Article Highlights

  • Countries That Expect Tipping: Mexico, Canada, the UK, France, and Australia are among those where tipping is customary, usually around 15-20%.
  • Countries Where Tipping Is Uncommon: Sweden, Norway, Iceland, South Korea, and Finland have tipping customs that generally do not require gratuities.
  • Unique Tipping Norms: Countries like Japan and China may not expect tipping, as excellent service is standard.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of and adhering to local tipping practices can enhance your travel experience and foster respect with local service personnel.
  • Tipping Alternatives: In cultures where tipping is not expected, find alternative ways to express gratitude, such as a kind word or a smile.

 

Tipping can be a perplexing social custom for travelers, especially in a world where norms vary significantly from one country to another. For Americans, accustomed to tipping generously in restaurants and service industries, understanding the nuances of tipping in other countries is essential for showing appreciation without offending local customs.

According to a Global Rescue survey, even the most well-traveled individuals make mistakes when tipping. Survey respondents admitted that tipping inappropriately was a top 10 mistake they have made while traveling internationally.

 

Tip Practices in Popular Destinations

Tipping practices in the top 20 international countries visited by Americans expose key differences among destinations. For example, tipping in Japan is considered rude. In Denmark, there’s no need to tip at restaurants. Yet, in the U.S. a 20% gratuity is expected. It’s no wonder 35% of survey respondents are worried about tipping appropriately while traveling.

In Mexico and Canada, tipping practices closely mirror the U.S., where 15-20% is considered standard for good service. Conversely, in South Korea tipping may be viewed as unnecessary or even rude, like in Japan.

  • United Kingdom: In the UK, tipping is less obligatory. A service charge may be included in your bill, but if not, 10-15% is appreciated in restaurants. Pubs usually don’t expect tips, and rounding up the bill is sufficient.
  • France: While a service charge is included in the bill, it is customary to leave small change or round up to the nearest euro. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service.
  • Australia: Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas. A tip of around 10% is appreciated for exceptional service.

Countries with Unique Tipping Customs

While many countries share similar tipping norms as in North America, other destinations have unique customs that travelers know to help navigate social situations smoothly.

  • China: Tipping is not a traditional practice in China, and while it is becoming more accepted in tourist areas, it is still not expected. In some cases, it may even be refused.
  • Sweden: Tipping is not obligatory in Sweden. Most bills include a service charge, and rounding up the bill is sufficient. If the service is exceptional, a small tip is appreciated.
  • Norway: Similar to Sweden, tipping in Norway is uncommon, as service charges are included in bills. Rounding up or leaving a small amount for excellent service is acceptable.
  • Iceland: In Iceland, tipping is not a common practice. The service charge is included in the bill, and rounding up for exceptional service is appreciated but not necessary.

 

Countries Where a Tip Is Not Expected

In some countries, like Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway and Iceland, tipping is not customary or outright discouraged. Being aware of these places will help travelers avoid awkward situations and ensure that your expressions of gratitude are received positively.

  • Finland: In Finland, tipping is not common. Service charges are included, and rounding up is sufficient for good service.
  • Denmark: In Denmark, tipping is not required, as the service is included in the bill. Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected.
  • Singapore: Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore, as service charges are included in bills. However, leaving small change for exceptional service is appreciated.
  • United Arab Emirates: While tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas, it is not obligatory. A nominal amount or rounding up the bill is often sufficient.

 

Tip With Foreign Currency?

Using foreign currency to tip can elicit varying responses depending on the country, the local customs, and even the specific service provider.

  • Tourist Areas: In popular tourist destinations, service workers may be more accustomed to receiving tips in foreign currency, particularly U.S. dollars or euros. They may even prefer it, as these currencies can be easily exchanged or used in international transactions.
  • Off the Beaten Path: In less touristy areas, local service providers may prefer tips in the local currency. While they might accept foreign currency, they may not have an easy way to exchange it, or they could incur a loss when converting it into their local currency.
  • Currency Exchange Rates: Service workers might value foreign currency based on the current exchange rate. If the foreign currency is worth significantly more than the local currency, they might appreciate receiving it. However, if the exchange rate is unfavorable, the tip might not be perceived as generous.

When possible, tip in the local currency to align with local customs and make it easier for the recipient. If you tip in foreign currency, the service provider may struggle to give you change if they don’t have access to a currency exchange service. This could lead to awkward situations.

 

Tips for Tipping

Understanding and respecting the local tipping customs is crucial for fostering positive interactions with service workers during travels. Tipping can be a sensitive subject, and what may be considered generous in one culture could be seen as presumptuous in another.

Before traveling to a new destination, research its tipping customs to ensure you’re well-prepared. Online resources, travel guides, and forums can provide valuable insights into what is appropriate in various locales. Travelers can also observe local practices by watching how locals handle tipping. If you see that they are not leaving gratuities, it’s likely that tipping is not expected.

When traveling to countries with different currencies, be mindful of how much you’re tipping. A generous tip in one currency might not translate to the same amount in another.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

As a Global Rescue member, we want you to contact us whether it’s a major emergency or something minor – even for things like local customs, running out of a prescription or losing your passport. You’re one call away from help from travel advice experts who will keep you safe and prepared.

You can access Global Rescue services directly from your smartphone using the My Global Rescue Mobile App. Browse destination reports and alerts, activate emergency assistance, schedule real-time virtual health visits and keep track of the people you care about with GPS tracking and messaging. Download the My Global Rescue App for Apple devices here and Android devices here.