How much tip should you give abroad?

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An attentive waiter in a restaurant, a friendly taxi driver—in Austria, it is customary to tip around 10 percent of the bill for good service. A political debate has erupted over tipping.

But what is the situation like abroad? “In many countries, tips of five to ten percent are also common,” explains Yvette Polasek, travel expert at ÖAMTC. But there are also countries where different customs apply. It’s important to know this to avoid putting your foot in your mouth.

Italy and Croatia

In Austrians’ favorite vacation destinations, a tip of around five to ten percent is considered appropriate, provided that no cover charge has been included; otherwise, the tip may be lower. In Italy, for example, a cover charge per person (“coperto”) is often already included in the restaurant bill. A special tipping tradition comes from Naples: the “caffè sospeso,” or “suspended coffee.” This involves ordering and paying for an extra coffee, which is later given by the barista to someone in need upon request.

Greece

Depending on the type of restaurant, either round up the bill, as in the typical taverns, or give a tip of five to ten percent if the tip is not already included in the bill. Taxi fares are also rounded up.

Spain and Portugal

“In restaurants, you leave five to 15 percent of the bill on the table,” explains the ÖAMTC expert. So you pay the bill first and then leave it on the bill holder before leaving. It is better not to use small coins for this—it is interpreted as stinginess. When taking a taxi in these countries, you also tip around ten percent.

Turkey

“It is considered very rude not to tip here,” warns Polasek. “Five to ten percent of the bill is customary in restaurants, and taxi fares are also rounded up.” Service charges are already included in hotel bills. However, chambermaids and porters expect a tip.

France

In France, too, you pay first and then leave the tip on the table. Tips are given collectively by the group and not individually by each guest at the table. Usually, the total amount is divided by the number of people to calculate how much each person should tip. Around ten percent is appropriate. Tipping is also customary for taxi drivers.

Benelux

In restaurants, taxis, and hotels, tips are usually already included in the price. “Good service can still be rewarded with five to ten percent of the bill,” says Polasek. Taxi drivers in Luxembourg even expect 15 percent of the fare. Ushers in theaters or cinemas also receive a small tip.

Scandinavia

In Finland and Denmark, waiters and waitresses do not expect tips; in Finland, these are already included in the bill. In Norway, service and VAT are already included in hotel, restaurant, and bar bills, but if you are satisfied with the service, you can give an additional tip of around five percent. In Sweden, it is customary to round up.

Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland

In pubs in Great Britain and Ireland, tips are not usually given—drinks are always ordered at the bar and taken to the tables by the customers themselves. If you are satisfied with the service, you can buy the person behind the bar a drink. This is considered a nice gesture and is common practice there.

USA and Canada

In the US, waiters rely on tips for their income. “A tip of 15 to 20 percent is appropriate there. Even if a service charge is already included in the bill, a tip is expected.”

Asia

“Tipping is rather uncommon in Asia,” says Polasek. “In China, tipping can even be considered an insult.” The same is true in Japan, where good service is taken for granted. A service charge is often already included in the prices of bars, restaurants, and hotels. Thailand is an exception in Asia, however, as monetary tips have become the norm there. But even in tourist centers, a maximum of ten percent is given, or the amount is rounded up.

Australia and New Zealand

In New Zealand, tipping is not customary. “In Australia, it used to be similar, but now people reward good service at their discretion,” explains the ÖAMTC expert.