Quick guide: restaurant tipping by country
| Country | Restaurants | Taxis / rideshare | Hotels |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 15–20% (expected) | 15–20% | $2–$5 per night for housekeeping |
| Canada | 15–20% (expected) | 10–15% | C$2–$5 per night |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% if no service charge | Round up or ~10% | Optional |
| Ireland | ~10% if no service charge | Round up | Optional |
| Australia | Optional, ~10% for great service | Round up | Not expected |
| New Zealand | Optional, ~10% for great service | Not expected | Not expected |
| Germany / Austria | Round up or 5–10% | Round up | €1–€2 per night |
| France / Belgium / Luxembourg | Service included; small change or up to 5–10% | Round up | Optional |
| Netherlands | Service included; 5–10% for good service | Round up | Optional |
| Nordics (SE, NO, DK, FI) | Service included; rounding up is fine | Not expected | Not expected |
| Switzerland | Service included by law; round up | Round up | Optional |
| Singapore | Often 10% service charge added; no tip | Not expected | Not expected |
| Japan | Not customary | Not customary | Not customary |
United States and Canada
Tipping is part of how service workers are paid, so it is expected for table service, bars, taxis, rideshare, delivery, salons and more. 18–20% is common for good service. See our US tipping guide by service for details.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Many restaurants add a “discretionary service charge” of 10–12.5% to the bill. If they do, you don’t need to tip again. If not, about 10% is normal for table service. Tipping in pubs when ordering at the bar is not expected. Since October 2024, UK law requires employers to pass all tips on to staff.
Australia and New Zealand
Staff earn a higher minimum wage, so tipping is optional. Rounding up or leaving about 10% for excellent service is appreciated, especially in nicer restaurants. Some cafes add a weekend or public holiday surcharge instead.
Europe
In most of Western Europe, service is included in menu prices. Locals usually round up or leave a few coins or notes for good service. In Germany and Austria, say the total you want to pay when you hand over money (“make it 30”) rather than leaving cash on the table.
Japan and Singapore
In Japan, good service is simply expected and tipping can cause confusion. Staff may even run after you to return money. In Singapore, a 10% service charge plus GST is common on restaurant bills, so no extra tip is needed.
Use the tip calculator and pick your country at the top of the page. It switches the currency and suggests the usual tip.
Questions
Do you tip in the UK?
In restaurants, about 10–12.5% is customary unless a service charge has already been added. Tipping in pubs is not expected.
Is tipping expected in Australia?
No. It is optional. Rounding up or about 10% for excellent service is appreciated but not required.
Should I tip in Japan?
No. Tipping is not part of the culture and can cause confusion. Polite thanks is enough.
How much do you tip in Canada?
Similar to the US: 15–20% for table service, and around 10–15% for taxis.