How to tip correctly in different continents

Most Asia- Pacific countries do not expect tipping while in the US tipping is cultural.

"Every country has its own way of handling tipping, but it's a delicate issue," says Tom Marchant, co-founder of UK-based luxury travel company Black Tomato.

CNN asked etiquette experts and frequent travelers about proper tipping etiquette around the world . Here are tips for tipping by continent.

Tourists eat outdoors in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Alamy — Tourists eat outdoors in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: *Alamy*

Asia-Pacific

"In Asia, it's important to know where you're going first whether or not tipping is appropriate," CNN writes. In Japan and South Korea, visitors should "refrain from leaving change anywhere," according to etiquette expert Maryanne Parker. "Tipping is not part of their culture. It's considered rude," Parker says.

Nick Leighton, another expert, confirms this. He recently traveled to Japan and found the country to be “very consistent in its tipping culture.” However, tipping is customary in ryokan (traditional inns), where service is highly valued.

Tipping is not a long-standing culture in Thailand and is rarely practiced. However, tipping is becoming more common.

In mainland China, the bill is usually given to the diner at the beginning of the meal, just before the dishes are served, and there is no tipping culture. The same is true of Taiwan.

Tipping is not common in Australia, according to Parker. In New Zealand it is “optional”, although tipping 10% of the bill for excellent service is customary in restaurants.

“Don’t be too quick to assume that every country in the Asia-Pacific region bans tipping. India is another example. Tipping is customary here,” says Parker.

Tourists dine al fresco at a restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, looking at Wat Arun temple (lit in blue) in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: AFP — Tourists dine al fresco at a restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, looking at Wat Arun temple (lit in blue) in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: *AFP*

Europe

Tipping is not common in Spain, and is rarely practiced by locals, according to Marchand. Marchand recommends tipping 2-3 euros in low-end restaurants and bars, and 5-10% of the total bill in more upscale establishments.

John Robinson, from North Carolina, recently visited Sicily, Italy, with 11 friends. He has never seen a service charge (tip) printed on a bill at a restaurant or on a private tour. The islanders do not expect tips. "If they do, they are very grateful," Robinson said. The male tourist added that although they do not expect tips, people working in the tourism and service industry do their jobs well. "They really do a good job," Robinson said.

Frommers, a travel guide with more than 75 million travel books in print, says service charges are often added to hotel and restaurant bills in Italy. If you want to tip for a service that really pleased you, round up the bill.

In the UK, tipping is 10-15% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service, says local tour company Scottish Tours. Restaurants now typically add a 12.5% service charge, so check your bill before adding any extras. Also, people usually tip when food is served to the table. If you order takeaway or stand at the bar to get a drink, tipping is not required. Tipping your driver is not necessary but always appreciated.

In France, tipping is not mandatory, but it is "a pleasant surprise if we leave money," Parker said. Eastern European countries also do not expect this amount.

North America

"It can be a shock to visitors to the US. Tipping is a culture," Leighton said. The British newspaper Independent suggests that when visiting the US, you should tip 15% for your driver, $1 for a bag at a hotel (for the porter) or a drink at a bar, or 18% at a restaurant.

However, according to CNN , in many areas of the US, tips have reached 20% of the total bill, especially after the pandemic caused severe damage to the service industry.

The Toronto Star reports that tipping in Quebec is “higher expected” than in the rest of Canada. In Mexico, gratuities are not mandatory but “everyone expects them,” Parker says. If customers are satisfied, they can leave a tip of 15% of the bill.

In Caribbean countries, tipping is expected. "I personally think leaving a generous tip is a way to help the locals. Many islands in this region are struggling with a lot of natural disasters," Parker says.

Other places in the world

In Africa, guests can tip freely. For guided safari experiences, tips can be $20-25 a day.

When visiting Central and South America, tourists should tip in local currency. Giving foreign currency requires locals to exchange it, which is inconvenient. In Peru, Chile, and Panama, a tip of 10% of the bill is recommended.

Brett Anitra Gilbert, an associate professor at the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, DC, says tipping depends on the culture and customs of the place you visit. However, Gilbert often breaks the rules and tips locals. That makes them happy.

Leighton advises that to know exactly how much to tip and when to tip, travelers should ask locals, hotel staff or tour operators.

Writer Lisa Wyatt Roe from Texas, USA, says she often joins Facebook groups and forums in the places she visits. The question of "should I tip?" is often the most enthusiastic and accurate advice people give.

Anh Minh (According to CNN )

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