Jonathan S. Kellman

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:

How It Works

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.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Choose the country you are visiting.
  2. Click Check to see general tipping guidance.
  3. 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.

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.

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