Tipping Around the World: A Complete Guide for UK Travellers
Last updated: May 2026
Tipping norms vary so dramatically around the world that what's polite in one country is offensive in another. As a UK traveller, you're used to tipping being optional — but in some countries it's essentially mandatory, and in others it can cause genuine offence. Here's what you need to know before your next trip.
Where tipping is essential
The United States has the most tip-dependent service culture in the world. Servers are legally paid as little as $2.13 per hour, with tips expected to make up the rest of their income. 18–20% at restaurants is the minimum expectation — anything under 15% is considered poor form. Canada follows similar norms.
In Mexico and much of Latin America, 10–15% at restaurants is standard and staff genuinely depend on it. Always tip in cash and directly to your server — card tips don't always reach the waiter.
Egypt, Morocco, and much of North Africa operate on a baksheesh culture — small tips for almost any service are expected. Always carry small notes in local currency.
Where tipping is appreciated but optional
Most of Europe falls into this category. Spain, Portugal, and Greece welcome a 5–10% tip at restaurants but nobody will be offended if you round up or leave nothing. Germany has a charming custom: tell the server the total you want to pay before they process your card — "48 euros please" on a €43 bill means you're leaving €5.
France requires a 15% service charge to be included in all restaurant prices by law, so additional tipping is genuinely optional. Italy often adds coperto (cover charge) and servizio (service charge) — check your bill before leaving anything extra.
Australia and New Zealand pay hospitality workers a proper living wage, so tipping is genuinely optional. Nobody will think less of you for not tipping, though 10% at a nice city restaurant is increasingly common.
Where tipping causes offence
Japan is the most well-known example. Tipping is considered rude — good service is a professional standard, not something that warrants extra payment. Staff may run after you to return money they assume you left by mistake. Simply say thank you sincerely and leave.
Singapore adds a mandatory 10% service charge and 9% GST to restaurant bills, making additional tipping unnecessary and unusual.
The practical advice
Before any trip, check the tipping norms for your specific destination. Our country guides cover 30 destinations with venue-by-venue guidance and a built-in calculator pre-set to local percentages. Whether you're heading to the USA, Japan, Morocco, or anywhere in between, you'll know exactly what to tip before you arrive.
Planning a trip? Browse our tipping guides for 30 countries — each with a built-in calculator pre-set to local norms.