Expert Tips for Tipping Abroad: A Travel Agent's Guide

Tipping can be tricky for Americans. Especially over the last few years, it seems tipping has become customary for every transaction. So, what is acceptable when traveling internationally? Will you offend someone by tipping? With so many more Americans making their way overseas, what is expected around the world? Where should you tip? How much? Is there ever a time or place to not tip? Let us help you navigate this world of gratuity.
 
In many Asian countries, you DO NOT tip at restaurants. This applies for Japan, China, and South Korea. In some Asian countries tipping can be insulting. Customarily, you do not tip in hotels in China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, or the Philippines. Other places, as little as a dollar is acceptable. Taxi drivers also do not expect gratuity.
 
Tipping varies country by country in Europe. The standard is 10% in restaurants. While 1-2 Euro is acceptable for hotel employees like hotel porters and housekeeping, tipping in cabs is not customary, rounding up the fare is acceptable and appreciated.
 
Unlike many places, there is no obligation to tip at all in New Zealand or Australia. Although, if service is exceptional, it’s acceptable but never expected.

Tips for Tipping:
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• Always carry cash. We know; it’s so much easier to just pay with your card. But, in many places cash is what they want. And, hotel employees can’t be tipped on your card. Don’t worry about carrying enough cash to pay for your whole trip, but getting some change before you embark is smart.

• Do your research. In some countries, you’ll be expected to tip most people you interact with while traveling, while in others you’ll only tip some.

• In some places, tipping can be an insult. While we as Americans see tipping as a compliment, it is not seen that way around the world. Be mindful of that as you travel.
• Remember to ask your travel agent if you are unsure.

What to tip in some of the most common destinations:
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France: Restaurant (10 percent), hotel maid per night (€1-1.50), hotel porter per bag (€0.50-1.00) per bag, taxi (10 percent).
Spain: Restaurant (10 percent), hotel maid per night (€2-5), hotel porter per bag (€1-2), taxi (10 percent.)
United States: Restaurant (10-25 percent), hotel maid per night ($2-$3), hotel porter per bag ($1-$2), tax (10-15 percent).
China: No tip for restaurant, hotel maid, hotel porter or taxi.
Italy: Restaurant (no tip); hotel maid per night (€0.75-1.50); hotel porter per bag (up to €5), taxi (10 percent)
Turkey: Restaurant (5-10 percent), hotel maid per night (5-10 lira), hotel porter per bag (4-5 lira), taxi (round up).
Mexico: Restaurant (10 percent), hotel maid per night (20-50 pesos), hotel porter per bag (10-20 pesos), tax (no tip).
Thailand: Restaurant (10 percent), hotel maid per night (20-50 baht), hotel porter per bag (20-50 baht), taxi (no tip).
Germany: Restaurant (10 percent), hotel maid per night (€3-5), hotel porter per bag (€1-3), taxi (round up).
United Kingdom: Restaurant (10 percent), hotel maid per night (£1-2), hotel porter per bag (£1-2), taxi (round up).
Japan: No tip for restaurant, hotel maid, hotel porter or taxi.
Austria: Restaurant (10 percent), hotel maid per night (€1-2), hotel porter per bag (€1-2), taxi (10 percent).
Greece: Restaurant (5-10 percent), hotel maid per night (€1), hotel porter per bag (€1), taxi (5-10 percent).
Malaysia: Restaurant (no tip), hotel maid per night (2-10 RM) hotel porter per bag (2-10 RM), taxi (no tip).
Portugal: Restaurant (no tip), hotel maid per night (€1-2), hotel porter per bag €1-2), taxi  (no tip).

As you set forth on your international escapades, remember that tipping customs can be as diverse as the landscapes you'll encounter. Armed with our comprehensive guide and invaluable tips for tipping, you can navigate these cultural nuances with ease and grace.

From Asia's no-tipping policies to Europe's varying practices and the optional approach in New Zealand and Australia, let your interactions be a testament to your understanding and respect for local customs.

​And, if you ever find yourself uncertain about the gratuity practices in your destination, don't hesitate to consult your travel agent for expert advice. So, as you explore the world, leave behind a trail of appreciation and cultural empathy!

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