Language 
Do you tip here, or is it an insult? Tipping rules across 10 countries that travelers get wrong
Tipping isn't universal. Find out where tips are expected, where service is already included, and where leaving one can actually offend.
Tipping in the USA is non-negotiable, but the same practice can be deeply offensive in Japan.
Because tipping etiquette differs so drastically worldwide, meals can be confusing and unnerving experiences if you’re not sure how things work at your destination.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a ‘tip-or-not-to-tip’ situation abroad, or are worried about unintentionally offending a local, this guide is for you. It covers 10 countries where travelers most often slip up, starting with places where a tip can actually offend.
A quick tipping cheat sheet for all 10 countries
The most common mistake travelers make is assuming their destination’s tipping rules match their home country’s. In most cases, they don’t.
Here’s an overview of where tipping is expected, where it’s not, where it’s already included, and where tipping is a big no-no. Take a screenshot and save it on your phone to refer to on your next trip.
| Country | Tip expected? | Quick rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | No, can offend | Do not tip, excellent service is the standard |
| South Korea | No | Not customary, no need to leave anything |
| China | Rarely | Not traditional, and mostly cashless via apps |
| France | Included | Service is in the bill, round up for great service |
| Italy | Included | Coperto or servizio may apply, small extra optional |
| United Arab Emirates | Often added | 10 to 15% service charge is common, small cash tip welcomed |
| United States | Yes, expected | 15 to 20% at restaurants, more for standout service |
| Egypt | Yes | Baksheesh culture, small tips expected widely |
| Australia | No | Not expected, staff earn a full wage |
| Iceland | No | Not customary, service is built into prices |
Where leaving a tip can actually cause offense
In these countries, tipping isn’t seen as a generous gesture, but an awkward and even insulting action.
Japan
The Japanese pride themselves in delivering quality service. A high standard is the expected benchmark; it’s not done to encourage tips.
Giving a tip here can make staff feel you are trying to motivate them to provide better service, and that their level wasn’t high enough for your liking. Alternatively, it can imply that you believe they are underpaid and need charity.
South Korea
In South Korea, tipping is not part of the culture, and when tourists try to tip, it can cause confusion.
For any service, the prices charged are viewed as final. So if you leave a tip on the table, the staff will assume you left it by accident. They might even chase you to return it, resulting in an awkward exchange for everyone involved.
China
Tipping is also not a traditional practice in China. If you try to force a worker to accept a tip, they will likely feel embarrassed and like you are doing something improper.
Moreover, China is a cashless country where most payments are made via the WeChat Pay and Alipay apps. So, leaving some coins on the table as a tip is also rarely feasible.
If you want to show appreciation in these countries, the most polite way is a sincere thank you with a slight bow.
Where the service charge is already included in your bill
Some countries, including many European destinations, operate by a “service included” model. They essentially add a tip to the bill before giving it to you, so adding one on top of that would result in “double-tipping.”
France
In France, service is legally included, so you will see “service compris” on the check, which is around 15% of the bill.
This service charge replaces the need for a tip. That said, it’s generally ok to round up or leave a euro or two if you experienced great service or fantastic food in Paris, but it’s certainly not an obligation.
Italy
Throughout Italy, whenever you sit down for a meal, you will pay “coperto” (cover charge), in addition to the cost of your food and drink. Coperto is typically a couple of euros per person. But it isn’t a tip; it’s a fee that covers things like cutlery, bread, etc.
Some places also add “servizio” (service charge), typically 10% to 15% of the bill. This is equal to a tip.
When eating out in Italy, if the bill shows servizio and coperto, don’t tip. If it only shows coperto, you can leave a small additional tip if you wish, but it’s not expected.
United Arab Emirates
Across the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, many restaurants add a 10-15% service charge, so a tip isn’t needed. However, leaving a small cash tip on top is genuinely appreciated, and it often goes directly to staff, while the service charge may not.
Where tipping is expected, and where it barely exists
To show just how drastic views on tipping can be across the world, here are two countries where not leaving a tip or even under-tipping is a major social mistake, versus two where tipping basically doesn’t exist.
United States
Tipping is not just non-negotiable in the USA; getting the amount right is crucial, too. Many travelers assume a small tip is enough, but that can cause serious offense. 15 to 20% is the baseline at sit-down restaurants, but tips are expected in many other places.
If you’re ordering a drink at a bar, you should tip the bartenders. If you take a taxi, you should tip the driver. Then at the hotel, you should tip the staff who assist you at check-in, help with your bags, etc.
Tipping is mandatory in the USA because wages depend on it. For example, wait staff’s base pay is so low that tips make up around 50% of their total income.
Egypt
Egypt is another country where tipping (locally known as baksheesh) is a core part of the culture. Tipping is expected for services from wait staff and drivers to tour guides and hotel housekeeping, so factor it into your travel costs for Egypt.
However, unlike the USA, you can leave small tips. A few dollars or 10% of your bill is generally sufficient. And if you see a service charge added to your restaurant bill, still leave a small tip, as the service charge rarely goes straight to the servers.
Australia
Australia has some of the best hospitality wages in the world, with wait staff and bartenders earning no less than AUD $27 an hour. Therefore, tipping is not customary, nor is it expected from tourists. Still, rounding up for great service is totally fine.
Iceland
Tipping is also not customary or expected in Iceland, as a service charge is already included in the price. Like Australia, workers in Iceland receive very livable wages, and so, locals rarely leave tips.
How to get tipping right anywhere without the guesswork
Rather than trying to remember the tipping rules of each country, simply follow this 5-step process to get tipping right during your travels:
- Check local norms before you arrive: If you forget, do a quick search when the bill arrives instead of guessing.
- If tipping is customary, carry small denominations of local currency: If possible, exchange some notes at the airport so you have change to tip airport staff and taxi drivers. Cultures like Egypt run on cash even when cards are common.
- When you’re unsure, observe locals or ask politely: Asking is always less awkward and offensive than getting it wrong.
- Don’t assume your home country’s tipping habits apply in your destination: This is the golden rule to remember, as it’s this assumption that causes the most awkward and insulting tipping experiences.
- Download a currency or tip calculator app: There are many travel apps that help you quickly figure out exactly how much to tip in each situation.
Travel light on worries with Holafly
Figuring out tipping is a lot easier when you can look it up the moment the bill arrives. A Holafly eSIM keeps you online across borders with unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 customer support, so a quick check on local customs is never more than a tap away. For anyone hopping between several of these countries on one trip, Holafly Plans covers 160+ destinations with a single eSIM.
What’s more, every Holafly eSIM comes with Always On, 1 GB of monthly backup data at no additional cost. It activates automatically as long as the eSIM stays installed on your device, renews every month, and works in 150+ destinations. So even if your main data runs low mid-trip, you can still pull up a tipping guide, convert a currency, or message your hotel without missing a beat.
Wherever you land, and whatever the local tipping rule turns out to be, you stay connected even when plans change.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Plans that may interest you
Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of Search SEOul, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
