How much to tip: the quiet cheat sheet
The number for every US service, the holiday list for the people who run your household, and a cheat sheet for 55 countries — so the decision is made before the check arrives.
- US sit-down restaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is the etiquette standard (Emily Post). 15% is the floor, even for poor service.
- US bartender: $1–2 a drink. Delivery: 10%, or $5 or more.
- Abroad: read the bill first. Where service is included, round up or leave 5–10%. In Japan, South Korea and mainland China, tipping is not customary.
Twenty percent of the pre-tax bill, decided before we sit down and left without comment. The etiquette books allow 15%; we simply don’t make the server earn the difference.
This guide is the reference — the numbers, by service and by country. The manners around the number are in tipping etiquette, the quiet way. To do the arithmetic, use the tip calculator.
How much to tip in the US, by service
The figures below follow the Emily Post Institute, the standard American etiquette reference. Where its 2022 book and its website disagree, the newer book comes first.
Tipping is woven into US pay: employers may pay tipped workers as little as $2.13 an hour in cash wages and count tips toward the $7.25 federal minimum (US Department of Labor; many states require more).
Restaurants and bars
- Server, sit-down
- 15–20% of the pre-tax bill
- 15% is the minimum even for poor service — then speak to the manager. 20% is common; more says you were impressed.
- Buffet
- 10% pre-tax
- Bartender
- $1–2 per drink, or 10–20% of the tab
- $1 per drink is the floor.
- Counter service, barista
- Discretionary
- The change, or $1–2.
- Takeout
- No obligation
- 10% for curbside or a large, complicated order. Toast data: takeout tippers averaged 13.7%.
- Host or maître d’
- No obligation
- $10–20 for finding a table on a busy night, or as a regular.
- Coat check
- $1–5 per item
- Caterer
- 15–20%
- Check the contract — gratuity is often already included.
Delivery
- Food delivery
- 10%, or $5 or more
- A delivery fee is not a tip and often doesn’t reach the driver.
- Grocery delivery
- $5 or more, or 10%
- More for big orders or stairs.
- Furniture or appliance delivery
- Not usually tipped
- $10–20 per person for a walk-up, setup and haul-away.
Getting around
- Taxi
- 10–20%
- Fine to ignore preset 25–30% screens.
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
- 10–20%, in the app
- Valet
- $5–20 when the car is returned
- Emily Post’s website still lists $2–5; the 2022 book is newer. Treat $5 as the modern floor.
- Skycap, shuttle driver, train attendant
- $1–2 per bag
Hotels and travel
- Housekeeping
- $2–5 per day
- Leave it daily with a note — a different person may clean each day. The 2022 book frames it as about $2–3 per guest per day.
- Bellhop
- $1–2 per bag
- $2–5 for bag storage.
- Doorperson
- $1–2 per bag or taxi hailed
- Nothing for answering a question.
- Concierge
- $5–20 per service
- For tickets or reservations, not directions.
- Room service
- 15–20% before fees and tax
- A room-service fee is not the tip.
- Tour guide
- $5–50 for a short tour
- $50–500 for a guide across several cities or countries.
- Cruise staff
- About $10–15 per day
- Room and restaurant staff combined; check the line’s policy.
Salons, barbers and spas
- Hair stylist
- 20%
- If several people worked on you, ask at the desk how to divide it.
- Barber
- 20%
- Nail technician
- 15–20%
- Tip before the polish goes on.
- Hair removal
- 15–20%
- Massage or spa treatment
- 20%
- Ask first — some therapists don’t accept tips, and some spas build gratuity in.
Movers and home services
- Movers, small job
- $10–20 per mover
- About ten light boxes and little furniture.
- Movers, large job
- $30–60 head mover; $25–50 each crew member
- Hand it to the head mover to distribute.
- Pool cleaner, single visit
- $10–20
- For regular service, one visit’s cost at year-end.
For context: in Bankrate’s 2025 survey, 70% of Americans said they always tip at sit-down restaurants, but only 25% always tip hotel housekeepers and 18% always tip baristas. 38% said pre-entered tip screens annoy them. The screen’s presets are the business’s settings, not etiquette.
Holiday tipping for household staff
The year-end tip thanks the people who keep your household running. Give it with a card. If you tip generously through the year, a gift is often enough. One legal exception: USPS mail carriers may not accept cash — only a non-cash gift of $20 or less.
- Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper)
- Up to one week to one month of pay
- Plus a personal gift.
- Nanny or au pair
- A week’s pay (some give a month’s)
- Plus a gift from your child.
- Regular babysitter
- A night’s or a week’s pay, or a gift
- House cleaner
- Up to one week’s pay
- And/or a small gift.
- Doorperson
- $20–100 each
- Varies by city and building. Superintendent $20–100; elevator operator $20–50.
- Dog walker
- A week’s pay
- Gardener
- Up to a week’s service
- Or $20–50 per person on a crew.
- Home nurse or caregiver
- A week’s pay and a card
- Ask the agency first whether tips are allowed.
- Hair stylist, massage therapist, trainer
- The cost of one visit, or a gift
- Country club staff
- About $20 each, or the holiday fund
- Check the club’s policy — some forbid tipping, and breaking the rule has consequences for members and staff.
- Teacher
- A gift only — no cash
- USPS mail carrier
- No cash — a non-cash gift of $20 or less
- No checks, Visa/Mastercard gift cards, Venmo or Zelle. Store gift cards up to $20 are allowed; $50 per customer per year at most.
High-life tipping
The private driver, the charter, the jet. These come straight from the Emily Post Institute’s 2022 edition — the one section most tipping guides leave out.
- Private driver-guide
- 20% of the trip, or $50–500 per day
- None needed if your host provided them.
- Town car or limousine
- 20% of the car’s cost
- If a host says “my driver will take you,” the host pays.
- Private jet crew
- $50+ per crew member, per traveler
- Crew should always be tipped; the pilot is optional ($50+).
- Yacht with crew
- $100–1,000 captain; $50–500 per crew member
- On a charter, 10–15% of the weekly fee to captain and crew. In an envelope, with a thank-you in person.
Source: Emily Post’s Etiquette, 2022 edition, p. 386.
Read the bill: service charges, decoded
Abroad, the most common tipping mistake is paying twice. Before you add anything, find out whether the bill already carries a service charge — and whether the line you’re looking at is a service charge at all.
- Service compris
- FranceService is included in menu prices by law (DGCCRF).
- Tip on top?Optional: round up or 5–10%
- Coperto
- ItalyPer-person cover charge for bread and linen. It goes to the restaurant, not the server. Banned in Lazio, which includes Rome (regional law 21/2006).
- Tip on top?Yes, if you wish
- Servizio / servicio incluido
- Italy, SpainA service charge is on the bill.
- Tip on top?No
- Cubierto, servicio de mesa
- ArgentinaCover charge for the table setting. Not a tip.
- Tip on top?Yes, about 10%
- Propina sugerida
- Chile, Colombia, MexicoA suggested tip printed on the bill. You may decline or change it.
- Tip on top?No — it is the tip, if you accept it
- Servicio 10%
- Costa RicaMandatory 10% at table service, by law.
- Tip on top?No; extra is optional
- Propina legal / Ley 10%
- Dominican RepublicMandatory 10% on dine-in bills, separate from 18% ITBIS tax.
- Tip on top?No; extra is optional
- Taxa de serviço
- Brazil10% usually printed; optional to pay; passed to staff by law.
- Tip on top?No
- Recargo al consumo
- PeruService surcharge of up to 13%, which must be disclosed.
- Tip on top?No
- Couvert
- PortugalBread, olives or butter brought to the table. Chargeable only if you asked for it or used it.
- Tip on top?Yes, 5–10% if you wish
- Szervizdíj / felszolgálási díj
- HungaryService charge, capped at 15% for ordinary diners.
- Tip on top?No
- Discretionary service charge
- UK, IrelandUsually 12.5%. Optional — you may ask for it to be removed.
- Tip on top?No
- “++”
- Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, VietnamListed prices exclude a service charge (often 10%) and tax.
- Tip on top?No
- 服务费 (fúwùfèi)
- ChinaService charge at upscale and hotel restaurants.
- Tip on top?No
- Bedienung inklusive
- Germany, AustriaService included.
- Tip on top?Round up or 5–10%
Tipping by country: the cheat sheet
55 countries. Search, filter by region, choose which services to show, and open any row for notes.
Typical tip is the usual extra for good service at a mid-range restaurant when no service charge is on the bill. Confidence is high where an official tourism board, government source or several reputable guides agree, medium where sources are partly dated or conflict, and low where only local or commercial guides exist (Poland, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia).
