How Much to Tip: A Complete Guide by Country

Tipping etiquette varies enormously around the world. What is considered polite in one country is confusing in another, and downright rude in a third. This guide covers what to tip, where, and how to split the bill when you are with a group.

Use our Tip Calculator to work out the exact amount for any bill, tip percentage, and group size.

United States

The US has the most established tipping culture in the world. Tips are a core part of service workers' income because minimum wages for tipped employees are often very low.

Restaurants: 15-20% is standard. 25% or more for exceptional service. For counter service or fast food, tipping is optional but the prompt on card machines is ubiquitous.

Bars: 1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab.

Food delivery: 15-20% or a flat minimum of 3-5 dollars, especially for small orders.

Taxis and rideshares: 15-20%. Uber and Lyft prompt you in-app.

Hotels: 2-5 dollars per night for housekeeping (left daily, not at checkout). 1-2 dollars per bag for the porter.

Salons and spas: 15-20%.

A note on tax: technically the tip should be calculated on the pre-tax subtotal, though in practice many people calculate it on the total. Either is acceptable.

United Kingdom

Tipping in the UK is less rigid than the US. Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge of 12.5% to the bill automatically. Always check before adding more.

Restaurants: 10-15% where no service charge is included. If the bill already has a service charge, you are under no obligation to add more.

Pubs: Tipping in pubs is unusual. At a bar, you might say "and one for yourself" to offer the bartender a drink or add a small cash tip, but it is far from expected.

Taxis: Round up or add 10-15%. Black cabs in London have card machines that prompt for a tip.

Delivery: Not expected but appreciated, especially in bad weather or for large orders.

Hotels: 1-2 pounds for porters. Housekeeping is not commonly tipped but is always appreciated.

Canada

Canada sits between the UK and US in tipping expectations. The culture is closer to the American model, particularly in major cities.

Restaurants: 15-20%. 20% is increasingly the baseline in cities.

Taxis and rideshares: 10-15%.

Delivery: Similar to the US, 15-20% or a flat minimum.

Bars: 1-2 dollars per drink or 15-20% of the tab.

Australia

Australia pays service workers well by global standards, with mandatory minimum wages that are significantly higher than in North America. Tipping is not expected.

Restaurants: Not expected, but rounding up or leaving a small amount for excellent service is appreciated. 5-10% at higher-end restaurants.

Taxis: Not expected. Rounding up to a convenient number is common.

Hotels: Not a standard practice.

Europe

Europe varies significantly by country, but tipping is generally less expected than in North America.

France: Round up to the nearest euro or leave 5-10% for good service. Service is included by law in restaurant prices, so large tips are unnecessary.

Germany: Round up or leave 5-10%. Say the total you want to pay (including tip) rather than leaving cash on the table: tell the server the amount directly.

Italy: Rounding up is common. Many restaurants include a coperto (cover charge) and servizio (service charge). Check your bill before adding more.

Spain: Not obligatory, but 5-10% for good service in restaurants. Rounding up for drinks at bars.

Netherlands: 5-10% for good service. Not expected at cafes or fast casual.

Asia

Most Asian countries do not have a tipping culture and tips can sometimes cause confusion or embarrassment.

Japan: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude in traditional settings. Service is considered a point of professional pride. Do not tip.

China: Not customary in most settings, though some higher-end international hotels catering to Western tourists may have adapted expectations.

Thailand: A small tip is appreciated in tourist areas. 20-50 baht at restaurants, more at higher-end places. Not expected at local markets or street food stalls.

Singapore: Most restaurants include a 10% service charge. Additional tipping is not expected.

How to Split a Bill

When splitting with a group, the simplest approach is to divide the total (including tip) evenly. Use our Tip Calculator to enter the bill amount, tip percentage, and number of people. It shows you exactly what each person owes.

For unequal splits (one person had an extra dish, or the vegetarian pays less), work out the individual amounts first, then calculate each person's proportional share of the tip. A rough approach is to tip evenly regardless of individual order sizes, which is simpler and avoids awkward conversations.

When Not to Tip

• Where a service charge is already included on your bill
• Japan (tradition says service is not transactional)
• Fast food and counter service (unless you choose to)
• When service was genuinely poor. In countries where tipping is expected, you may still leave a nominal amount, but significantly below the standard rate signals dissatisfaction clearly

A Note on Card vs Cash Tips

In the US and UK, leaving a cash tip directly for your server ensures it goes to them personally. Card tips via the machine sometimes go into a pooled system split across staff, or the restaurant may retain a portion. If you want to ensure your tip reaches a specific person, cash is the safest option.