Tipping is expected in some countries, polite in others and even awkward in a few. Knowing the local custom helps you pay fairly without overspending or causing offence. This guide covers typical tipping norms around the world and the simple maths for calculating and splitting a tip. Customs change, and individual businesses may differ, so treat these as general guidelines and check locally.

How to Calculate a Tip

Tip amount = bill amount × tip percentage ÷ 100. Some quick methods:

  • 10%: move the decimal point one place to the left. On a bill of 64, that is 6.40.
  • 15%: calculate 10% and add half of it: 6.40 + 3.20 = 9.60.
  • 20%: double the 10% amount: 12.80.

Before or After Tax?

Many people calculate the tip on the pre-tax amount, which is the cost of the food and service. Others tip on the total including tax, which is slightly higher. Either is acceptable, but calculating before tax is common and saves money.

A Worked Example With a Split Bill

A group of four has a pre-tax bill of 84.60, and sales tax is 8%. A 20% tip on the pre-tax amount is 84.60 × 0.20 = 16.92. The tax is 84.60 × 0.08 = 6.77. The total is 84.60 + 6.77 + 16.92 = 108.29, so each person pays 108.29 ÷ 4 = 27.07. Round up for convenience if you like.

Typical Tipping by Country

United States and Canada

Tipping is customary and expected, as service workers rely on tips as a major part of their income. In restaurants with table service, 15% to 20% is typical, and 18% to 20% is increasingly the norm. Bartenders usually expect 1 to 2 per drink or about 15% to 20% of a tab. Tip hairdressers 15% to 20%, taxi and ride-share drivers 10% to 20%, and delivery drivers about 10% to 20%.

United Kingdom and Ireland

Tipping is appreciated but less rigid. Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge of around 10% to 12.5% to the bill, in which case you do not need to add more. If no service charge is included, 10% to 12.5% is typical for good service. In pubs, it is common to buy the bartender a drink or simply not tip.

Continental Europe

In much of Europe, service is built into prices or a modest tip is customary. In Germany and Austria, rounding up or adding 5% to 10% is typical. In France, the bill includes service by law, so extra is optional, and small change is enough. In Italy, a cover charge may appear, and tipping beyond rounding up is optional. In Spain and Portugal, a few coins or around 5% to 10% for good service is appreciated.

Australia and New Zealand

Tipping is not expected because service staff receive full wages. Tipping 10% for outstanding service in a restaurant is welcomed but optional.

Japan, China and South Korea

Tipping is generally not part of the culture, and in Japan it can cause confusion or be politely refused. Good service is simply part of the price. Some upmarket hotels and tourist businesses may add a service charge.

Middle East and North Africa

Practices vary. In many Gulf countries, a service charge is often added to restaurant bills, and an extra tip of around 10% is optional. In parts of North Africa and the Middle East, small tips for porters, drivers and guides are common and appreciated.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Customs differ. Restaurants in some countries, such as Brazil, add a service charge of around 10%, and an additional tip for good service is welcome in many places. Check your bill before adding more.

Other Common Situations

  • Hotel housekeeping and porters: small tips are common in countries where tipping is customary.
  • Tour guides and drivers: often tipped on top of the tour price in tourist destinations.
  • Taxis: rounding up the fare is accepted almost everywhere.
  • Delivery and counter service: tipping is more discretionary, so tip according to local custom.

Tipping Tips

  • Check the bill for a service charge before adding a tip, to avoid paying twice.
  • Tip in the local currency when possible, and in cash if you can, as card tips do not always reach staff.
  • Decline conversion to your home currency when paying by card abroad, as it usually adds a poor exchange rate. Our guide to international money transfer costs explains why.
  • Tipping for poor service is a personal choice, but speaking to a manager is often more effective than leaving no tip.

Before you pay

Check whether service is already included, tip in the local currency, and decline card conversion into your home currency. See our guide to percentages for the maths.