Financial Learning Center

Whether or not to tip is a very personal decision, and an often controversial topic. If you’re confused about tipping practices in Canada, and the many differences of opinion on the subject, what about when you travel?

Since tipping practices vary from country to country and culture to culture, we thought we’d give you a quick guide to what’s acceptable, expected, and even offensive, depending on where you’re planning to visit.

NORTH AMERICA

Tipping practices in Canada are fairly universal. It is customary to tip 15 to 20 percent of the bill (before taxes) for a meal at a table-service restaurant, and 10 to 15 percent of the bill for services such as haircuts and taxi rides. A few dollars is enough for a porter to help you carry your luggage to the airport or to a hotel. Exceptional or high-end service deserves a larger tip. Conversely, a smaller tip for poor service is perfectly acceptable.

The same is true in the United States, namely a 15 to 20 percent tip for a restaurant meal. The big difference, however, is that service staff in the United States are typically paid well below minimum wage, so they rely on tips to supplement their income. You may not change your tipping practices when you visit our neighbors to the south, but keep this in mind.

Considering a trip to Las Vegas? There are other things to consider. For example, if your hotel offers you a free meal, you should still tip the value of the meal: the server should not be penalized for enjoying a meal on the hotel’s dime. At the casino, you may receive free cocktails for playing slots, dice, or cards. A $1 tip for the server per drink is appropriate (and appreciated).

EUROPE

Tipping practices in Europe are generally more liberal than in North America. And many Europeans don’t even tip.

That said, foreigners are expected to leave some. 5-10% of the bill is a good benchmark. Rounding up the bill, depending on the service received, is common practice.

Since there are as many tipping practices as there are restaurants, here are some points to consider:

Some restaurants in Europe will round up the bill before even giving it to you. In this case, you may not need to leave a tip.

In Italy, in particular, you may have to pay an entrance fee (called coperto ) which is usually around 2 or 3 euros per person. The coperto is often applied by table service restaurants to cover the cost of bread and water.

If you see a 10% service charge on your bill, this is the tip. You do not need to leave an extra amount. This service charge (called servizi in Italy, servicio in Spain and service in France) is usually found on bills for tables of six or more people and restaurants located in tourist areas.

Cash is the preferred method of tipping, even if you pay for your meal with a credit card.

Tipping practices in the UK vary slightly from the rest of Europe: it is common to leave 10-15% of the bill. Before tipping, make sure that the service charge has not already been added to the bill.

As for tipping tour guides, you can stick to around 10% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service, but you are not required to do so. What about taxi drivers? Just round up the fare.

ASIA

In China and Southeast Asia (such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia), tipping is not common practice, but it is appreciated by staff at restaurants, hotels, and tour companies.

In Japan, however, tipping is not allowed (not in taxis, restaurants, or hotels). Due to the country’s high service standards, tipping is considered impolite. It may even be refused.

If you’re traveling to India, be aware that the tipping culture is a little different. The amount of the tip varies depending on the total bill; a 7% tip at a restaurant is the general rule. Restaurants in major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai often add a service charge (5-10%) that includes the tip.

For tour guides, consider leaving $10-15 USD for a half-day tour and $15-20 USD for a full-day tour.

AFRICA

Most porters, safari guides and drivers in Africa rely on tips to supplement their income. We recommend thinking ahead about tipping and carrying small bills (either local currency or US currency, which is also widely accepted). As a guideline, a tip of US$10 per day is the norm for drivers and guides.

If you plan to climb Kilimanjaro or do other mountain treks in Africa, budget about 10% of the cost of your expedition for tips. It will cost you about $15 to $20 per day for a guide, $8 to $10 for a cook, and about the same amount for a porter. Confirm these figures with your travel agent before you leave.