Understanding Tipping Customs
A tip or gratuity is an extra sum of money paid to certain service workers for a provided service. Tip amounts, as well as acceptance, vary in different parts of the world. In some countries in East Asia, such as Japan, tips are seen as insulting and can sometimes be interpreted as a bribe.
In yet other countries, such as the United States, tipping is widely expected, and in many cases, is even factored into a service worker's compensation towards satisfying the minimum wage requirement. This is important to note, since although tipping is entirely voluntary, many servers depend on tips to make a living in countries like the United States. As such, as a tourist, it can be helpful to research the tipping customs in the countries being visited.
In the U.S. or any other country where tipping is expected, depending on the restaurant or the number of patrons at a table, gratuity may be automatically applied to the bill amount. As previously mentioned, tipping can be offensive in some countries, so although a citizen of the United States visiting another country may want to express their appreciation of the service provided, the gesture may, in some cases, result in the opposite effect.
Global Tipping Expectations
Below is a general guide regarding whether or not a tip is expected, or how a tip may be received in certain regions globally:
- No tips at all: Insulted if tipped
- No tips at all: Surprised or confused if tipped
- No tips at all: Neutral or grateful when tipped
- Rounding-up the bill: Not expected
- Rounding-up the bill: Expected
- 5-10%: Not expected
- 5-10%: Expected
- ~10%: Not expected
- 10-15%: Not expected
- 10-15%: Expected
- 15-20%: Expected
Typical Tip Amounts by Service (U.S. & Canada)
Below is a table of typical tip amounts in the United States and Canada for different services.
| Services | Typical Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants, Bartenders | 15%-20% |
| Food Delivery | 15%-20% depending on the distance, total price, etc. |
| Hotel Room Service | Normally the charge is included in the price already. If not, 15-20% |
| Hotel Housekeeping | Not expected, $1-$2 per person per night. |
| Automotive Services, Mechanic | Not expected, or a few dollars depending on the amount |
| Mover, Furniture, or Appliance Delivery | Not expected, or $5, $10, $20 each depending on the amount |
| Plumber, Handyman, Electrician, Cleaner | Not expected, or $5, $10, $20 each depending on the amount |
| Hairstylists, Barber, Nail Service, etc. | 10%-20% |
| Massage | 10%-20% |
| Taxi or Limo Drivers | 15%-20% |
| Shuttle Drivers, Parking Attendant | $1-$3 |
| Tour Guides | $1-$5 depending on the length of the tour |