PoshReady/The Tools/Tipping by Country

Tipping by Country

Over-tip and you look unsure; under-tip and you look rude. Here's the honest baseline for where you're headed — including the places where tipping isn't a thing at all.

Tipping norms

CountryNormRestaurantTaxiGood to know

Before you land

Tipping well abroad mostly comes down to having the right small notes on you and somewhere sensible to keep them — cards don't help when the norm is cash and the amount is two euros. Beyond that, the rest of arriving well is the boring logistics: the right plug, the right bag, and knowing where to wait out a long connection.

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Tipping abroad — frequently asked

How much should I tip when travelling abroad?

It depends entirely on the country. In the US, tipping 15–20% is expected; across much of Europe a small round-up or 5–10% is plenty; and in places like Japan tipping isn’t customary at all. This guide gives the honest baseline for 27 countries.

Which countries do not expect tipping?

In several countries — Japan and South Korea among them — tipping is not part of the culture and can even cause confusion. In much of Europe, Australia and New Zealand, service is often included and tipping is modest or optional rather than expected.

Is a service charge the same as a tip?

Not always. Many countries add a service charge to the bill, in which case an additional tip is unnecessary. Check the bill first — if service is already included, an extra tip is a bonus, not an obligation.

Should I tip in cash or on the card?

Cash is the safest choice worldwide — it reaches staff directly and works even where card terminals don’t prompt for a tip. Carry small local notes for taxis, housekeeping and porters.

What happens if I don’t tip where it’s expected?

In tipping-expected countries like the US, staff often rely on tips as a core part of their income, so not tipping is considered rude. Where tipping is modest or not customary, skipping it carries no stigma.