Currency & Tipping Cheat Sheet: Every Country
Quick answer: Tipping norms vary wildly by country — from no-tip cultures (Japan, China) to mandatory 18-22% (USA). This cheat sheet covers tipping rules and currency for 22 of the most-visited countries.
Tipping wrong can offend (Japan), shortchange workers (USA), or get you charged twice (where service is already included). This complete guide covers tipping etiquette and currency for 22 major travel destinations — bookmark before your next trip.
Tipping & Currency by Country
USA (USD ($))
Restaurants: 18-22%. Hotel housekeeping: $3-5/day. Bell hop: $1-2/bag. Taxi: 15-20%. Tip in cash when possible.
Canada (CAD ($))
Restaurants: 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping: $3-5/day. Taxi: 15%. Generally similar to USA.
UK (GBP (£))
Restaurants: 10-15% (often added as service charge). Pubs: not expected. Taxis: round up. Hotel housekeeping: £2-5/day.
France (EUR (€))
Restaurants: 5-10% (service often included — 'service compris'). Taxis: round up. Hotel staff: €1-2 per service.
Italy (EUR (€))
Restaurants: 5-10% if not included ('coperto' cover charge is NOT tip). Coffee bars: small change. Taxis: round up.
Spain (EUR (€))
Restaurants: 5-10%. Taxis: round up. Bars: small change. Hotel staff: €1-3.
Germany (EUR (€))
Restaurants: 10% (round up). Tell server total including tip when paying. Taxis: round up. Hotel staff: €1-3.
Japan (JPY (¥))
NO TIPPING — culturally inappropriate. Service charge sometimes added in luxury hotels. Don't tip taxi drivers.
China (CNY (¥))
Generally no tipping in mainland. Luxury hotels may add service charge. Tour guides: ¥50-100/day.
South Korea (KRW (₩))
No tipping expected. Service charge added at hotels and high-end restaurants. Taxi: round up only.
Thailand (THB (฿))
Restaurants: 10% or service charge already added. Massage: 50-100 THB. Taxis: round up. Tour guides: 200-500/day.
Vietnam (VND (₫))
Optional but appreciated. Restaurants: 5-10%. Spas: 50,000-100,000 VND. Tour guides: $5-10/day USD.
Indonesia (IDR (Rp))
10% service charge often added. If not, 10% appreciated. Hotel staff: 10,000-20,000 IDR. Spas: 10-15%.
Australia (AUD ($))
Not strongly expected. Round up taxis. Restaurants: 10% for excellent service. No tipping at bars/cafes.
New Zealand (NZD ($))
Not expected. Service workers paid well. Optional 10% for excellent restaurant service.
India (INR (₹))
Restaurants: 10% if not included. Hotel staff: 100-200 INR/day. Tour guides: 500-1000 INR/day. Drivers: 200-500/day.
Mexico (MXN ($))
Restaurants: 10-15%. Bell hop: 50 MXN/bag. Taxi: round up. Hotel housekeeping: 50-100 MXN/day.
Argentina (ARS ($))
Restaurants: 10%. 'Cubierto' (cover charge) is separate. Hotel staff: $1 USD equivalent. Cash preferred.
Brazil (BRL (R$))
Restaurants: 10% often added. Hotel housekeeping: R$5-10/day. Tour guides: R$50-100/day.
Egypt (EGP (£))
Baksheesh culture. Tip frequently and small amounts. Restaurants: 10-15%. Tour guides: $5-10/day USD.
Morocco (MAD (Dh))
Restaurants: 10%. Hotel porter: 10-20 dirham/bag. Tour guides: $5-10/day USD. Henna artist: 50-100 dirham.
South Africa (ZAR (R))
Restaurants: 10-15%. Hotel staff: R20-50/day. Tour guides: R150-300/day.
Universal Tipping Tips
- Research before arrival: Don't rely on memory — norms change by region.
- Cash is king: Carry small bills in local currency for routine tips.
- Check the bill: 'Service compris' (FR), 'servizio incluso' (IT), 'service charge' (most countries) means tip is included.
- Don't over-tip: Tipping above local norms can come across as flashy or culturally tone-deaf.
- Tour guides expect tips: $5-20/day depending on country, longer for multi-day tours.
- Discrete delivery: Hand tips directly, in envelope, or place under a plate. Don't display.
Currency Tips When Traveling
- Tell your bank you're traveling to prevent card freezes.
- Use bank ATMs at the destination for best exchange rates (avoid airport currency exchanges).
- Carry $200-500 USD or EUR as emergency backup.
- Cards work in major cities but cash is needed for taxis, markets, small restaurants.
- Notify your credit card about international travel — many waive foreign transaction fees.
- Cash for tips: Always tip in cash if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip when traveling internationally?
Tipping norms vary enormously. USA: 18-22% at restaurants. Europe: 5-10%. Japan/China/South Korea: don't tip (often offensive). Southeast Asia: 10% or service charge included. Latin America: 10-15%. Always research before traveling.
Where should I NOT tip?
Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore — tipping can be insulting or refused. Also avoid tipping above and beyond service charge at restaurants in these countries.
Should I tip in local currency or USD?
Local currency is best for restaurants and routine services. USD/EUR works for tour guides, longer-service providers in tourism-heavy countries (Egypt, Morocco, India). $5-20 bills in good condition appreciated.
Do I tip at the counter for coffee or fast food?
USA: tip jars common, $0.50-1 appreciated. Europe: not expected. Most other countries: no. American tipping screens have become global but you can still skip if no service performed.
How do I handle taxi tips?
USA: 15-20%. Europe: round up to nearest euro/pound. Asia/Africa: round up to nearest local denomination. Negotiated fares: no extra tip needed.
What's the etiquette for hotel staff?
Bellhop: $1-2/bag US, equivalent abroad. Housekeeping: $3-5/day US, equivalent abroad. Concierge: $5-20 for special help. Leave in envelope marked 'thank you' to ensure correct recipient.