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When to Tip in Each Country

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Each Country and Region to Tip In

Are you about to pay a bill in a country but don't know the tipping practices? This article will help you better understand when to tip and when not to tip. Each country has its own tipping practices. Some countries like the United States, Canada and Mexico, the customer is expected to tip. Yet, most countries in Europe expect the tip to be rounded to the nearest number. I, for one, like to know when I need to shell out cash for tips and when to keep the bills in my wallet. As a budget traveler, it's necessary to know the right way to save money on every expenditure. Here are the current countries I have advice for. Reference the table above for countries I haven't been to yet. 

North America

~CANADA (Canadian Dollar)


Restaurants: Like the United States, the tipping isn't included. Tipping 15-20% is the norm in Canada. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to tip 15-20%. However, I don't tip taxi drivers at all. A cab is expensive enough as it is. 

​Ways to Tip: It's safe to tip on your credit card in Canada. Cash is recommended.



~UNITED STATES (US Dollar)

Restaurants: Like Canada, the tipping isn't included unless stated. Tipping 15-20% is the norm in the U.S. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to tip 15-20%. However, I don't tip taxi drivers at all. A cab is expensive enough as it is. 

Ways to Tip: Tipping in cash is the safest way. Credit card bills are common place for tipping. 



Asia

~CHINA (Chinese Yuan Renminbi)


Restaurants: China comes from a no-tipping culture. Cheap restaurants in China won't add any tip to the bill. However, fancier restaurants may add 15-20% to the bill at the end of the meal. Usually, the restaurant will inform the guest on their tipping practices before the meal. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Massage Parlors: No tipping. 

Ways to Tip: It's safe to tip on your credit card in larger cities. I would recommend cash to be safe. 



~HONG KONG (Hong Kong Dollar)

Restaurants: Tips are expected in higher scaled restaurants. Expect to tip 10-15%. Smaller mom and pop shops don't expect tips.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: No tipping.

Massage Parlors: No tipping.

Ways to Tip: Small restaurants won't take cards, so cash is necessary. Larger restaurants are safe to tip on cards.



~MACAU (Macau Pataca)

​Restaurants:
Tips are expected in higher scaled restaurants. Expect to tip 10-15%. Smaller mom and pop shops don't expect tips.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

​Taxi Drivers: No tipping.

Massage Parlors: No tipping.

Ways to Tip: Restaurants are safe to tip in. Most restaurants will take cards.



~MALAYSIA (Malaysian Ringgit)

Restaurants: A 10% tip is included in all meals. Most locals also round up their bill for an added tip. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible.  

Taxi Drivers: The norm is to tip $0.50-1USD per ride. 

Ways to Tip: Always tip in cash. Credit card information can be stolen in lower income countries.



~PHILIPPINES (Philippine Peso)

Restaurants: Some restaurants will add 10% to the existing bill. If there isn't a charge, expect to tip the 10% anyways. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: Tip taxi drivers around 10%. 

Ways to Tip: Always tip in cash. Credit card information can be stolen in lower income countries.



~TAIWAN (Taiwan Dollar)

Restaurants: Check the bill for tipping. Some restaurants include a 10% service fee. If it doesn't, leave 10-15%.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: No tipping.

Ways to Tip: Always tip in cash. Credit card information can be stolen in lower income countries.



~THAILAND (Thai Bhat)

Restaurants: Tipping is a nice gesture here. Expect to tip 10% for the service charge.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Drivers: Tipping is expected for taxis. Expect to tip $1USD for for a 3km ride. 

Massage Parlor: Tipping is a kind gesture here. The business will expect you to tip anywhere from $2-3USD for a massage. 

Ways to Tip: Always tip in cash. Credit card information can be stolen in lower income countries.



~SOUTH KOREA (South Korean Won)

Restaurants: There's no expectation for tipping. I'd hold off here. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: No need to tip.

Ways to Tip: Tipping on your credit card bill is safe to do in South Korea. Cash is recommended.



​South Central Asia

~INDIA (Indian Rupee)

Restaurants: 10% is expected for the server. Some fancier places will include 10% in the bill.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: Taxi and rickshaw drivers aren't used to tips. If you'd like to tell them to keep the change, it's a nice gesture. 

Ways to Tip: Always tip in cash. Credit card information can be stolen in lower income countries.



~NEPAL (Nepalese Rupee)

Restaurants: Tipping is a nice gesture in Nepal. Expect to tip 10% at most restaurants. At small shops, tipping isn't expected.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: Taxi drivers will ask for tips at times. It's up to you if you'd like to tip the driver. 

Ways to Tip: Always tip in cash. Credit card information can be stolen in lower income countries.



