Tipping EtiquetteEvery traveler should learn the Global Tipping Etiquette. This can be tricky as it varies per country. For some places, it is not really necessary, but it is very much appreciated. While in most countries, it is expected.

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Here is a guide to help you determine how much tip to give:

By Geography:

Asia and the Pacific
Central and South America
North America
Europe
Middle East and Africa

 

 

Tipping Etiquette in Asia and the Pacific

 

Tipping guidelines in this region can be very complicated. In most Asian countries, tipping is optional, but it is very much welcomed. However, there is a “No Tipping” rule in Japan. In most places, giving a tip really helps in getting a faster and better service.
 

 

Tipping Etiquette in Central and South America

Most of the time, restaurants and hotels already add a service charge to the bill. As a result, tipping is no longer necessary, unless you want to compensate the staff for the excellent service you received. Be sure to check your bill to see if a service charge was already included before adding any additional tip.

 

Tipping Etiquette in North America

In America, tipping is automatic as people expect it all the time. Proper tipping etiquette requires that in restaurants, customers give 15%-20% of the total bill (prior to any tax).
 

Tipping Etiquette in Europe

More often than not, hotels and restaurants in Europe already include a service charge. Thus, tipping is not an obligation. For some places where there is no service charge, a 10% tip is considered adequate and 15% tip is considered generous.
 

Tipping Etiquette in Middle East and Africa

Tipping is not as essential and you can follow your gut feeling. If you feel that the person deserves to be additionally compensated, then give by all means do so.

Here are the most common tipping practices per category:

Hotels
Airport
Restaurants

 

Hotels- Tips to Hotel Staff Varies.

Before checking-in, be sure to ask whether gratuities are already included in the room rate. If there is no tip included, you can use this tipping guide:

Bellman/Doorman- $1-$2 per bag.

Valet parking attendant– $1-$3 for returning the car

Housekeeper– $2-$5 per night. It is advisable to leave the tip daily rather than at the end of your stay because different people might be assigned to clean your room, depending on staff schedule. If you decide to tip the housekeeper at the end of your stay, just make sure to leave a note for them or they may not receive it.

Room Service– For extra items requested, like extra towels, pillows, blankets, etc., you can give $2 or $3. For food service, gratuity is usually included in the bill. If not, you can give 15%-20%.

Concierge– For general advice, tipping is not really expected but appreciated. You can give $5-$20 for your entire stay, depending on how helpful the person was.

Spa and Salon Services– 10%-20%.

Tour guides– 10%-20%.

 

Airport Tipping- Know When and How Much To Tip at The Airport

Shuttle drivers– $1-$3 per bag.

Porters– $1-$3 per bag.

Wheel chair pusher– $2-$5 per person

Taxi drivers– 10%-20%, minimum $5.

 

Restaurant Tipping Guide

Check your bill if gratuity is included or not. If it is already included, there is no need to give any additional tip unless service was exceptional. If the tip is not added to the bill, normally 15%-20% is good.

Bartenders– $1-$2 per drink

Remember, wrong tipping etiquette can potentially ruin your trip as it can give you unpleasant experiences.

Please note, that these are only guidelines and suggestions and there are no strict rules on tipping. It is definitely upon your discretion, however, it is always safe to follow the common practice. When in doubt, you can always ask and most of the time, they will be more than happy to let you know.

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