Service charge: “Included” means built into prices or required by law.
Showing 55 of 55 countries
| Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| RegionNorth America | ||
| Canadamedium | 15%15–20% of the pre-tax bill is the common guidance; Québec's official tourism… | Auto-gratuity is typically added only for parties of six or more. In… |
| Mexicohigh | 15%10–15% for good service, 15–20% for exceptional; cash preferred. | By federal consumer law (PROFECO), a tip is voluntary and may not… |
| United Stateshigh | 20%15–20% of the pre-tax bill; minimum 15%, 20% is common (Emily Post).… | Auto-gratuity is commonly added for parties of six or more — check… |
| RegionCaribbean | ||
| Dominican Republicmedium | None expectedA 10% 'propina legal' is mandatory on dine-in bills (Labor Code art.… | The legal 10% does not apply to takeout or delivery (Supreme Court… |
| RegionLatin America | ||
| Argentinamedium | 10%About 10% (up to 15% for excellent service), ideally in cash; not… | 'Cubierto' / 'servicio de mesa' is a per-person cover charge for bread… |
| Brazilhigh | None expectedA 10% 'taxa de serviço' is usually printed on the bill; paying… | Tip discreetly — hand folded bills with a handshake (CNT; Lonely Planet).… |
| Chilehigh | 10%By law, venues with waiters must print a suggested tip of at… | Lonely Planet and CNT describe a 10% charge or 'cubierto' as included;… |
| Colombiahigh | 10%Restaurants may suggest a tip of up to 10% (legal cap on… | Ley 1935 de 2018 and SIC Circular 7 de 2022: you may… |
| Costa Ricahigh | None expectedA 10% 'Servicio 10%' is mandatory by law wherever there is table… | The law states the voluntary tip may never be obligatory or printed… |
| Perumedium | 10%Up to 10% at sit-down restaurants if no 'servicio'/'recargo al consumo' line… | Restaurants and hotels may, by agreement with their staff, add a 'recargo… |
| RegionEurope | ||
| Austriahigh | 10%About 10% in restaurants and coffee houses; 5% is fine on very… | Check the bill — if a tip is already included, don't pay… |
| Croatiamedium | 10%Menu prices are final with no service charge. Round up small bills;… | Card tipping has been possible since 1 January 2024 (HGK). Some restaurants… |
| Czech Republicmedium | 10%Round up for coffee/beer; 5–10% at casual restaurants; ~10% for attentive table… | Some Prague tourist-trap restaurants add a 10–20% 'spropitné' (tip) automatically — that… |
| Denmarkhigh | None expectedService charges are included in restaurant bills; tipping is optional with no… | — |
| Francehigh | 5%Service is included in menu prices by law ('prix service compris'). A… | Card tips may not reach servers; cash is preferred (CNT). A 'pourboire'… |
| Germanyhigh | 10%5–10% in cafés and casual restaurants; 10% is standard in nice restaurants.… | Rick Steves says menu prices include service, and that an English 'tip… |
| Greecemedium | 10%Service is often included; round up or leave about 10% if not.… | Tavernas often add a cover charge for bread and water. No official… |
| Hungarymedium | 10%Check for a 'felszolgálási díj' / 'szervizdíj' (service charge); if present, nothing… | Since 1 January 2025 the service charge is capped at 15% of… |
| Icelandhigh | None expectedNot expected; service is included in prices. | CNT (dated) quotes an agent: 'there's no tipping in Iceland.' |
| Irelandhigh | 10%10% is customary, up to ~15% for very good service; consumer research… | Restaurants increasingly add a 12.5% service charge, historically for groups of six+.… |
| Italymedium | 10%Not compulsory; Italy's official tourism site says about 10% when satisfied. Other… | 'Coperto' is a per-person cover charge (bread, linen) that goes to the… |
| Netherlandshigh | 10%Not required; a modest 5–10% is customary for good service (I amsterdam);… | Service costs have been included in menu prices since the 1970s; separate… |
| Norwayhigh | 10%Generally uncommon except in bars and restaurants, where locals tip 5–15% when… | Visit Norway: 'there will be no hard feelings in any case.' |
| Polandlow | 10%Around 10% for good sit-down service; tell the server the total including… | Saying 'dziękuję' (thank you) while handing over cash is understood as 'keep… |
| Portugalmedium | 5%A tip ('gorjeta') is voluntary per the government's restaurant guide; 5–10% is… | A service fee ('taxa de serviço') is only payable if disclosed on… |
| Spainhigh | 5%Not obligatory because service is included in prices; tipping is still common,… | CNT Spain says tipping is 'gradually becoming more common'. If 'servicio incluido'… |
| Swedenhigh | 10%Welcome but not expected; round up (e.g. SEK 280 → 300); 10%… | Any service charge will be clearly stated on the bill (Visit Sweden). |
| Switzerlandhigh | 10%Service is included in menu prices (since 1974). No obligation, but a… | Swiss restaurant association: leaving just the 20 centimes of change can come… |
| Türkiyemedium | 10%Voluntary; about 10% in cash for table service (5–10% at ordinary places,… | Since 30 Jan 2026, restaurants and cafés may not charge service, table… |
