Tipping Etiquette Around the World: Your Go-To Guide
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One of the best parts of traveling is sampling the cuisine. Fresh pasta in Italy. Empanadas in Chile. Bulgogi in South Korea.
Since you’ll most likely visit several places during your study abroad experience, it’s important to educate yourself on topics outside of the classroom.
Like tip etiquette – at restaurants and beyond.
Read on to discover what you’ll want to know about gratuities for service industry workers.
What is Tipping Etiquette When Traveling Abroad?
There’s no one rule for tip etiquette in other countries.
Just like regions of the world have their own cultures, governments, and religions, they also have their own tipping structures. Some in the service industry rely on tips to make ends meet. Others consider gratuities rude, embarrassing, or disrespectful because their employer already pays them well.
That said, the best way to address tipping etiquette when traveling abroad is to research the cultural norms and expectations in the places you’ll be visiting.
Should I Tip at a Restaurant?
America Tipping Etiquette
Tipping etiquette in America is typically expected by servers. That’s because the U.S. hourly wage they receive could be as low as $2.13 an hour.
In general, a 20% tip on your bill shows your server that you believe all your needs were met during your meal. Some people will choose to tip slightly less (such as 15%) if your group didn’t receive enough attention or there were problems with the meals. And if you feel that your server went above and beyond for your table, a larger tip (like 25% or more) may be left for them.
Europe Tipping Etiquette
Tipping throughout Europe is often the exact opposite of that in the United States. Many times, you’ll find that rounding up your bill is sufficient enough.
Tipping etiquette in Italy says that gratuities are not mandatory, but a little something is appreciated. If you plan on eating at a fine-dining establishment, it may be more customary to leave a tip for superb service.
If you take a look at tipping etiquette in London, on the other hand, a gratuity is more likely to be anticipated. You’ll want to take a close look at your bill, however: Many restaurants – in London and much further beyond – may tack on a “service charge,” which is often split among service workers and replaces the need for a gratuity. Basically, there’s no need for both a service charge and a tip.
Read More: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Europe for College Students
Asia Tipping Etiquette
Throughout Asia, tipping is typically unexpected. It’s an area of the world where tips are not only unnecessary but may even be considered rude.
In regards to China, Korea, and Japan etiquette, tips are not expected. In fact, they may even be declined, as servers may think you’re being disrespectful to them! Because restaurant employees are often paid well in these countries, they could think that you’re looking down on them because they aren’t getting higher wages.
The Middle East Tipping Etiquette
The Middle East is another region that has various tipping norms depending on where you are.
In Jordan, a 15% tip is customary. Other countries’ restaurants may implement a service charge. (And in an area like Dubai, you could expect to see a service charge and need to leave a tip.)
Read More: Top 5 Places to Study Abroad in the Asia-Pacific Region
Africa Tipping Etiquette
As a whole, diners regularly tip their servers throughout Africa.
In Rabat, Morocco, for instance, a server may hope for a 10% tip. In Cape Town, South Africa, tips may start at 10%, but excellent service may be increased to 20%.
Again, check for the service charge on your bill before leaving your gratuity.
Read More: 4 Best Countries to Study Abroad in Africa
Latin America Tipping Etiquette
Throughout Latin American countries, tipping is oftentimes standard.
For example, servers in Argentina, Chile, and the Dominican Republic could anticipate tips between 10% and 15% of the bill. Mexico’s servers could see tips that are a little higher, between 10% and 20% of the bill.
But in Costa Rica, tipping may be optional because there’s often a service charge.
Read More: Study Abroad in Latin America: The Ultimate Guide
Should I Tip My Tour Guide?
Depending on the trip you’re taking, you may be spending a number of days with your tour guide. And if that’s the case, you may want to consider tipping them for all the knowledge and assistance they provided you throughout your time together.
Keeping the country’s tipping customs in mind, you could choose to tip anywhere between 5% and 20% of your trip to your guide.
Should I Tip Hotel Staff?
Before you consider if a tip should be left for the hotel staff members who’ve helped you during your stay, you’ll want to take a look at your bill. Double-check to see if there’s a service charge before setting aside a gratuity.
If there’s no service charge, hotel tipping etiquette states that you may consider leaving a small amount for housekeeping or a bellhop. But keep in mind that some countries consider a tip rude, such as in many areas of Asia.
Should I Tip My Taxi Driver?
Taxi and Uber tip etiquette varies by country.
For example, European drivers typically do not seek out tips. Sometimes passengers may round up to the next euro (or that country’s currency), but it’s considered polite, not expected.
Many other countries’ drivers aren’t working for tips. You won’t need to leave gratuities in Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea, or Singapore; South American countries such as Argentina and Chile; or in Oceania in regions like Australia or New Zealand.
However, you may find taxi and Uber tip etiquette different in other regions of the world. Tipping drivers is a little more common in the Middle East and Africa, so you’ll want to do research on the specific country you’re spending time in.
Plan Your Journey
Remember, you can rely on your peers and instructors from your study abroad country to help you make decisions about tipping etiquette and understanding service charges. Within a short amount of time, you’ll be able to navigate the system like a pro!
Now that you’re armed with tipping best practices, begin planning your epic journey abroad!