By Kiran Dhillon
Failing to give a tip after dining at a restaurant, taking a cab ride, or getting help from a porter is a big no-no in the U.S., but tipping isn’t a commonplace practice in every country.
Unlike the U.S, where it’s standard to tip 15-20 percent for most services, some countries only expect a 5 percent tip, and other countries expect nothing at all.
To find out which tourist destinations don’t expect routine tips, FindTheBest scoured the web for insights on travel etiquette. (TripAdvisor forums, Vayama.com, and FindTheBest users were particularly helpful.)
The result was the following list of 12 countries, where tipping customs range from welcome (but not expected) for great service, all the way to insulting.
Note, tipping in countries where it is not customary, or where service fees and gratuity are included, is often still appreciated.
1. China
Typically, nobody tips in China. But because wholesale tour companies charge so little for their services, group tour guides and drivers often depend on tips for income.
2. French Polynesia
Tipping in French Polynesia is not mandatory or expected. It’s okay to tip for great service but the recipient may not accept. To make life easier for tourists, some restaurants will attach a note saying that a tip would be welcome.
3. Japan
Tipping under any circumstance in Japan may seem rude, because good service is standard and expected. However, those who are connected with the tourism industry may appreciate a tip. In this case, the visitor should place his or her tip inside an envelope and hand it over discretely.
4. Korea
Tipping in South Korea isn’t expected, but some of the nicer hotels tack on a 10 percent service charge, and taxi drivers will appreciate being told to keep the change, but only if it’s a small amount.
5. Hong Kong
Tipping in Hong Kong is not common, and as in Japan, may be seen as insulting. A 10 percent gratuity is also built in at most restaurants.
6. Switzerland
Swiss federal law dictates that all services charges be included in published prices, so there is no obligation to tip people in the service industry--servers, hairdressers, hotel porters, etc. People may choose to add a small tip, and higher tipping percentages are more common in big cities.
7. Australia
Tipping in Australia historically has not been the norm. Nowadays, tipping in restaurants is becoming more common, although it is still not necessary and there is a 10 percent goods and services tax on every bill. Tipping in hotels, hair salons, bars, and taxis is also not expected, but it’s normal to tell someone to keep the change.
8. Belgium
Like in Switzerland, service staff are well paid, and tipping is not required because bills include the service charge. However, tipping in more touristy areas may be more expected.
9. Brazil
Tipping in Brazil is generally not expected. However, tourists often tip small amounts for taxi and porter services, and restaurants will sometimes add a service fee to the bill, but it is not mandatory to pay.
10. Denmark
There is no need to tip at restaurants in Denmark. Waitstaff get good wages and even benefits. The no tipping rule also applies to cabbies, porters, bartenders, etc., but nobody will stop a patron from paying a little extra to round up their bill.
11. Estonia
In Estonia, tip is never automatically included in the bill, and it is always optional. A 10 percent tip is normal for great service, but patrons do not need to feel compelled to leave anything.
12. New Zealand
Tipping in New Zealand is not customary or required, but unlike countries like Denmark and Belgium, hospitality and service staff are not compensated generously. A 10 percent tip for great service is appreciated.
