Finance
Tipping guide by country: how much to leave at restaurants around the world
In the United States a 20% tip is close to obligatory; in Japan leaving money on the table can cause genuine confusion. Most of the world sits somewhere between, and the fastest way to over- or under-pay is to apply your home habit abroad. The table below summarises typical restaurant norms; the sections after it cover the situations that trip travellers up.
Restaurant tipping norms by country
These are typical ranges for sit-down restaurants in cities. Rural areas, high-end venues, and tourist districts differ, and norms shift over time.
| Country | Typical tip | Notes | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 18–20% (15% minimum) | Expected; servers rely on tips | Bars: 1–2 per drink |
| Canada | 15–20% | Expected | Similar to US |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% | Often added as a service charge — check the bill | Not expected in pubs |
| Ireland | 10–15% | Appreciated | Check for service charge |
| France | Round up or 5–10% | Service compris (15%) is already in the price | Small coins are fine |
| Germany / Austria | 5–10% | Tell the server the total you want to pay | Round up for small bills |
| Italy / Spain | 0–10% | Not expected; coperto/service may be charged | Round up for good service |
| Nordics | 0–10% | Not expected; wages are high | Round up |
| Japan | None | Not customary; can cause confusion | Never leave coins on the table |
| South Korea / China | None | Not customary | Some hotels add a service charge |
| Australia / New Zealand | 0–10% | Not expected; 10% for exceptional service | Round up |
| UAE | 10–15% | Often a service charge is included | Tip in cash if possible |
| India / Pakistan | 5–10% | Appreciated at sit-down restaurants | Check for a service charge |
| Mexico | 10–15% | Expected at restaurants | Tip in local currency |
| Brazil | 10% | Usually added as 'serviço' | Extra not expected |
| Egypt / Turkey | 10–15% | Expected (baksheesh / bahşiş) | Small cash tips for services |
The service-charge trap
In the UK, much of Europe, the Gulf, and Brazil, a service charge of 10–15% is often added to the bill automatically. Tipping on top of that is double-paying unless the service was exceptional. Read the bill: look for “service”, “servizio”, “serviço”, “service compris” or a percentage line above the total. In the UK it is legal to ask for a discretionary service charge to be removed.
Tip on the pre-tax amount, and in local currency
Etiquette guides generally suggest tipping on the subtotal before sales tax, though many people tip on the total for simplicity. Cash tips reach staff most reliably in countries where card tips are pooled or taxed differently. Foreign coins are effectively worthless to the recipient — tip in local currency.
Splitting the bill
For an even split: total × (1 + tip%) ÷ people. A 4,000 bill with 15% tip among four people is 4,600 ÷ 4 = 1,150 each. For uneven orders, agree the tip percentage first, then have each person add that percentage to their own items — arguing over 15% vs 18% costs more goodwill than the difference is worth. CalculatorCamp’s tip calculator does the arithmetic in any currency.
Mental maths at the table
- 10%: move the decimal point one place left (4,000 → 400).
- 20%: double the 10% figure (800).
- 15%: the 10% figure plus half of it (400 + 200 = 600).
- 18%: the 20% figure minus a tenth of it (800 − 80 = 720).
- Per person: divide the tip-inclusive total by the headcount, then round up to a friendly number so nobody is hunting for coins.
Delivery, takeaway and bad service
Food delivery in the US typically attracts 10–15% or a minimum of a few dollars, more in bad weather; in Europe and Asia a small round-up is generous. Counter service and takeaway do not carry a tipping expectation anywhere, whatever the card terminal suggests. If service was genuinely poor, reducing the tip is acceptable in tipping cultures — but say why to a manager; silently leaving nothing usually punishes the wrong person, since tips are often pooled.
Beyond restaurants
- Taxis: US 10–15%; UK/Europe round up; Japan none; ride-hailing apps have in-app tipping.
- Hotels: US housekeeping 2–5 per night, bellhop 1–2 per bag; Europe 1–2 per bag; Japan none.
- Bars: US 1–2 per drink or 15–20% on a tab; UK and Europe not expected.
- Tour guides: 10–20% of the tour price in the US; 5–10 per person per day in Europe.
Sources
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