Tipping Around the World: How to Behave and How Much to Leave
Among the most frequently asked questions from our clients is undoubtedly the one about tipping around the world. Should we tip in this country or continent? And how much? Here are some travel tips from One Life Journeys, tailored for different needs and destinations.
Tipping Around the World: What to Expect Across Continents
Tipping customs vary from country to country. Here we aim to clarify things and, more generally, explain how much to tip—or whether tipping is even expected—in different situations.
Europe
In Europe, tipping is not always expected but is often appreciated to show gratitude for good service. In some countries, like France, the service charge is already included in the bill. In others, leaving 5–10% is customary, especially in restaurants. Specifically:
- Tour guides: For a short guided tour, it’s customary to leave a tip of around €5–10 per person, especially for private guides. For group tours, a smaller tip like €2–3 per person is appropriate. If the service is excellent, tipping more is welcome. Generally, tipping is a good way to show appreciation.
- Tour leaders: On medium-length trips, tipping your tour leader is customary but not mandatory. The suggested amount is around €15-20 per day per person.
- Drivers and taxi drivers: For taxis, it’s normal to round up the fare or leave the change. For excellent service, a 5–10% tip is appropriate. For tour drivers, €5 per day is recommended.
Asia
Tipping in Asia varies greatly from country to country, and sometimes even between regions. Generally, tipping is less common and less expected than in Europe or North America—but it’s not absent. In some countries like Japan, tipping may even be seen as offensive. In others, like Thailand or Vietnam, it’s appreciated but not expected.
- Tour guides: In many Asian countries, it’s customary to tip around $4–10 USD per person per day. In Cambodia, for instance, tipping $8–10 per person per day for guides is suggested, and $4–5 for drivers. Exceptional service warrants more.
- Drivers: In countries like India, it’s typical to tip 400–500 rupees for a full day. In Cambodia, $4–5 USD per person per day is the standard.
- Taxi drivers: In many Asian countries, tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory but appreciated. In Cambodia, rounding up to the nearest dollar is common. A $1 tip is always welcome for tuk-tuk drivers.
Oceania
Tipping is not mandatory in Oceania but is appreciated in certain contexts.
- In Australia, a 10% tip is considered generous in restaurants but not required.
- In New Zealand, tipping is also not expected, but 10% is a nice gesture.
- Tour guides: In both countries, tipping 10–15% for excellent service is advised.
- Drivers and taxis: A 10–15% tip is customary. If the fare includes the service charge, no extra tip is needed.
- Restaurants: Some restaurants in Australia include a service charge. If not, and the service is excellent, tipping is appreciated.
North America
In North America, particularly in the USA and Canada, tipping is an essential part of service workers’ income. Tipping is expected in many settings:
- Restaurants: Standard is 15–20% of the bill (pre-tax). Some places may include it or suggest it on the bill.
- Bars: Tip $1–2 per drink.
- Taxis & ride-sharing: Tip 10–15% of the fare.
- Hotels:
- Bellhops: $1–5 per service or night.
- Housekeeping: $2–5 per night.
- Tour guides: Tip 15–20% of the tour cost.
- Delivery services: Tip 15–20% of the order.
Central & South America
Tipping is not always mandatory like in the U.S., but it’s becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
- Restaurants: 5–10% if service isn’t already included.
- Guides and service workers: Tipping is advised based on service quality.
North Africa
Tipping is common, but practices differ by country. It is appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and guided services, though not strictly mandatory.
South Africa
Tipping is customary, especially in service roles, as wages are often low. It’s polite to tip:
- Restaurants/Bars: 10–15%, unless already included.
- Guides: $8 USD per person per day and 10 ZAR per person at meals.
- Parking attendants: 2 ZAR or more, depending on time.
- Valets and parking security: Tipping is recommended.
In all cases, gratuities always depend on the level of service that you feel you have received.
Now that you’re informed about tipping around the world, all that’s left is to pick one of our tours and… book as soon as possible!
