant (same thing). People even see it as an insult! Simply pay what it says on your bill, give a polite bow and you can leave. You don’t have to tip in Hong Kong either, except the taxi driver who picks you up at the hotel and takes you to the station—especially if he tries to lift your extremely heavy backpack out of the trunk. In Singapore and Vietnam, you’re also better off keeping your money in your own pocket if you don’t want to insult the hospitality staff.

Not required, but welcome

It’s not unusual to tip, but you don’t have to. For example, in Thailand, where nobody expects a tip, but it is appreciated if you leave something behind. It works the same way in Turkey: leaving a little change on your saucer is polite, but never mandatory. In Australia, tipping is not customary, but a small tip is usually well received. This does not apply to upscale restaurants, though: there you should add 5 to 10 percent to your bill as a tip.

The tip is already on your bill

In Switzerland, Italy and often Croatia and Ireland as well, the tip is simply included on the bill, so check before you’re feeling generous. French bills also already include a tip, but you may give a little extra. In Paris, the waiter usually won’t come back with your change unless you explicitly ask for it—charming, right? And does your bill in Italy include an amount for ‘coperto’? This is a separate charge for the bread served in advance, table linen and cutlery. In principle, a tip is then not necessary, but it is still appreciated.

In Norway, Sweden and Denmark, tipping is less established. The service and hospitality are automatically included in the price. It is customary, however, to round up the amount. Still want to give something extra? Then 5 to 10 percent is fine. The same applies to South America; prices in restaurants here usually include a tip. Even so, an additional tip is often expected. In Chile, this is 15 percent, while in Argentina and Brazil, around 10 percent is a perfectly good percentage.

Tipping is not necessary in China either, and because you come from the West, you’ll probably already receive a higher bill than the locals.

5 to 10 percent

Just as in the Netherlands, when you’re on holiday in Great Britain you should tip 10 to 15 percent. Also remember to tip the taxi driver, otherwise you’ll learn a few new British swear words very quickly. In Spain, Belgium, Greece and Germany, you should also tip at least 10 percent if you’re happy with the food and service. In Portugal, the tip depends on the restaurant’s price level: in cheaper restaurants, around 10 percent is expected, while in more expensive restaurants it can rise to 15 percent.

Definitely 20 percent

In America, hospitality workers’ salaries are shamefully low, and tips make them a little more acceptable. So you are more or less obliged to tip—certainly 15 to 20 percent. Some restaurants in America already add a 15-percent tip to the bill, so check before you end up tipping twice.

Also read:

• 6 tips for the most delicious Apérol Spritz
• Don’t freeze this
• Barista gets a €90,000 tip after refusing to help a customer without a face mask

Source: HLN.be, Radar