Tips For Tipping

How to Tip in North America

The culture of tipping in America is probably the most different to what we’re used to in the UK. Servers in the US are often poorly paid so they make most of their money from tips.

Eating out

Any meal or experience where there’s table service, you should tip at least 15-20% of the total bill. If you’re particularly impressed, you can go up to 25%. Servers in buffet restaurants who clear your plates and bring drinks are expected to get around one dollar per diner.

Tipping isn’t necessary or expected if there’s no table service. You can pop a few coins in a tip jar in line at Starbucks, but don’t feel obliged.

Drinks

There’s a different culture when you’re at a bar in the States. You’re expected to tip for every drink you order. A dollar per drink if you’re paying for each upfront, or 15-20% of the total tab is enough for a good tip.

Taxis

Some people tip around 10-15% of the total fare, but most cab drivers would be fine with a dollar or two.

Hotels and Accommodation

Keep dollar bills handy to tip any bellboys – a dollar per bag is enough – and leave some out for housekeeping at the end of your stay – many hotels in the States leave envelopes out for you to tip the cleaning staff. If you use a car valet service, a tip of a few dollars is customary.

How to Tip in Central America

The LAC region (Latin America and the Caribbean) is a hugely popular destination for holidaymakers, even if not for business travel, and luckily tipping culture isn’t too difficult to get right.

Tipping in Central America

Central American destinations like Costa Rica and Ecuador follow a similar attitude to places in South America when it comes to tipping. Often restaurants around Central America will include a 10% charge labelled as “propina” or “servicio” – especially if it’s a more tourist-heavy area.

Tipping in the Caribbean

Tipping is standard throughout the Caribbean. If your hotel doesn’t automatically add service charges to the bill, tipping is welcome for employees such as bellhops and maids.

Generally, Caribbean bellhops receive 1-2 dollars per bag, but this amount goes up as the class of the hotel does. Restaurants will most likely add a 10% service charge. Additional tipping is up to you, but isn’t expected.

Tipping in Mexico

There’s no ‘one tip fits all’ rule for tipping in Mexico but rounding up bills by 10-15% is considered a nice gesture for good service. What you should remember is to tip in pesos where possible. You can tip in US dollars if you have them, but Mexican locals can’t exchange or use US coins, just notes.

How to Tip around Asia

Tipping in Singapore

In Singapore, most restaurants will add a 10% tip to your bill so a tip isn’t necessary. You’ll also find that many taxi drivers and other service workers will try to return any tip you try to leave them. It’ll be appreciated if you give a few Singapore dollars to workers in your hotel, though.

Tipping in Thailand

It’s common to tip at least 10% of the bill for a sit down meal. Tipping street vendors isn’t expected, and tipping at a bar is really up to you. If you give a tip for your first drink at a bar with table service, you might find that the waiter comes around to check on you a bit more frequently.

In your hotel you might find a tipping envelope left for housekeepers. It’s polite to leave something in there at the end of your stay, but it doesn’t have to be too much.

Before entering a taxi or a tuk-tuk in Thailand make sure to agree on a price in advance or make sure there’s a visible fare running so you can keep an eye on the price. It’s common to round up to the nearest bill and leave the change as a tip.

Part of the Thailand experience is enjoying an authentic Thai massage. If you have one, you should tip around 10-15% and hand it to the masseuse directly.

Tipping in China

Tipping isn’t a common practice throughout China, though if you take a tour, it’s customary to thank your guide with a small tip.

Tipping in Japan

It’s all made simple if you’re holidaying in Japan: don’t tip. It’s considered rude to give money to a server, and many will try to return your money.

Tipping in India

In India, tipping isn’t necessary but will be appreciated. a 10% tip on a restaurant bill is considered generous, and tipping hotel workers will also be considered a nice gesture.

If you visit temples, you’ll likely be asked to give small amounts of money. If you are ‘blessed’ by someone, you should tip as this is considered a kind act. However, be careful of people who might be waiting around tourist areas who’ll give you information and then demand a tip.

Use your judgement; be safe and sensible, but don’t feel like you must tip everyone who’s asking for one.

How to Tip in Africa

Tipping is expected throughout most of Africa, especially in popular destinations like Egypt and Marrakesh.

If you have a bit of leisure time after your business trip, you may have the opportunity of going on safaris or wildlife expeditions in lots of countries, like Kenya and South Africa, you’ll likely have questions about tipping the tour guides. A good rule to follow is:

• Add 10% tip to the overall cost if it’s a shorter tour.
• Give 20-35 Egyptian pounds for a tour lasting a few hours/half-a-day.
• Give generously if it’s a private tour or a longer tour.

How to Tip in the UK

The UK is fortunate enough to have a minimum wage in place for all service workers, so not leaving a tip isn’t quite the faux pas it is in the States. But it’s customary to leave 10-15% of the total bill when dining out, or more if you had particularly good service.

However, some restaurants might automatically add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you’re eating out as a large group, so check your bill to avoid tipping twice. Under the Consumer Rights Act, you won’t have to pay the service charge if you feel you received poor service.

Related Articles