Globetrotting’s Guide to Tipping
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The art of tipping varies greatly from one destination to the next, and it’s easy to get lost trying to work out the right amount to tip without offending. Every country has different expectations when it comes to gratuities, and the last thing you want is to offend someone, or leave a guide feeling unappreciated.
While ride-specific tipping advice is provided to all globetrotters in your trip info documents, below is a quick, country-by-country guide to help you navigate these cultural norms with ease and grace.
Remember, even in countries where tipping is optional, there may be a Globetrotting ride where tipping is expected, so it’s vital to check the details in your trip info documents. And of course, if you’re at all unsure, just ask us or your guides directly.
Argentina
In Argentina, it’s customary to tip 10% on all bills in bars and restaurants for good service. Rounding up taxi fares is common practice, and hotel staff also appreciate small tips. An interesting note on dining out: when your server is taking your bill with payment away, saying ‘gracias’ usually implies that the server should keep the change as a tip. If you want change back, say ‘cambio, por favor’ instead. Note that tips MUST be paid in cash, even if you settle the bill by card.
Australia
Tipping isn’t a big thing down under. You won’t be expected to tip your guides or staff, or indeed anyone at all. That said, if someone goes above and beyond, a tip will be received as an unexpected and much appreciated gesture.
Botswana
Tips are voluntary and should reflect the quality of service. Whether you tip, and how much, is at your personal preference and will be taken as a ‘thank you’ for staff performance.
Brazil
Brazilian bars and restaurants often include a 10% service charge in the bill – if so, there’s no need to tip on top of this unless the service was truly exceptional. For other services like drivers or hotel staff, small cash tips are welcome, but not expected.
Canada
Tipping is a part of life in Canada. In restaurants, standard practice is 15-20% of the bill, and that carries over into all other service sectors, including tourism. Tipping is considered good manners and a way to express gratitude. To not leave a tip is a sign of either very poor manners or very poor service.
France
A service charge is usually built into restaurant bills in France, so additional tipping isn’t expected – though rounding up or leaving a euro or two is a nice touch. For taxis, hairdressers or hotel staff, a modest tip is polite, but not essential.
Iceland
Tipping is not part of Icelandic culture – wages are high, and service charges are included in the price. Locals don’t tip, and visitors aren’t expected to. If someone goes out of their way for you, though, a small show of appreciation won’t be out of place.
India
In India, tipping is widely practised and expected in most service industries. In restaurants, 5–10% is typical if a service charge isn’t already included. Hotel porters, drivers and guides usually receive small daily tips, often pooled from groups. Carrying small notes is very helpful, as tipping is a routine part of daily interactions.
Indonesia
Tipping isn’t widespread in Indonesia, but in tourist areas, it’s become more common. In restaurants, rounding up, or adding a 5–10% tip, is a nice way to acknowledge good service. In some resorts (including Nihi Sumba), a 10% service charge is included in the bill, and tipping more than this demonstrates outstanding appreciation.
Ireland
Tipping is customary in Ireland, though not essential, or overly formal. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is typical unless a service charge is included in the bill. Rounding up for taxis or handing a few euros to helpful hotel staff is perfectly acceptable.
Italy
Italians don’t have a strong tipping culture, especially with restaurant bills that already include a “coperto” or service charge. That said, it’s common to round up the bill, or leave a few coins. For taxis, hotel staff and guides, small tips are appreciated, but not required.
Kenya
While it’s not mandatory, tipping is expected in Kenya if you are happy with the service provided, and will be received as a gift from the heart. There are no hard and fast rules, but on safari, your guide will help you with this.
Mexico
Tipping is part of everyday life in Mexico. In restaurants, 10–15% is standard – and often essential for staff. Hotel and tour staff will also appreciate a small tip for good service. Even casual services like bag-packing or petrol station assistance often come with the expectation of a few pesos, so ensure you have plenty of small change.
Mongolia
While tipping is not essential in Mongolia, it is becoming increasingly common in the tourism industry and is always deeply appreciated. When you’re out on the steppe with your local crew, who are working hard to make your trip unforgettable, it’s a lovely gesture to offer a small token of thanks at the end – pooled with the group, ideally. However, if you want to say a special thank you to a specific person, please make a non-monetary gift or consider staying in touch with the person and finding a way to help them out down the road.
Namibia
Tipping is appreciated in Namibia and fairly customary, especially in tourism. Local wages are low, so tips are a helpful supplement for many workers. Any currency will do, but it’s preferable to tip in local Namibian dollars.
New Zealand
Like Australia, tipping in New Zealand isn’t expected and isn’t built into the culture. Service workers are paid a living wage, so tips are purely a bonus. If someone goes out of their way, it’s lovely to acknowledge them, but it’s never obligatory.
Portugal
In Portugal, it’s polite (but not essential) to tip around 10% of the bill for good service, and 15-20% for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill is common in restaurants and cafés. For hotel staff or taxi drivers, a euro or two is sufficient and considered courteous.
South Africa
Tipping is standard in South Africa and an important part of many service workers’ income. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is typical. Hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides will appreciate a small tip, especially in cash. It’s highly recommended to carry some low-denomination South African Rand for this purpose.
Spain Cultural norms around tipping in Spain are fairly laid-back. In restaurants, it’s common to round up or leave a couple of euros for good service, but large tips aren’t the norm – even 5–10% is considered generous. Hotel porters, taxi drivers and service staff don’t expect tips, though a small thank-you is always appreciated if someone goes the extra mile.
Tanzania
Tipping is a common and respected practice in Tanzania, particularly in the travel and hospitality sectors. Small amounts – given directly and discreetly – are a meaningful way to thank people for their service. Carrying small USD or local bills is helpful for this.
United Kingdom
In the UK, wages are fairly high, so tipping is generally optional and considered a nice gesture for good service. While it’s not mandatory, it’s customary to tip around 10% in restaurants and cafes, especially in touristy or business areas. Bars, pubs and fast food outlets do not expect tips from customers. Some establishments may add a service charge to the bill, and if so, tipping is not expected.
United States of America
Tipping in America isn’t optional – it’s part of the wage structure. In hotels, restaurants, taxis and beyond, tipping 15–20% is standard, and anything less might be seen as rude. Always factor tipping into your travel budget when visiting the USA.
We hope this helps give you a guideline for your next international trip, wherever your Globetrotting dreams take you!