| United Kingdomhigh | 12.5%10–15% if no service charge; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge,… | A 'discretionary' or 'optional' service charge can be removed if service was… |
| RegionMiddle East | ||
| Israelmedium | 12%10–15% (10–12% for good service, 15% for excellent); service is almost never… | Card slips rarely have a tip line — ask the server to… |
| Jordanmedium | 10%10% if no service charge (Lonely Planet says 10–15%); many hotels and… | Petra horse handlers expect a tip (~JOD 5 minimum, per a commercial… |
| Qatarmedium | 10%Most hospitality outlets include a service charge; a further 10–15% is appreciated… | Commercial sources say the service charge often goes to the venue rather… |
| Saudi Arabialow | 10%10–15% if no service charge; nothing extra required if one is on… | No official guidance found; amounts come from commercial guides plus Lonely Planet.… |
| United Arab Emiratesmedium | 10%Voluntary. Standalone restaurants: ~10–15% in cash. Hotel and DIFC venues may add… | Conflict: Lonely Planet says Dubai's government mandates 10% on all bills; Dubai's… |
| RegionAfrica | ||
| Egyptmedium | 10%A 10–12% service charge is common but often doesn't reach the waiter;… | 'Baksheesh' (small gratuities) is part of everyday life. Carry small EGP notes;… |
| Kenyamedium | 10%About 10% in Nairobi restaurants if no service charge is on the… | Use local currency or crisp, newer USD bills. Hand guide tips directly… |
| Moroccomedium | 10%About 10% at sit-down restaurants; round up at cafés. Service charges are… | Tip discreetly — a handshake with folded cash (CNT). Lonely Planet's hotel… |
| South Africahigh | 10%10–15% is the accepted standard (South African Tourism); ~15% at higher-end venues. | Petrol attendants: ZAR 5–20. Car guards (informal parking watchers): ZAR 5–10, more… |
| Tanzaniamedium | 10%About 10% in Arusha restaurants if no service charge is on the… | The per-guest-per-day model is well established in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro; USD… |
| RegionAsia | ||
| Cambodialow | VariesNot traditional; none expected at local eateries. Tourist-facing restaurants: guidance ranges from… | US dollars are widely used alongside riel; tip in small, crisp USD… |
| China (mainland)high | None expectedNot customary; upscale and hotel restaurants may add a 10–15% service charge. | CNT: tipping has historically been seen as rude in much of China;… |
| Hong Kong (SAR)high | None expectedMost restaurants add a 10% service charge (Hong Kong Tourism Board); cha… | Waiters may bring unrequested tea or snacks that are charged to the… |
| Indiamedium | 10%10–15% is customary at restaurants, cafés and bars (Lonely Planet). Restaurants may… | CCPA guidelines (4 July 2022), upheld by the Delhi High Court on… |
| Indonesiamedium | 5%Tourist-area mid-range and upscale venues add a service charge (typically 5–10%) plus… | Sources conflict on whether the Bali government tax line is 10% or… |
| Japanhigh | None expectedNot practiced — pay the amount on the bill (JNTO). A service… | JNTO: tipping is not practiced and 'can cause discomfort and confusion if… |
| Malaysiamedium | None expectedNot mandatory; licensed restaurants often add a 10% service charge plus SST.… | Malaysia's Federal Court (2021) held that the 10% service charge belongs to… |
| Philippinesmedium | 10%A service charge (commonly 10%) is often added but not required by… | RA 11360 (2019): any service charge collected must be distributed 100% to… |
| Singaporehigh | None expectedNot customary, though a growing practice for good service (Singapore Tourism Board).… | GST is calculated on the subtotal including the service charge, so a… |
| South Koreahigh | None expectedNot required or expected (VISITKOREA). | Visit Seoul: some people may accept a tip while others refuse it… |
| Taiwanhigh | None expectedNot customary; a 10% service charge is customary in hotels and restaurants… | Cash left on a table at a small restaurant may be returned… |
| Thailandmedium | 10%High-end restaurants often include a 10% service charge (no tip expected; leaving… | '++' on a menu means 10% service plus 7% VAT (~17.7% total).… |
| Vietnammedium | 5%Not expected at local eateries or street food; 5–10% at mid-range/upscale restaurants… | Mid-range/upscale bills may carry a ~5% service charge plus VAT ('++'). The… |
| RegionOceania | ||
| Australiahigh | 10%Always your choice; hotels and restaurants don't add service charges. In upmarket… | Weekend and public-holiday surcharges (up to ~15%) fund penalty-rate wages — not… |
| New Zealandmedium | None expectedNot obligatory, even in restaurants and bars; hotels and restaurants don't add… | CNT (dated) advises being discreet and ready for a refusal, especially in… |
Where tipping isn’t customary
In these places, the generous instinct is to leave nothing — or something small, handed over discreetly. Here is how the official sources put it.
