Tipping guide by country
A quick reference for restaurant tipping in 30 popular destinations. Use it to set the right percentage in the tip calculator before you pay.
The ranges below describe common practice at sit-down restaurants. Customs change between cities and between casual and upscale places, so always look for a service charge on the bill first and follow local cues. For context and etiquette tips, read tipping around the world.
| Country | Region | Restaurant tip | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Americas | 18% – 20% | Expected for table service; also bars, taxis, salons and delivery. |
| Canada | Americas | 15% – 20% | Customs close to the US; card machines prompt for a tip. |
| Mexico | Americas | 10% – 15% | Tip in pesos where possible; small tips for baggers and attendants. |
| Brazil | Americas | 10% usually on the bill | Service charge normally included; rounding up is a kind extra. |
| Argentina | Americas | About 10% | Not required but polite; cash is preferred. |
| Chile | Americas | About 10% | Often suggested on the bill; you can decline or adjust. |
| Colombia | Americas | About 10% | Waiters usually ask whether to include the suggested service. |
| United Kingdom | Europe | 10% – 12.5% | Check for an optional service charge; no tip needed at the pub bar. |
| Ireland | Europe | 10% – 15% | Common for table service; not expected for drinks at the bar. |
| France | Europe | Round up to 5% – 10% | Service is included by law; extra is a thank-you, not an obligation. |
| Germany | Europe | 5% – 10% | Tell the server the total you want to pay instead of leaving cash on the table. |
| Italy | Europe | Round up, optional | The ‘coperto’ cover charge is not a tip. |
| Spain | Europe | Small change to 10% | Modest tipping; leave coins at cafés and bars. |
| Portugal | Europe | 5% – 10% | Appreciated for good service, not demanded. |
| Netherlands | Europe | Round up to 5% – 10% | Service included in prices; tipping is a small gesture. |
| Greece | Europe | 5% – 10% | Leave cash on the table so it reaches the server. |
| Switzerland | Europe | Round up | Service included; up to 10% at nicer restaurants. |
| Turkey | Europe / Asia | 5% – 10% | Cash is best; check for a service charge first. |
| Japan | Asia | No tip | Tipping is not customary and may cause confusion. |
| South Korea | Asia | No tip | Not expected; upscale hotels may add a service charge. |
| China | Asia | Usually none | Uncommon, except for tour guides and some international hotels. |
| Thailand | Asia | Small change to 10% | Not required at casual places; appreciated at nicer restaurants. |
| Vietnam | Asia | 5% – 10% | Increasingly common in tourist areas; cash preferred. |
| India | Asia | About 10% | Only if no service charge has already been added. |
| Australia | Oceania | Optional, up to 10% | Staff earn a full wage; tip for great service. |
| New Zealand | Oceania | Optional, up to 10% | Not expected; rounding up is a friendly gesture. |
| Morocco | Africa | About 10% | Round up in cafés; small tips in dirhams for guides and porters. |
| Egypt | Africa | 10% – 15% | Small tips are part of daily life, even when service is included. |
| South Africa | Africa | 10% – 15% | Standard for table service; petrol attendants are tipped too. |
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East | About 10% extra | Service charge often added but may not reach staff; cash tips help. |
Three rules that work almost everywhere
- Read the bill. Words like service, servicio, service compris or gratuity mean a tip may already be included.
- Tip in local currency. Foreign coins are hard for staff to exchange.
- Cash reaches the server more reliably than a tip added to a card in many countries.
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