Tipping Etiquette Around the World

Tipping culture varies from country to country.
IndexHere MagazineVanessa Granda

Historians believe the practice of tipping originated in the restaurants and taverns of 17th-century England “to insure promptitude” (T.I.P.—see what they did there?), but since then, the custom has grown increasingly convoluted, particularly for travelers.

In the States, where wages are notoriously low, many service workers rely on tips to pay their bills. This means that 20 percent of any given check is considered a generous, albeit necessary, gratuity. But the opposite could be said for a place like the Netherlands, where workers, who are regularly paid living wages, rarely expect anything extra. Without a universal standard, tipping where it’s not expected (or worse, not tipping where it is) can be awkward. To help you navigate your way around the bill, we’ve compiled a list of general tipping guidelines for seven major cities around the world. When in doubt, kindness goes a long way—and so do a few extra bucks.

SHANGHAI: Historically, tipping isn’t standard in China; but as the country becomes more westernized, gratuities are becoming more of an expectation. Providing the equivalent of $1 to $5 is a nice touch. Taxi drivers and people who don’t generally make much will appreciate tips, and the doorperson at a hotel will expect one.
LONDON: Though it's becoming a little more common for nicer establishments to add a 12.5 percent service charge on a bill, in general, tipping at restaurants in the U.K. is considered optional. If you're going to tip (and you're definitely not expected to), 10 percent feels right. Tipping is expected for delivery people and at hair salons, but usually just a few pounds rather than a specific percentage of the cost of service.
MUMBAI: India is a tipping country; you tip pretty much everyone in order to keep things moving. If someone parks your car or lifts your bags at a station, airport, or hotel, tipping is expected. After a meal is typical, too. The one exception? Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers. They generally won’t expect a tip, unless it’s an airport transfer, in which case a small tip equivalent to $2 or $3 is a nice gesture. Otherwise, 10 percent of the bill at restaurants is usually a good amount, but many times you’ll be tipping for things that don’t necessarily have a price tag attached; in those cases, 100 to 150 rupees is a safe bet.
MEXICO CITY: Throughout most of Mexico, service workers make very low wages and depend on tips for their livelihoods, so it’s customary to tip 10 to 20 percent. At really affordable restaurants that cater to students or other frugal patrons, no tip is expected; but anywhere with an English-speaking staff that clearly caters to tourists requires a 15 percent minimum (and 20 percent is better).
SYDNEY: Australia is a cash country, so even though tipping isn’t really expected, rounding up your payment is pretty common. If you’re set on tipping here, the general guidelines are: If it’s a good coffee and they’re friendly people, pop 50 cents in the jar at the register; if it’s a casual restaurant or cheap place, round up; at more formal establishments, it’s smart to leave about five to 10 percent for your server.
CARTAGENA: It’s normal and expected to tip in Colombia. People will generally be happy to receive 2,000 Colombian pesos, which is less than one U.S. dollar. But somewhere between 5,000 to 10,000 pesos for favors, valets, and other services is normal. For bills, it’s nice to add 10 percent of the final check.
COLOMBO: In Sri Lanka, the 10 percent rule applies, but only in restaurants. If a service charge is added to the bill and you’re trying to travel cheaply, you can get away with just paying that amount. Otherwise, it’s standard (and kind!) to round up.