Global Tipping Norms Checker: What to Tip by Country

Choose a country to see general restaurant tipping guidance so you are not caught off guard while traveling.

This tool uses a general reference table of typical restaurant tipping customs by country. Actual norms can vary by city, type of establishment, and whether a service charge is already included on the bill.

Country:

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How It Works

How to Use This Tool

Choose the country you are visiting.
Click Check to see general tipping guidance.
Always check your actual bill for an already-included service charge before tipping extra.

This is general travel guidance, not a strict rule; when in doubt, a quick local search or asking your server directly is the safest bet.

Why Tipping Customs Differ

Tipping is not universal because it is tied to how service workers are paid. In the United States and Canada, restaurant staff often earn a lower base wage and rely on tips, so 15% to 20% is commonly expected at a sit-down meal. In much of Europe, wages are higher and service is often built into the price, so a small extra amount or rounding up the bill is typical. In Japan and South Korea, tipping is generally not expected, and excellent service is treated as part of the job. Because customs shift by city and type of venue, treat any country guide as a starting point rather than a rule.

How to Use the Guidance in Practice

Worked example: you are dining in France. Pick France in the tool to see the general guidance. Then look at your bill. In France and several other countries, restaurant menu prices commonly already include service, so tipping beyond the bill is optional, and leaving a few extra coins for good service is a friendly gesture. In Italy, a separate cover charge (often called coperto) may appear on the bill, which is a fixed table charge and not a tip for your server.

Read the bill first: Look for “service included,” “service charge,” or a cover charge before adding anything.
Tip in local currency: Small local coins or notes are easier for staff to use.
Cash can be better: When you add a tip on a card, it does not always reach the server, so cash is often preferred where tipping is customary.
Match the setting: A casual cafe, a bar, and a fine-dining restaurant may all have different expectations.

Beyond Restaurants

This tool covers restaurant tipping only. Customs for taxis, hotel staff, tour guides, and hair salons can differ from the dining norm in the same country. If you are unsure, ask your hotel front desk or a local, who can tell you what is usual right now.

Did You Know?

In several East Asian countries, including Japan, leaving a tip can sometimes be seen as awkward or even mildly insulting, since excellent service is considered a standard part of the experience.
Some countries build a legally mandated service charge directly into restaurant bills, making additional tipping optional rather than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tipping ever mandatory?

It varies; some countries include a service charge by law, effectively making a base “tip” mandatory, while others have no tipping culture at all.

What if my country is not listed?

General regional norms often apply; researching the specific country before you travel, or asking locally, is the best approach.

Should I tip on the total with tax or before tax?

In countries where percentage tipping is customary, people commonly tip on the pre-tax subtotal, though many simply tip on the total. Either is generally accepted, and the difference is usually small.

Are these tipping norms changing?

Yes, in some places. Tip prompts on payment screens have become more common, and expectations in some countries have shifted over time. Use this guide as a general reference and be ready to adjust to what locals do.

How can I work out a percentage tip quickly?

Use the Tip Calculator on this site. For a mental shortcut, find 10% by moving the decimal point one place to the left, then double it for 20% or halve it and add for 15%.