Travel Tipping Etiquette

March 9, 2010

Travel tipping etiquette is one of the biggest dilemmas every traveler, rich or poor, encounters. Who should you tip? How much? What should you give so you don’t appear cheap? Has it actually been added to the bill anyway?

Every country is different so know before you go. Make a point of loading up on small denominations of the local currency and carry a wad of $US1 bills when you head off to poorer countries.

Alphabetically here is a mixed list of countries and their tipping practices.

AUSTRALIA  
Up until recently no restaurant tipping was necessary but now add up to 10% on a restaurant bill in the larger cities if service is good. If a service charge has been added no extra tipping is needed.
Taxi tipping varies from zero to 10% so you’ll need to be the judge. Use the bigger number in larger centers and change from your fare will probably suffice in smaller towns.

CANADA
Add 15% of your restaurant bill before tax as a tip. Service  charges with large groups are usually added anyway so no additional tipping is required.
Tip taxi drivers 10-12%.

ENGLAND
In restaurants add 10-15% IF it hasn’t been added as a service fee.
Tip taxi drivers 10%.

FRANCE
Service charges are added to restaurant bills already but if service is excellent leave a few extra Euros on the table. Look for the words servis compris (SC), service et taxe compris (STC) or prix nets/toute taxes comprises (TTC) which means that prices include service and value added tax. In a bar where you’re standing you might want to leave some small change.
Tip taxi drivers 10%.

GERMANY
Service and taxes are included in the menu prices in Germany. However adding another 5-10% is still considered by some to be proper etiquette as is rounding up to the closest Euro. The level of service will help you make the decision. Don’t leave the tip on the table; tell the server how much you want to pay BEFORE you pay, including the extra tip.
If you want water ask for bottled water as you will be deemed a rude patron if you ask for tap water only.
Round up to the nearest whole Euro for a taxi tip.

HOLLAND
The service charge is included but tip another 10% for exceptional service.
Add one Euro as a taxi tip.

IRELAND
Check to see if a service charge has been added to your restaurant bills. If it hasn’t then tip 10-15%. 
You don’t need to tip taxis but you can round up a fare or add a Euro or two if desired.

ITALY
Service is normally included in your bill as is a cover charge or coperto. Tip if you have really enjoyed the food and the service – up to 10%.
Cab drivers don’t expect but do appreciate tips – so if they’ve been particularly helpful add a little extra.

JAPAN
Tipping is not expected on any level with respect to restaurants or taxis.  

MEXICO
In restaurants tip 15-20%. Most service people do not get paid well and depend on tips so be generous.
Taxis have a monopoly on the local transportation business and build a tip into their rates – which tend to be on the high side already. Only tip if you’ve received an extra service.

NEW ZEALAND
Tips are not the norm but a tip for exceptional service of 10% is appreciated.
You don’t need to tip your taxi driver but do consider rounding up to the nearest dollar.

SPAIN
There is confusion even among the guidebooks about tipping in Spain. Some say it’s common to tip 5-10%, others say leave only the small change. I’d say keep a few Euros handy and be prepared to discreetly put them on the table.
Taxi tipping is rarely done but if they’ve helped you alot give them 1-2 Euros.

SWEDEN
A service charge is already included in the bill so tipping isn’t necessary. If you’ve had a fine dining experience and exceptional service then add another 5-10%.
Round up your taxi fare and make sure you’ve given the equivalent of a few dollars as a tip.

SWITZERLAND
Service charges are added already in restaurants and bars so extra tipping is not actually required. However, giving a little extra when service is good is still appreciated – a few Swiss francs would suffice.
Don’t tip taxi drivers unless they’ve made a special effort and then a few Swiss francs should do the trick.

UNITED STATES
Servers are not paid well so plan to tip 15% at a minimum and 20% for exceptional service. If you’re part of a large party the tip may have been added, in which case no additional tip is required.
Tip taxis 10-15% depending on how helpful they were to you.

A guide to tipping guides and staff at tour companies will be the focus of another blog.

Leigh McAdam
www.hikebiketravel.com

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Miscellaneous travel tips, Restaurant Tips 

Comments

One Response to “Travel Tipping Etiquette”

  1. Candice on March 10th, 2010 8:11 am

    This is a super useful post Leigh…when I first went to England I had no idea about the whole tipping thing, and bartenders often found it an annoyance. Don’t forget the bartender thing for Canada…I usually just leave leftover change for them.

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