Should you tip in Japan?

No. Tipping is considered rude. Service is included in the price and hospitality (omotenashi) is the standard. If you leave money on a table, the server will follow you to return it.

How much to tip in Italy?

Service is included by law (servizio incluso). Round up to the nearest euro, or leave 5 to 10 percent for exceptional service at a high-end restaurant. The "coperto" (cover charge) is not a tip, it is a bread and table fee.

How much to tip a tour guide?

In Western countries, 5 to 10 percent of the tour cost or 5 to 15 USD per person per day. In Asia and Latin America, smaller amounts (3 to 8 USD per person) are appropriate. For free walking tours, 10 to 20 USD per person.

Do you tip Uber drivers internationally?

In the US and Canada, yes (10 to 15 percent). In Europe, Asia, and Latin America, optional and not expected. Some Uber apps no longer prompt for tips outside North America.

Travel hacks, 5 min read

How to tip in different countries

Published 5 June 2026

Quick answer

-United States, 18 to 22 percent at restaurants, mandatory.
-Europe (most countries), service is included, round up only.
-Japan, do not tip, ever, considered rude.
-Latin America, 10 to 15 percent restaurants, small tips to porters and taxis.
-South East Asia, 10 percent in tourist areas, none elsewhere.

The US standard

In the US, tipping is part of the wage structure. Standard rates:

-Restaurants, 18 to 22 percent (20 percent is the polite default)
-Bars, 1 to 2 USD per drink or 18 to 20 percent of the tab
-Taxis, 15 to 20 percent
-Hotel housekeeping, 2 to 5 USD per night
-Hotel porter, 2 to 3 USD per bag
-Uber, optional but appreciated, 10 to 15 percent

Europe

In most of Europe, service is legally included in restaurant prices. Tipping protocol:

-Restaurants, round up or 5 to 10 percent for excellent service
-Bars, no tip required
-Taxis, round up to the nearest euro
-Hotels, 1 to 2 euros to the porter, 1 to 2 euros per night for housekeeping
-Tour guides, 5 to 10 percent of the tour cost
-Italy and France, service is included (servizio incluso, service compris)

Japan

Do not tip in Japan. Service is included, hospitality is the standard, and tipping is considered rude. The exception is some Western-influenced hotels that may have a service charge automatically. If a server tries to return money you left, take it back, do not insist.

Latin America

Tipping is common but smaller than the US:

-Mexico, 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, 10 percent to taxis, 1 to 2 USD to porters
-Argentina, 10 percent at restaurants (often added as "cubierto" cover charge plus tip)
-Brazil, 10 percent at restaurants (often added as "taxa de servico"), no tip on taxis
-Colombia and Peru, 10 percent at restaurants, small tip to tour guides

South East Asia and Africa

Tipping varies widely by country and tourist context:

-Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, 5 to 10 percent in tourist restaurants, none at local places
-India, 10 percent at restaurants, no tip on cheap taxis
-Morocco, 10 percent at restaurants in tourist zones, small dirhams for porters and guides
-South Africa, 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, 10 percent to taxis

Universal mistakes

Things to avoid everywhere:

-Do not over-tip in countries where it is not customary (Japan, Italy in casual places)
-Do not tip on top of an already-included service charge
-Do not tip in coins when paper money is appropriate (often felt as insulting)
-Always have small bills ready, ATMs in tourist zones give large notes

Frequently asked

Should you tip in Japan?
No. Tipping is considered rude. Service is included in the price and hospitality (omotenashi) is the standard. If you leave money on a table, the server will follow you to return it.
How much to tip in Italy?
Service is included by law (servizio incluso). Round up to the nearest euro, or leave 5 to 10 percent for exceptional service at a high-end restaurant. The "coperto" (cover charge) is not a tip, it is a bread and table fee.
How much to tip a tour guide?
In Western countries, 5 to 10 percent of the tour cost or 5 to 15 USD per person per day. In Asia and Latin America, smaller amounts (3 to 8 USD per person) are appropriate. For free walking tours, 10 to 20 USD per person.
Do you tip Uber drivers internationally?
In the US and Canada, yes (10 to 15 percent). In Europe, Asia, and Latin America, optional and not expected. Some Uber apps no longer prompt for tips outside North America.