How much to tip at restaurants: a country-by-country guide
Tipping is one of the most confusing parts of traveling. In some countries it's practically part of the price, in others it's up to you, and in a few it can be awkward. This is a practical overview — customs change, so always check your bill and local habits.
Check the bill first
In many countries restaurants already add a service charge to the bill — labelled "service charge", "servizio", "service compris" or "serviço". If service is included, an extra tip usually isn't needed; you might round up if you were especially happy. Before adding anything, read the lines at the bottom of the receipt.
Europe
- UK and Ireland: around 10–12.5%. A "discretionary service charge" is often already on the bill — then you add nothing.
- France: service is included by default ("service compris"). A few euros or small change for good service is a nice gesture, not an obligation.
- Germany and Austria: round up to roughly 5–10%. You usually tell the server the total when paying ("make it 30") rather than leaving money on the table.
- Italy: there's often a "coperto" (a per-person cover charge for bread and cutlery). Tipping isn't expected, but rounding up is appreciated.
- Spain and Portugal: tips are modest — small change or up to about 5–10% in nicer restaurants.
- Greece and Turkey: around 5–10% for good service.
- Serbia and the Western Balkans: around 10% is customary in restaurants for good service; in cafés people usually round up.
The Americas
- USA: tips are part of servers' income. The standard is 15–20%, more for excellent service. At bars, $1–2 per drink is typical.
- Canada: similar to the US, around 15–20%.
- Mexico: around 10–15%.
- Brazil: a 10% "serviço" is often added to the bill and is technically optional.
- Argentina: around 10% is customary, often in cash.
Asia, Oceania and the Middle East
- Japan: tipping isn't practiced and can cause awkwardness. Good service is simply expected.
- South Korea and China: generally not customary, except in some hotels and tourist spots.
- Thailand and Vietnam: not required; small change or rounding up is common in tourist areas. Some restaurants add a service charge.
- Australia and New Zealand: not expected; around 10% for outstanding service at nicer places.
- United Arab Emirates: a service charge is often on the bill; if not, around 10% is common.
- Egypt: tipping is expected for almost every service, around 10% at restaurants.
Card or cash?
Where tipping is common, you can increasingly add it on the card terminal. Still, in many countries cash remains the surest way for the tip to reach the person who actually served you.
Three rules that work everywhere
- Check whether service is already on the bill.
- If unsure, round up — it's rarely misunderstood.
- A tip is for service. If service was poor, in most countries (the US being the big exception) you're not obliged to leave one.
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Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip in Europe?
It varies by country, but 5–10% or simply rounding up is common across most of Europe. Always check whether a service charge is already on the bill.
Do you tip in Japan?
No. Tipping isn't part of Japanese culture and can cause awkwardness. Good service is expected as standard.
What does "service charge" on a bill mean?
It's a service fee the restaurant has already added. When you see it, an extra tip usually isn't necessary.