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Have you got exciting holidays planned for 2020? Regardless of your destination travellers should not forget to inform themselves about the host country’s customs and etiquettes to avoid any unwanted surprises. To ensure everything is as smooth as it could be, read our tipping etiquette guide!
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The United States can be considered the tipping hub of the world and not leaving a tip will offend the people serving you, especially in restaurants. This is primarily due to the fact that most hospitality workers have a low remuneration of approximately $2.15 an hour and the tips make an enormous difference to them at the end of the month and is a way for customers to express their gratitude. The general rule is to tip between 18-25% of your bill, though 15% will be accepted.
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Unlike the United States, Thailand does not have a set custom about tipping, however, a small gratuity will never be unappreciated. In Bangkok and Phuket, restaurants might add a 10% charge on the bill which will be considered a tip, due the popularity of these two destinations with travellers from all around the world. Despite not being customary, a 20 baht tip to taxi drivers in Phuket is considered polite but the locals will never be rude and create discomfort if you don’t wish to leave a tip.
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Tipping in Singapore is not customary at all and is in fact strongly discouraged by the government, sometimes even banned by the latter. Furthermore, the 10% charge added to bills by high-end hotels is encouraged not to be paid by tourists. Therefore, you will not be expected to add an extra tip to any of your outings even to taxi drivers who will sometimes even refuse it. The only exception for tipping in Singapore is for hotel porters.
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France, Italy and Spain have fairly similar customs when it comes to tipping. In France, the law states that a service charge be included in the prices of restaurants, therefore, tipping is not necessary but it is done in little amounts nevertheless and is appreciated by restaurants and taxi drivers. The tipping custom can be considered as a gesture as opposed to an obligation. Spain has a similar system about charges being included in prices directly but it is not uncommon to leave a tip, though it is less frequent than in France. In Italy, restaurants include a cover charge, a ‘coperto’ which means restaurants don’t expect a tip at the end of your meal.
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In both Belgium, Austria and Denmark, tipping is not common as service workers are well remunerated. In Belgium however, it is not infrequent to leave a few coins depending on the circumstances. Most restaurants tend to add a 10-15% charge to the bill but nevertheless it is not wrong to leave something regardless. However, if the charge is not included, then a tip is expected. In Austria and Denmark, a tip is also circumstantial and in the case where it is going to be given, 5-10 % is appreciated.
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Tips in Greece and Portugal are expected but they are not an obligation. Restaurants sometimes round up the bill to include a tip, however, if this is not the case then 5-10 % gratuity is expected in Greece and 5% in Portugal. In Greece, no tips are expected for taxi drivers. In Portugal, tips are only really expected in Lisbon or in the Algarve, the most touristic areas.
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The tipping custom in Morocco is simple: do as you please. The general rule is that if someone provides good service then they deserve to be rewarded, but the amount of the tip is circumstantial and depends on the person and how generous they are feeling.
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