Tipping Around the World

Knowing what and when to tip, is always a question, especially when you are out of the country. Different parts of the world have different customs which can affect the type of tip you might be expected to offer for services rendered.

Don’t tip in Japan- it is considered an insult. In Vietnam, it is illegal. In many parts of South and Central America, service charges are already added in to a restaurant bill so tipping is not expected. In New Zealand, tipping is not expected at all.

I’ve included some common tipping practices that may help you out a bit.

Waiters

In the US and Canada, 15-20% of the pre tax bill is expected
In Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, it might be 10-15% (check first because it may already be included in the Caribbean)
In South America, a service fee is typically included in Brazil and Costa Rica. 10% in most other countries
In Europe, the tip is usually included but if not, a customary tip is only 5-15%
In Australia, a tip for top notch service should be between 5-10%, otherwise a tip is not expected.

Bartenders
In the US and Canada, leave $1-2 per drink or 10-15% of the bar tab
In the Caribbean and the Bahamas, 10-15% is fine but 10% in Mexico is typical
In South and Central America, $1 per drink or 10% of the bar tab, if a service fee is not already included
In Europe, 5-10% is fine.
In Australia and New Zealand, tipping is not expected

Concierge
In the US and Canada, the tip should be based on the complexity of the services rendered- usually between $5 and $20
$2-5 in Mexico and between 5-10% of the bill in the Caribbean
In South and Central America, 2-5% of the bill
In Europe, $5-$30 depending on the complexity of the services

Porters
$1-2 per bag in most parts of the world is acceptable.

Maids and Housekeeping
In the US and Canada, $3-5 per day
In Mexico and the Caribbean- $2-5 per day
In South and Central America, $2-3 per day
In Europe, it varies by region from nothing to $5 per day

Taxi Drivers
In many parts of the world, like Europe and South and Central America, just round up the fare. In Mexico, just give the driver some spare change. In The US and Canada, 15-20% is customary while 10-15% is typical in the Caribbean.

Again, these are strictly guidelines. Each country might have its own norm so before embarking on your vacation, please check with me for the customary tipping at your destination.