Tipping in different foreign countries can be a complex and confusing experience. This problem can be quite frustrating when you are an active traveler. You wonder how much tip does a cab driver expect and does he expect a tip at all. Your problems will not stop there. You will wonder the same thing at Hotels, night clubs and restaurants. I have never really thought about it until I kept having the same problem over and over again in the countries I have been in. That is why I decided to find out the tipping behavior in different countries and service industry.

Tipping a waiter in the USA

In the USA waiters make less money than the federal wage ($2.13/hour). This is why they expect to get a good tip from the customers when they visit the restaurant. A normal tip in the USA is approximately 15-20%. Sometimes, the credit card slip (where you sign the amount) may already have several suggested tip amounts calculated for your convenience (10%, 15%, 20%). You can either conclude the tip in the credit card slip itself or pay separately by cash. Do know that if you conclude the tip in the credit card slip, restaurants often don´t give the tip to the waiters. So I strongly advise you to pay the tip in cash.

Tipping a cab driver in the USA

In the United States it is normal to pay a cab driver 10% of your taxi fair. This is of course if he helps you load and unload the bags.

Tipping a bellboy in the USA

At a hotel, the bellboy who handles the bags should get $1-$2 per bag. This is especially In New York City very appreciated.

Tipping for a haircut or beauty treatment in the USA

When you go for a haircut or beauty treatment, you should generally tip at least 10%-20% to the provider of the service. This is very unusual in countries outside of the US and does not happen in every state. In many countries, they never heard of a tip for a haircut.

Note that tips can vary within the country and that in big cities they usually tip more than in little ones. For example in NYC they tip more than in San Angelo Texas.

England

The tipping behavior in England is very different than it is in the US. In England, waiters do not get paid less than minimum wage. So the tip depends mostly on various factors. For example: the place, the food and the quality of service. If it is an elegant place, a tip is certainly expected, but even than it would not be more than 10%. People from England feel that good service is simply part of their job. In a less fancy restaurant, a tip is not expected but small tip is appreciated.

Tipping a cab driver in England

Tipping the cab driver however is the same as in the United States. The amount is about 10% of the total fare.

Tipping a bellboy in England

A Bell boy gets just like in the US around the 2 pounds.

Tipping a waiter in Spain

The first thing you should know when entering Spain is that tipping is not mandatory. You only tip in classy, sit-down restaurants, where the service is good. If you like, you can also tip in cafeterias, but most people just leave their change. The idea of a typical American 15-20% tip does not exist in Spain.

Tipping a cab driver in Spain

The same rule applies with cab drivers. They don’t expect a tip. But if you really want to thank him for doing something extra, just politely ask him to keep the change.

Tipping a bell boy in Spain

It is a courtesy gesture to tip a bell boy after he just carried your luggage to your room, but not mandatory.

Tipping in China and Japan

Unlike the United States and Europe, it is in China not part of their culture and traditions to tip. At many establishments there is even a strict no tip policy. This includes massage studios, barbers, restaurants and more. Some Chinese people will think it is impolite to offer gratuity because they feel like what they do is undervalued.

Tipping in Hong Kong

Tipping in Hong Kong is a whole different story. Tipping in Hong Kong is even bigger than tipping in New York City. A cab driver will round up the amount as a tip to himself, a bellboy expects a tip of $5 – $10 per bag, restaurants include a 10% tip and expect you to tip some extra and classy restaurants and hotels include a 15% service charge. You pretty much have to tip everywhere.

Conclusion

The tipping amount varies per country. Even within a country or area the tipping behavior can be very different from each other. If you have any knowledge about tipping in a particular country I would love to hear it.

Article written by J.Besters, blogger and writer for apartime.com provider of vacation rental apartments in New York City.