One of the many joys of travelling is eating out at a restaurant.
However, when the bill arrives and you realize you have no idea about
It’s perfectly normal to feel unsure about
The good news is that there are some countries where
Tipping Guide: Countries Where You Don’t Need To Tip A Percentage
It’s a common dilemma, even for experienced travellers. How much do you tip?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple percentage or number because
In some countries in Asia, it’s even considered rude to tip. Tipping in other countries is not expected, but a small, modest tip — some change or rounding up is a much-appreciated way to show appreciation for good service.
I’ve put together a list of countries where no one will be insulted if you don’t leave a tip because
Countries where it’s rude to tip or frowned upon
In some countries, it’s considered rude to tip because doing a good job is just part of the job while
The list of countries where it’s rude to tip is short. But in general, these countries are in Asia, where the service industry operates on the principle that customers should receive excellent service as a standard expectation, without monetary incentives.
Servers and service providers often earn fair, liveable wages, and
Japan:
Tipping in Japan is not a common practice and can even be perceived as rude, impolite, and may even be confusing.
The reason why it’s rude to tip in Japan has to do with the fact that Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on quality service and hospitality. The general ideology is that the wait staff works for the restaurant as a team. If a customer enjoys their visit, they will return to the restaurant again, refer others, and bring more business without the need for additional monetary incentives.
Exception: I have been to some restaurants in Tokyo that received a lot of tourists and understood that some foreigners tip. In these rare cases,
South Korea
Like Japan,
The belief is rooted in the principle of equality, where everyone is expected to be treated fairly and receive the same level of service without any financial incentives.
Exception: However, it’s worth noting that some upscale establishments catering to international visitors may accept tips, but even then, it is not a common practice.
China (Mainland)
Like In Japan and South Korea, China does not have a
The concept of “saving face” is deeply ingrained in Chinese society and refers to the feeling of embarrassment or loss of social status due to a perceived failure or mistake.
Exception: thanks to international trade and tourism, Macao and Hong Kong have been influenced by Western customs and practices, including
Singapore
Singapore is another country that does not have a
- Some business owners sometimes have a no-tip policy to discourage the mindset of giving better service in exchange for a tip.
- Some service workers are wary and may refuse tips if their managers have implemented a policy of not accepting tips and may refuse the tip.
If you want to leave a tip, it’s best to ask first.
Hong Kong
Before china
In Hong Kong, a 10% tip was once the norm in a restaurant. Ever since the Communist Party took control, there have been cultural and political shifts and
However, very few restaurant servers in Hong Kong will refuse a tip, especially in areas with many foreign tourists.
Tipping in Europe: Where tips are not expected (but leaving some change is appreciated)
If you’re planning to travel to Europe, you may be surprised to learn that while
And if you do choose to leave a tip, it’s crucial to understand that in European countries,
The customary practice for
Why is tipping not expected in some European countries?
You don’t have to tip in some European countries because the wait staff is generally paid a liveable wage thanks to service charges that are automatically added to the bill or built into the prices. These service charges go directly to the business owner, who uses that to pay their staff a liveable wage. Wait staff also receive benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, childcare, disability, and paid vacation from their employer or the government. This means that servers aren’t dependent on tips to make a living.
Tipping with cash is best.
Because
That’s why it’s best to carry change with you if you plan on giving tips.
By adhering to this guideline, you can ensure that your gesture of appreciation remains appropriate and respectful.
France
Tipping in France is simple. Round up or leave some change behind.
Related: A guide to tipping in France: It’s not as much as you think!
Belgium
Tipping in Belgium isn’t expected. People often round up the bill or leave some coins on the table, similar to the
Czech Republic
Tipping in the Czech Republic, like in France and Germany, is optional and appreciated, especially in restaurants. The custom is to round up.
Denmark
Tipping is not expected in Denmark since the bill usually includes service charges. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service is common.
Finland
Tipping is not rude in Finland, but it’s also not common practice. Like many
Italy
Italy’s
Exception: The waitpersons and restaurants in touristy areas of Venice, Florence and Rome have grown accustomed to foreigners leaving tips, and some expect it now.
Poland
Rounding up or leaving a small tip is much appreciated but not expected.
Spain
Tipping is considered a nice gesture in Spain, but again, it’s not obligatory. Like in France, the service charges are often included in the bill. If you receive excellent service in a restaurant, you can round up the bill or leave a small tip.
Sweden
Sweden has a strong welfare system; service industry workers typically receive fair wages. As a result, leaving a tip is not necessary to supplement their income unless you want to show your appreciation by rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount.
Tipping in Asian countries where it’s not expected
Malaysia
Most restaurants have a service charge built into the bill, which helps business owners pay at least a minimum wage so that the working staff don’t rely on tips to survive. As a result, tips are not expected. That said, if you’re feeling generous and received great service, a small tip will be a nice gesture to show appreciation.
Philippines
Most locals do not tip in restaurants; if they do, it’s some loose change. Some establishments have a strict “No
Taiwan
Taiwan is another Asian country where
Thailand
Tipping in Thailand is not customary, especially in small and local establishments. In Thai culture, service is provided with a smile, and people don’t expect extra monetary incentives for their work. However, in tourist-heavy areas, such as Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, where there’s more Western influence, leaving a small tip is becoming more common, but it’s still not expected.
Vietnam
In Vietnam,
While you’re not expected to tip in France, it isn’t considered rude either. If you want to show appreciation for exceptional service, rounding up the bill or leaving some small change is a gesture of appreciation.
Tipping in other countries
Tipping in these other countries is also not expected or required, but small tips are appreciated. Similar to Europe, the tip should be modest and proportional to the service you received— a 20% tip would be considered excessive.
Australia:
Tipping customs in Australia can vary by region but are generally not expected. It’s not uncommon to round up to the nearest 5 or 10 Australian dollars if you want to show your gratitude for exceptional service.
Iceland
Tipping in Iceland is not a common practice. Icelanders receive fair wages, and service charges are often included in bills. While
Brazil
In Brazil,
New Zealand
In New Zealand,
Do your research about tipping in other countries.
Not knowing the appropriate
To navigate these situations, it’s important to do some country-specific research on
Each type of service may have its own set of expectations when it comes to
When
- restaurants
- hotel staff
- taxi’s
- tour guides
- Spa and resort staff
- Hotel cleaning crew
- Bellhops
- hairdressers and barbers
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