To tip or not to tip?
It may sound funny, yet, it is much more serious than we believe. At the restaurant, in the taxi, at the hotel, or on tour with the guide, when it comes to tipping, every country has its own customs. Being ignorant of these customs will not cause a diplomatic incident, but it can create a sense of discomfort and misunderstanding. Any faux pas could seem amusing or not, depending on how you perceive it and whether the professionals you are dealing with risk feeling offended. At worst, you might be considered an ignorant tourist who doesn't understand anything, but since you're new to the country, it's obvious that you don't have a clear grasp of cultural differences. Which countries have a tipping culture? Where is tipping (little coins or bank notes for more generous souls) very important? On the other hand, in which countries is tipping seen as an insult?
Countries where it's best to avoid tipping
In Iceland, Japan and China, it's a big no. None of these countries has a tipping culture. It's deemed that the staff is already paid to do their job. At best, you'll be seen as insulting. At worst, you'll be seen as both insulting and ignorant. In both cases, you'll be misunderstood, and your tip will be refused. It's said that in Japan, staff members are even taught during their training to refuse tips from holidaymakers who are unfamiliar with local customs. However, things are slightly different in China, thanks to, or because of (depending on the point of view) tourists. A tip is more likely to be accepted in tourist places, luxury hotels and other chic establishments.
Countries where tipping is rare
In these countries, tipping is simply rare. In Croatia, Denmark, Finland and Norway, residents aren't used to giving tips. As tipping isn't part of these countries' customs, staff members might be confused at your token of gratitude. Notwithstanding, in Croatia, you can always leave some extra money if you're very satisfied with the service. In Finland, tipping is sometimes done in luxury hotels and restaurants. In Norway, the tip is included in the bill. But feel free to leave a little something extra if the service was truly exceptional.
Countries where tipping is optional
In the countries listed below, tipping depends on how you feel about the service provided.
Europe
In the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Sweden, no one will be offended if you don't leave any tips. It might even already be included in your bill, as it is in Dutch hotels and Swedish restaurants. But if you really enjoyed the service, feel free to give an extra 10%. It's optional, but it always makes the staff happy. What about France? You might have heard many contradictions about this country. Some say tipping is the norm, but that's not true. In fact, this tradition is slowly fading away. Most French people believe that staff members already receive a full salary (even if it isn't always commensurate with their work). In reality, tipping is always appreciated.
Asia
In Laos, Indonesia, Burma, Malaysia and Singapore, tipping isn't part of the social norms. Still, a little favor will be appreciated. In Burma, for example, avoid giving money. Consider a small gift instead. In Malaysia, on the other hand, money is preferred. In Indonesia, the tip is often included in the bill. However, when it comes to hotel porters, some extra money is recommended. In Thailand, in principle, there's no tipping culture. But things are evolving with the presence of foreigners. On tourist spots, you may need to give a tip.
Other countries
In Algeria, tipping is up to you. But a little extra cash is always appreciated. In Australia, the tip is included in the bill (10% in taxes). But if you really feel thankful for the service, feel free to add some extra money. As in Australia, Brazilian establishments include the tip in the bill itself as additional taxes. But, if you're not satisfied with the service, you can refuse to pay these taxes.
Countries where tipping is recommended
This list is longer than the previous one, so come prepared.
Europe
In Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Slovakia and Turkey, a tip will be more than welcome. In Turkey, for example, the tip is not included in the bill, but it is advised that you round up the figure. On a geographical note, Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is hence part of Europe, so the culture will be quite similar too. In Greece, too, it's customary to round up the bill (to the next euro, of course). While tips are included in Bulgarian, Spanish and Belgian bills, a little extra is always appreciated. What you need to know is how exactly to give it. In Germany, don't just leave the money on the table. Indicate the amount of your tip when you pay. This will determine your level of generosity. In Hungary and the Czech Republic, too, it's all about your generosity. In these countries, tipping is strongly recommended.
Asia
In Dubai, Israel, Palestine, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Nepal and Vietnam, tipping is recommended, especially in touristic areas. Cambodia, for example, don't traditionally have a tipping culture, but things are changing with tourism. In Sri Lanka, tourism employees sometimes even expect a tip. In Dubai, Palestine and Israel, the tip might be included in the bill. But a small token of appreciation for the good service will always be welcomed.
Africa
Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius, Madagascar, Tunisia and Morocco are countries where tipping etiquette is part of the tourism industry. Tipping is recommended in restaurants, bars, hotels, for security services, hotel porters, tour guides, etc. The tip can already be included in the bill, as is the case in Mauritius. But you can always leave an additional 5-10% as a token of your satisfaction. In Tanzania, you need to tip the Maasai to take photos with them. After all, they're acting as models for your digital photo albums and Instagram accounts. In Egypt, tipping is strongly recommended. Be prepared to tip 10% to taxi drivers, hotel porters, luggage handlers and other tourism employees.
South America
In Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela, too, tipping is recommended. It's even strongly recommended in Chile and Cuba (10% of the bill). Although it's sometimes included in the bill in Chile, don't ignore it. In Cuba, it's best to leave a little more, as people won't hesitate to point it out. Expect to pay an additional 10% of the bill, even when the service fee is included. In Peru, for example, tipping is voluntary but recommended if you enjoyed the service.
Countries where tipping is compulsory
“Compulsory.” It's a big word. No one will throw you in jail if you don't give a tip in the countries mentioned below. But as foreign as tipping is to Japanese culture, it is integral to the culture in England, Scotland, Austra, Romania, Canada, the United States and Mexico, sometimes for purely economic reasons. In England, Romania, Mexico and the United States, waiters are poorly paid. For them, the tip is a crucial supplement to their wages. In England, the tip should be 10-15% of the bill, as in Romania. In Mexico, the tip is 10-20% of the bill. But if the tip has already been included in the bill, there is no need to give any extra money, even if it will always be welcome. In the United States, you should plan to tip 15-20% of the bill (this percentage varies slightly depending on the type of establishment). This norm has become ingrained in the local culture for a long time now. So you should go with the flow. You can even pay your tip by credit card.
In all of these countries, tipping is a de facto obligation. It's a custom that everyone adheres to. In Austria, as in Germany, you need to indicate the tip amount before paying it. In Scotland, tipping is a custom in restaurants but not in pubs. In Canada, plan to tip 10-15% unless it's already included in the bill.
Where does the tipping culture come from?
No one really knows, but the rumor is that it started in 18th century England. To serve guests who were in a hurry, a restaurant owner had provided a jar “to insure promptness” (hence the acronym “tip”). Those in a hurry put coins into the jar in order to be served first. This is how tipping culture was born. The custom has traveled to other countries and time periods, for better or worse. Even if we often think of it as a small gesture of thanks, the tip is sometimes an integral part of an employee's wages. In the 1960s, the American Congress had the strange idea of creating a law that allowed companies to pay some of their employees below the minimum wage. The rest of their wage would be covered by the tip. This explains the current situation of many American workers, who are forced to contend with very low salaries, which are supplemented by tips. This should make it easier to understand how important this little extra money you leave with your bill is.
You are now well prepared to know whether to give tips or not in your expat country and how much to give.
