Tips

Tipping Culture by Country: Where You Don't Tip, Where It's Optional and Where It's Expected

Tipping by country: where there is no tipping culture, where it's optional, where a percentage is customary, and where tipping is expected.

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Coins and banknotes from several countries spread out together on a table.
Coins and banknotes from many countries · Photo: Caleidoscopic / CC BY-SA 4.0

Published

Read this first: five groups

Tipping rules change from country to country, which makes them one of the most confusing parts of trip planning. This post sorts countries into five groups: no tipping culture, optional, customary with a usual percentage, expected, and check official sources.

The values here are what this app shows for each country, and they can change. Always check official or local information again before you go.

No tipping culture

In these countries the app says there is no tipping culture. You can read this as: you don't need to plan for tips.

Tipping is optional

In these countries the app says tipping is optional. It isn't required; whether to tip is up to you.

Not required, but a customary percentage

In these countries the app says tipping is not required but customary, with a usual percentage. You don't have to pay it, but that is what people usually give.

The percentage differs by country. Some are a range, such as 5–10% in Portugal, 10–15% in Mexico and 12–18% in Canada, while Czechia is shown as up to 10%. Check the value for your destination.

Tipping is expected

In this list, the United States is the country where the app says tipping is expected. Plan for tips more than you would elsewhere.

The app doesn't give a specific percentage for the United States. Check official or local information for how much to give.

Check official sources

For these countries no official source on tipping could be confirmed, so the app asks you to check official sources for local tipping customs before you go. The value is left blank rather than guessed.

If you are heading to one of them, check the government or tourism board's official information first.

Before you go

Knowing which group your destination is in before you leave means less hesitation on the spot. If your destination has a customary percentage, note the range down.

If you'd like to tip in cash, having some small local currency ready makes it easier. Our payment guide below covers using local ATMs and choosing how to pay.

An ATM with a card slot, a screen and a keypad.
ATM · Photo: 4028mdk09 / CC BY-SA 3.0

FAQ

Do I need to tip in countries with no tipping culture?

The app lists these countries as having no tipping culture. Situations can differ, so follow local guidance if you're unsure.

If a percentage is shown, do I have to pay that much?

No. It isn't required; it's what people customarily give.

How much should I tip in the United States?

The app only says tipping is expected and gives no specific percentage. Check official or local information.

Why do some countries say "check official sources"?

Values that couldn't be confirmed by an official source were not guessed. Check the government or tourism board's official information.

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