Europe


~CROATIA (Croatian Kuna)

Restaurants: If you want a quick cup of tea or coffee, it is customary to leave the coins. For a quick bite to eat at a fast food style restaurant, tipping 3-5% is normal. And, for a sit down dinner, 10-15% is the norm.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to leave the change.

Ways to Tip: Cash is the best and safest way. 



~CZECH REPUBLIC (Czech Koruna)

Restaurants: There's usually a service charge for sit down meals. Most Czechs tip on top of the 10%. Travelers aren't expected to tip more than 15%.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to leave the change.

Ways to Tip: Cash is preferred.



~ESTONIA (Euro)

Restaurants: Tipping 5-8% is the norm in Tallinn. More than 10% is generous. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to leave the change.

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~FRANCE (Euro)

Restaurants: Tipping is not necessary, but most locals leave up to 10%. Tipping at bar is not customary. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to tip 10-15%

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~GERMANY & BAVARIA (Euro)

Restaurants: Tipping 10% is normal. If you really like the service, 15-20%.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to tip 10%.

Ways to Tip: Cash and cards are accepted
.


~GREECE (Euro)

Restaurants: Tipping 5% for an expensive meal and 10% for an inexpensive meal is normal.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, tipping isn't expected. Taxi drivers do appreciate this tip.

Ways to Tip: Cash Only.



~HUNGARY (Hungarian Forint)

Restaurants: A sit down meal requires 10%. For a cup of coffee, pocket change is completely normal. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to leave the change.

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~IRELAND (Euro)

Restaurants: A sit down meal requires 10%. For a beer, pocket change is completely normal. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers:
 Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to leave the change.

Ways to Tip: Cash and card are acceptable. 



~ITALY (Euro)

Restaurants: Tipping no more than 10% is normal in all of Italy.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to leave the change.

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~LATVIA (Euro)

Restaurants: You should check to see if service is included on the bill. If it isn’t, tip 5-10% for good service.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. Tipping a taxi driver isn’t common or expected. You can round up. 

Ways to Tip: Cash and card are acceptable.

Tipping isn't wide spread in Latvia. If you don't want to tip, then don't tip! No one expects it.



~LITHUANIA (Euro)

Restaurants:
If the tip is included on the bill, tip 5-10%.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. Tipping a taxi driver isn’t common or expected. You can round up. 

Ways to Tip: Cash and card are fine.

Like Latvia, Lithuania doesn't accept tips like other parts of Europe. If you don't want to tip, you don't have to!



~MOLDOVA (Moldovan Leu)

Restaurants: 
Tipping 5-10% is customary for travelers. If the service isn't great, don't tip.

Hostels:
 No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: 
Tipping a taxi driver isn’t common or expected. You can round up. 

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~NETHERLANDS (Euro)

Restaurants: 
Tipping 5-10% is customary. 


Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. 
Tipping a taxi driver isn’t common or expected. No need to tip.

Ways to Tip: Cash or card.



~ROMANIA (Fourth Romanian Leu)

Restaurants: 
Tipping 5-10% is customary for travelers. If the service isn't great, don't tip.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. 
Tipping a taxi driver isn’t common or expected. You can round up. 

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~SCANDINAVIA (Denmark: Danish Krone, Finland: Euro, Norway: Norwegian Krone, Sweden: Swedish Krona)

Restaurants: The service charge is included in the bill in all four countries. If the tip isn't in the bill, you do not need to tip.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers:
 Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to leave the change.

Ways to Tip: Cash and card are accepted.



~SPAIN (Euro)

Restaurants: If the service up to par, tip 7-13%. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to round up the fare. 

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~SWITZERLAND (Swiss Franc)

Restaurants: Tipping isn't expected in Switzerland. But, locals some times tip 5-10% on great service.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, the norm is to tip 5-10%.

Ways to Tip: Cash and card are acceptable. 



~TURKEY (Turkish Lira)

Restaurants: The norm is to tip 10-12% on any restaurant. If you don't like the service, tipping isn't necessary. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, tipping is expected.

Ways to Tip: Cash only.



~UKRAINE (Ukrainian Hryvnia)

Restaurants: Tipping isn't wide spread in restaurants. There's no need to tip here. 

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Taxi Drivers: Taxi drivers don't expect any tips. Don't tip the drivers. 

Ways to Tip: If you'd like to tip someone, do it in cash.



~UNITED KINGDOM (Pound Sterling)

Restaurants: Service fees are often included in the bill. If not, 10-15% is the normal service fee.

Hostels: No need to tip here. The whole point of hostels is to spend the least amount of money possible. 

Guides and Taxi Drivers: Free walking tour guides don't expect tips, but the common curtesy is to tip $2-3USD. If you happen to take a taxi, tipping isn't expected. However, taxis are extremely expensive. I'd recommend not taking them.

Ways to Tip: Cash and card are acceptable. 



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