- Japan. “Tipping is not practiced in Japan. In fact, it can cause discomfort and confusion if you do.” The exception is kokorozuke, a small gratuity for a private guide or a ryokan attendant, in an envelope (JNTO).
- South Korea. “Tipping is not required or expected” (VISITKOREA); some people accept a tip and some refuse it (Visit Seoul).
- Mainland China. Not customary, and historically seen as rude in much of the country; if you do tip, do it out of sight (Condé Nast Traveler).
- Singapore. “Not a Singaporean culture but it is a growing practice for good service” (Visit Singapore). Most restaurants add 10% service.
- Taiwan and Hong Kong. A 10% service charge is customary or standard at restaurants (Taiwan Tourism Administration; Hong Kong Tourism Board).
- Iceland and Denmark. Service is included in bills; a tip is optional (VisitDenmark).
- New Zealand. “Not obligatory, even in restaurants and bars” (Tourism New Zealand).
Where the law sets the tip
In a handful of countries the answer is written down. Each rule names the statute, the regulator, or — where noted — a report of the regulator’s position.
- Costa Rica
- A 10% “Servicio 10%” is mandatory wherever there is table service. A voluntary tip may never be printed on the bill.
- SourceLey 4946 as amended by Ley 9116
- Dominican Republic
- A 10% legal tip is mandatory on dine-in bills, but not on takeout or delivery.
- SourceLabor Code art. 228, summarized by ABA
- Chile
- Venues with waiters must suggest a tip of at least 10% on every bill; you may decline it.
- SourceLabor Code art. 64 (Ley 20.729), Dirección del Trabajo
- Colombia
- A suggested tip may not exceed 10%, is voluntary, and you must be asked before it goes on the invoice.
- SourceLey 1935 de 2018; SIC
- Peru
- Restaurants and hotels may, by agreement with staff, add a recargo al consumo of up to 13%.
- SourceDecreto Ley 25988, as cited by SUNAT
- Brazil
- A service charge counts as a tip and must be distributed to workers.
- SourceLei 13.419/2017
- Mexico
- A tip is voluntary and may not be added or demanded without your consent.
- SourcePROFECO, reported by Milenio
- Argentina
- Venues where tipping is customary must offer a way to tip electronically.
- SourceDecreto 731/2024
- France
- At venues with table service, displayed prices include service (“prix service compris”).
- SourceDGCCRF
- Italy (Lazio, incl. Rome)
- Restaurants may not charge a coperto (cover charge) at table service.
- SourceRegional law 21/2006, art. 16(3)
- Portugal
- Nothing, including the couvert, may be charged unless you asked for it or used it.
- SourceDecreto-Lei 10/2015, art. 135; DGAE guide
- Hungary
- Since 1 January 2025 a service charge is capped at 15% of the VAT-inclusive price for ordinary diners (20% on business invoices), and only for table service.
- SourceDecree 44/2024 (XII. 9.) NGM
- Türkiye
- Since 30 January 2026 restaurants and cafés may not charge service, table or cover fees.
- SourceMinistry of Trade
- Dubai (UAE)
- A service charge is legal only at hotel restaurants (10%) and in the DIFC zone.
