At a glance
Do you know how much of a tip you should give in the country you're visiting?
To tip or not to tip?
It's not always easy to know the customs of far-off destinations when it comes to tips ("tipping").
Many tourists therefore wonder whether it's customary to leave a tip when they're in their holiday country, and – if so – how much that tip should be.
The question may seem trivial, but be careful, because in some countries, whether or not you leave a tip can be seen as an insult. In each country, there can also be differences depending on the type of tip (in a restaurant, a hotel, a bar or a taxi).
What tip in which country?
You'll find useful information at: http://www.routard.com/dossier-pratique/cid131005-pourboires-dans-le-monde.html?page=1
Differences by continent
As a general rule, each continent has its own customs:
In Oceania: A 10% goods and services tax is included in the total bill amount. So there's no need to leave a tip, but a little extra is always welcome.
In Asia: In some Asian countries, a tip is seen as unwelcome (e.g. Japan) and can imply that the employee is underpaid, and therefore not properly valued by their employer. However, in some countries such as Malaysia, it's customary to leave a tip.
In Africa: Tipping is a very common and widespread practice, especially in tourist areas. In Egypt, for example, tipping is standard practice, even for small favours.
In Europe: In some countries, tips are appreciated but not necessary (they represent a little extra on top of the wage). Leave a small tip if you particularly enjoyed the service and the meal.
In North America: In the United States as in Canada, the rule is to leave a tip in restaurants and bars (10-15%).
In South America: Tipping isn't mandatory there, as it's often included in the bill. However, it can be appreciated as a sign of gratitude for the service provided.
This article was written by TopCompare.be in collaboration with Redion.
