Tipping Abroad: the ultimate guide to international tipping etiquette

Navigating tipping customs, whether you're in vacation or just moved country - can be a challenging task, with each country having its own set of standards. Many people are oblivious of the appropriate gratuity to offer, leading to awkward situations and unhappy service providers. To avoid such predicaments, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the customary practices before visiting a new destination. Consider the bellhop who approaches expectantly, expecting a token of gratitude for their assistance. Failure to deliver a gratuity may result in a sense of discontent. Similarly, if they get a cold shoulder devoid of a gratuity, they might feel unappreciated and displeased. Even the bartender may become disappointed if they are not adequately tipped.

To illustrate the difference in tipping customs, let's take Japan as an example. In Japan, if you inadvertently leave a few coins on the table, the engaged waiter might pursue you to return the forgotten change. Contrarily, in New York, failing to tip the bartender at least $1 per order could prompt them to pursue you as you exit the building. Additionally, leaving less than a 20% tip may hurt your chances of ever securing a reservation in the same restaurant again. Therefore, it is vital to be mindful of such distinctions to ensure smooth interactions and avoid potential consequences.

To assist you in guiding tipping practices abroad, here is our concise guide!

Argentina

In Argentina, it is customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants. Hotels typically include a service charge of around 10%, but if that is not the case, it is customary to tip housekeeping and porters 1-2 pesos for assisting with your luggage. For exceptional service, you can also give a few pesos to the maid on a daily basis. Although it is not expected, most people leave some coins as a tip for taxi drivers.

Australia

Tipping culture in Australia is gradually developing, but it remains entirely optional. It is generally acceptable to leave a 10% tip at restaurants if you wish to do so. While it is not customary to tip taxi drivers, it is becoming more common as tourism in Australia increases.

Austria

Tipping practices in Austria differ from those in North America or other parts of Europe. This is primarily due to decent wages and the inclusion of a service charge in the bill at most establishments. However, in restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10%, depending on the level of luxury. It is preferred to give the tip in cash directly to the waiter, accompanied by saying "danke" (thank you) as an Austrian equivalent of "keep the change." If you are dissatisfied with the service, it is not unusual to forgo tipping. For taxi drivers, a general guideline is to tip around 10%. It is also appreciated to tip porters approximately 1-2€ per piece of luggage, as well as the chambermaid every morning. While these tips are not obligatory, they are valued gestures of appreciation.

Belgium

Tipping is not widely practiced in Belgium, as service employees generally receive fair salaries and do not heavily rely on tips. Nevertheless, there are certain cases where tipping may be appropriate. In restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is usually added to the bill, but leaving a few coins for excellent service is a nice gesture. If the service charge is not included, a 15% tip is expected. Tipping is not usual in hotels or taxis; instead, it is typical to round up the fare as a small gesture of appreciation. Car park attendants typically receive 1€, cloakroom staff may receive 50 cents, toilet aids around 25 cents, and bar staff is usually given small change. While tipping is not required for taxi drivers in Belgium, it is still appreciated.

Canada

In Canada, it is generally expected to tip service staff in the range of 10-20%, depending on the region (French or English Canada) and the grade of service received. If the assistance is exceptionally flawed, leaving a minimal tip, such as a few cents, can express your dissatisfaction. Restaurants often have a service charge of 15% on the bill. When it comes to hotel benefits, it is customary to tip between $1-3 per day for porters, valets, and housekeepers. You can leave the tip on the bed or the side table as a gesture of gratitude for their assistance. Tipping your taxi driver is considered normal, and a tip of around 10% is expected for their service.