Tipping etiquette often varies between countries and it can be easy to get confused or simply forget the rules when you’re jetting off around the world.
Mishaps can lead to awkward and uncomfortable moments or even unexpected added costs to your meal out.
Every January, holidaymakers create a surge in Google searches for ‘tipping etiquette’ as they frantically try and prepare for their upcoming trips in the new year.
It’s understandable, as a whopping 46 per cent of adults experience ‘tipping torment’ when they are abroad – struggling to grasp when, where and how much to leave for the waiter.
Hidden costs such as tipping can add up to 10 to 15 per cent to the overall price of the holiday.
There is a strong tipping culture in America where waiting staff rely on the extra cash to top up their income.
Elsewhere, tipping is not expected at all in Japan and it can even be considered rude to do so.
Fortunately, travel experts have revealed the best way to tip at some of the most popular destinations around the world.
Tipping culture can vary between countries – holidaymakers in America might be expected to leave extra cash while in Japan doing so can be seen as rude
In America, it is expected that diners leave around 20 to 25 per cent extra on top of their restaurant bill, according to experts from online travel agency eShores.
Even holidaymakers just ordering a drink at a bar can’t avoid the extra fee, as $1 to $2 (73p to £1.46) is expected per drink.
As for taxis, the driver might assume you will be leaving a 20 per cent tip too.
Alternatively, in Japan tipping is not considered the norm but particularly exceptional service might be acknowledged by leaving a discreet envelope.
Across Europe, the norms vary massively and travellers often have to grapple with discretionary service charges on bills too.
In Italy and Austria, a service charge isn’t always included on the final tab so adding five or ten per cent is often custom.
Meanwhile, the service charge is often included on bills in France, Germany and Spain.
Even so, leaving some additional change is appreciated too but isn’t seen as a requirement.
When visiting Nordic countries, waiting staff are well compensated for their work and tipping is often minimal.
When ordering a drink at a bar in the States, customers are often expected to leave an extra $1 to $2 (73p to £1.46) per drink
If jetting off to the Middle East, it’s important to note tipping practices differ by country but leaving some extra change is still widely appreciated.
In the United Arab Emirates, for example, if a service charge isn’t added to the bill leaving an extra 10 to 15 per cent is recommended. Drivers and porters also expect a small offering too.
But for Australia and New Zealand, tipping culture is far more relaxed and is only a recent concept. In larger cities, adding 10 per cent for great service is becoming more common but more regional areas, or when dining in a pub or café, not so.
Gavin Lapidus, founder and director of eShores, commented: ‘Tipping is one of the most common sources of uncertainty for travellers, especially when visiting new destinations where customs can feel unfamiliar.
‘Understanding local expectations not only helps you budget more accurately, but it also ensures smoother, more respectful interactions while abroad.’
