Tipping customs vary enormously around the world — what's expected (or even rude) in one country can be completely different in another.
United States
Tipping is generally expected at 15-20% of the pre-tax bill at sit-down restaurants, with 20% increasingly common as a baseline. Many US service workers rely on tips as a significant part of their income, which is why tipping norms are higher than almost anywhere else.
United Kingdom and Ireland
A service charge of around 10-12.5% is often already added to restaurant bills, especially for larger groups — check before tipping again on top. If no service charge is included, rounding up or adding roughly 10% for good service is typical, though it's less rigidly expected than in the US.
Continental Europe
In much of Western Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy), a service charge is frequently built into the price already. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a common, appreciated gesture, but leaving nothing at all generally won't be seen as rude the way it would in the US.
Japan
Tipping is not customary and can occasionally be seen as confusing or even mildly offensive, since excellent service is considered the standard, not something requiring extra payment. Attempting to leave a tip in most restaurants may result in staff trying to return the money to you.
Australia and New Zealand
Service staff are paid a full minimum wage regardless of tips, so tipping isn't culturally expected. Rounding up or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is appreciated but entirely optional.
A simple rule of thumb
When traveling somewhere you're unfamiliar with, a quick search for "tipping etiquette in [country]" before you go can save an awkward moment — norms genuinely vary this much, and there's no single global standard.
FAQ
Is 15% still an acceptable tip in the US?
20% has become the more common baseline in many US cities for standard service, though 15% is still considered acceptable in some regions — it varies by area and type of establishment.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the traditional standard, though many people simply tip on the total bill for simplicity — either is generally acceptable.
Do I need to tip for takeout or delivery?
Delivery drivers are generally tipped (often 10-15% or a flat amount), while tipping for simple takeout pickup is optional and less consistently expected.
What countries don't expect tipping at all?
Japan is the clearest example — tipping isn't customary and can even confuse waitstaff, since excellent service is considered standard rather than something extra to reward. Australia and New Zealand also don't culturally expect it, since service staff earn a full minimum wage.
Is 10% a good tip in Europe?
In much of Continental Europe, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is often enough, since a service charge is frequently already built into the price — a full 10% is generous rather than required in most of these countries.
How much should I tip a hairdresser?
In the United States, 15% to 20% of the service price is typical, and many people tip assistants who wash hair separately. In other countries, practice varies, so check local custom.
How much do you tip a taxi driver?
In the US, 15% to 20% is common, or rounding up the fare for a short ride. In many other countries, rounding up the fare is enough.
Is a service charge the same as a tip?
No. A service charge is added by the venue automatically, while a tip is voluntary. Some businesses pass the service charge on to staff and others do not, so ask if you want to be sure.