Think twice before leaving extra money! Cultural norms about tipping

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Think twice before leaving extra money! Cultural norms about tipping

Who wouldn’t want a little extra money in recognition for good service? Well, as it turns out, not all people! In the U.S., tipping feels like second nature. But step outside the country, and that well-meaning habit can turn awkward or even insulting. Let’s look at how tipping follows cultural rules shaped by history and local values!

United States: Tipping is deeply ingrained

Image: Emilio Takas

In the U.S., tipping is one of the most pronounced service customs. Tips of 15–20 % in restaurants are widely expected.

The ritual extends to taxis, bar staff, hotel porters, housekeeping, and more. Leaving little or no tip can be seen as extremely rude, since it suggests the service was truly poor.

Japan: It can be confusing or even rude!

Image: Possessed Photography

In Japan, leaving a tip is decidedly not part of the culture. It can even offend people! That’s because excellent service is expected as standard, and workers take pride in doing their job well. Extra money would be a bit condescending!

In fact, if you leave tips at casual cafés or traditional restaurants, staff sometimes chase you down just to return them!

France: You can tip, but modestly

Image: Roman Wimmers

In France, restaurant bills usually say service compris ("service included"), meaning a service charge is already baked into the price.

On special occasions or for truly exceptional service, leaving an extra 5–10 % or simply rounding up the bill is appreciated, but massive tips would surprise many French servers.

Italy: A little change is fine

Image: Christian Dubovan

In Italy, even small tips are rare, but welcome! Locals often leave round-up change or a euro or two at cafés or gelaterias. Anything larger for exceptional service might catch them off guard.

Beyond that, you may see a coperto (cover charge) on your bill. That’s a small fee that isn’t a tip but rather covers bread and table service.

Germany: Be sure to hand it directly to servers

Image: John Vid

What stands out in Germany is the interaction. Tipping is a matter of rounding up or adding a modest 5-10 % in restaurants, but rather than leaving cash on the table, Germans often tell the waiter the total they want to pay. For example, handing over €28 for a €25 bill.

United Kingdom: Only when service isn’t included

Image: Sarah Agnew

In the UK, tipping norms depend on the context. In many restaurants, a service charge (often around 10%) may be added automatically; if so, you don’t need to give more.

In pubs and casual spots, tipping is far less common, and bartenders don’t usually expect anything extra.

Australia & New Zealand: Usually goes for exceptional service

Image: Melissa Walker Horn

Down under, a little extra something is optional and often reserved for truly outstanding service. In restaurants, 5-10 % might be left for extraordinary meals; elsewhere, rounding up a taxi fare or leaving a small amount for hotel staff is appreciated, not expected.

China: Tipping is rare but slowly changing in big cities

Image: Mitchell Luo

Tipping has long been uncommon in China. In most of the country, leaving extra money on the table isn’t seen as normal. That said, Western influence and booming tourism are beginning to shift things!

In upscale restaurants, five-star hotels, and tour settings, particularly in megacities like Beijing and Shanghai, a small tip might be expected, but in most establishments, it still isn’t the norm.

Brazil: Service is often included

Image: Eduardo Soares

Many restaurants in Brazil include a 10 % service charge on the bill. Locals may leave a small tip beyond that for excellent service, and tour guides receive modest tips for a job well done. But, beyond that, tips aren't universally expected.

Mexico: "Propina" is expected

Image: Marco Antonio Casique Reyes

In Mexico, tipping (or propina) is commonly expected by most services. It doesn’t have to be much, but you would be kind to give small amounts to staff, from waiters and bellboys to housekeeping employees.

India: It’s now modest, but growing

Image: rupixen

India’s tipping scene seems to combine tradition and tourism influence. In tourist areas, tipping has grown more expected, while more informal local spots may see casual rounding up of the bill.