How to Tip by Continent

Tipping is a sign of gratitude for a good service or a job well done. Tips and their amount are a matter of social custom and etiquette which varies in between countries. While tipping is customary to most countries, there are still some places in the world where it’s not allowed and they consider tipping rude or offensive.

The next time you travel to another continent, make sure to take note of correct tipping etiquette.

Africa

Tip restaurants from 5% – 10% when no service charge has been added to your bill. When in hotels, $1 is the minimum tip for porters. You may also tip the concierge in advance for additional services like helping you to get tickets to special events or attractions. Taxi drivers are tipped about 10% of the total bill. Not all countries in Africa will accept American Dollars, prepare local currency.

Asia

 In Japan, China, South Korea and in Singapore, tipping is not part of the culture and is considered insulting.

In Hong Kong, tipping is not expected at hotels and restaurants establishments. A 10% charge is added to the bill instead.

In Macau, which is previously a colony of Portugal, tipping is widely accepted.

In most Southeast Asian countries, restaurant tipping isn’t a requirement but it is recommended to leave 5% – 10% tip as long as no service fees have already been added. For taxis, just round up the fare and leave the change.

In Indonesia, tipping is common especially in large tourist areas such as Bali and Lombok – 10% – 15% tip at restaurants, 10% – 20% at massage parlors, 5% on taxis and around $1 per bag for bellboys at high end hotels.

Australia

Tipping in Australia is not required or expected. The federal government of Australia protects the rights

of workers by providing them with a minimum wage. In New Zealand, tipping is not a traditional practice, but is accepted as a gesture of kindness.

Europe

When dining out in Europe, tips should always be in cash and not of credit cards.

When there are no service charges already added then it’s ideal to leave a 5% to 10% tip at restaurants.

For Hotels, porters are tipped €1 – €2 per bag and housekeeping staff around €1- €2 per day. However, in Italy, Finland and Iceland, tipping is not customary.

North America

Tipping is a social custom in both Canada and the United States. In restaurants, tips range from 15% to 20% as long as there are no service charges already added. Hotel porters are tipped $1 – $2 per bag and housekeepers about $2 – $5 per day depending on the rating of the hotel. Taxi drivers expect tips of about 10% – 15% of the total bill. In fact, there were laws created to make sure that the pooled gratuities are redistributed among all employees of the establishments.

South America

Tipping is uncommon in Paraguay since service charges are included in the bill. Restaurants in most parts of the continent expect a 10% tip when there are no service charges already added; about $1 per bag for hotel porters and around $2 per day for housekeeping staff. Exceptions apply when staying at luxury hotels. Taxis do not require tips though you could always round up the bill.