- SourceDubai DED, reported by Gulf News
- India
- Restaurants may not add a service charge by default or make it a condition; a voluntary tip is still allowed.
- SourceCCPA guidelines, upheld by the Delhi High Court (March 2025)
- China
- Tour guides and tour leaders may not solicit tips; fines run ¥1,000–10,000.
- SourceTourism Law, arts. 41 and 102
- Philippines
- Any service charge collected must go in full to non-managerial staff.
- SourceRepublic Act 11360
- Malaysia
- The service charge belongs to employees and cannot be used to meet the minimum wage.
- SourceFederal Court (2021), reported by The Star
A summary for travelers, not legal advice. Laws change; check the source before relying on a rule.
The quiet rules, anywhere
- Read the bill before you reach for your wallet. A service charge is the tip.
- Cash, in local currency, handed to the person. Card tips and tips left on the table don’t always reach the server.
- Never tip in foreign coins. They can’t be exchanged.
- Don’t export the American 20%. In Europe, Rick Steves calls 15–20% “unnecessary, if not culturally ignorant.”
- Be discreet. Folded notes with a handshake in Brazil and Morocco; an envelope in Japan.
- If someone refuses, don’t insist.
And when the meal is yours to host, the next question is who picks up the check. For the rest of the table, see fine dining etiquette.
Questions people ask
How much should you tip at a restaurant?
In the United States, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is the etiquette standard; the Emily Post Institute puts the minimum at 15% even when service is poor, and 20% is common. Our house rule is 20%. Abroad, check the bill for a service charge first — in much of Europe, rounding up or 5–10% is plenty.
Do you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Etiquette guides calculate the tip on the pre-tax bill. Tipping on the total including tax is common and acceptable; on an ordinary check the difference is small.
Is 15% still an acceptable tip?
Yes. Emily Post’s 2022 edition still gives 15% as the minimum for a sit-down server, with 20% common. Bankrate’s 2025 survey found only 35% of Americans typically tip 20% or more.
How much do you tip a bartender?
$1–2 per drink, or 10–20% of the tab, with $1 per drink as the floor (Emily Post, 2022 edition).
How much do you tip for food delivery?
10%, or $5 or more. The delivery fee is not a tip and often does not reach the driver.
Do you have to tip on takeout or at a tip screen?
No. Takeout tipping is optional; 10% is kind for a large or curbside order. The preset percentages on a payment screen are the business’s settings, not an etiquette rule — choose a custom amount or no tip where there was no real service.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping?
About $2–5 per day in the US, left daily with a note, because a different person may clean the room each day.
How much do you tip movers?
$10–20 per mover for a small job. For a large job, $30–60 for the head mover and $25–50 for each crew member, handed to the head mover to distribute (Emily Post, 2022 edition).
What do you give household staff at the holidays?
Up to one week to one month of pay for live-in help, about a week’s pay for a nanny, cleaner or dog walker, and $20–100 for each doorperson (Emily Post). USPS mail carriers may not accept cash — only a non-cash gift worth $20 or less.
Should you tip in Japan?
Generally no. Japan’s national tourism organization says tipping is not practiced and “can cause discomfort and confusion.” Pay the amount on the bill. For a private guide, a small gratuity in an envelope, offered discreetly, is acceptable.
Do you tip in Europe?
Modestly. At table service, round up or leave 5–10%; nothing at counters or at the bar in a British pub. Tip in cash and hand it to the server.
Should I tip in US dollars abroad?
Tip in local currency where you can, and never in foreign coins, which cannot be exchanged. In Cambodia, US dollars are widely used alongside riel.
Every figure on this page comes from a published source; nothing is estimated. US amounts follow the Emily Post Institute. Country rows draw on official tourism boards and government or regulator pages first, then Rick Steves, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveler, and then local guides.
Where sources disagree, the row says so. Older Condé Nast Traveler figures (first published 2008, updated 2015) are marked “dated.” Amounts in fast-moving currencies, such as Turkish lira, Egyptian pounds and Argentine pesos, go stale quickly; the percentages hold up better.
Three rows are low confidence (Poland, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia): no official or major-publisher guidance was found, and the UK Foreign Office and US State Department country pages don’t address tipping.
Last verified 13 October 2026
Tipping customs are guidance, not law, and vary by city and venue. If you spot something out of date, tell us.