Tips for Tipping Abroad

Knowing the local tipping customs is almost a need when you travel abroad if you want to avoid unpleasant experiences. Tipping, also called royalties, is money that in most countries will be paid if you want to show your respect for the service you get by example from the waiter in the restaurant, the taxi driver, the luggage carrier and some others.

Tipping might seem to be etiquette of polite behavior but this is not true in all the countries of the world. Countries like Japan for example consider tipping as demeaning. Tipping in Japan is viewed as insulted and the waiter will think that the service or food was not good. Even if you left some money on the table the waiter will chase after you and return the money because he thinks that you forgot some money on the table.

The tipping customs of Japan are different from the other Asian countries. In Thailand there are no specific rules for tipping. Only in hotels which are often visited by tourists tipping is more common but in general we can say that the Thai people don't expect one.

Tipping in Asian can be very complicated. It is necessary to inform on time about the tipping guidelines of every country because you can also break the law. In Vietnam tipping is illegal and this was also in China until 1980.
In Singapore tipping is not encouraged but we see more and more that the practice of tipping is growing in many places of the country.

Tipping in America is a normal practice. Waiters in restaurant earn less money and they expect to get tips from customers. There are restaurants where the tip will already be included in the bill. In general the tip varies between 10% and 20%.

When you take a taxi in America it is a custom to tip the taxi driver on average 10% of the taxi fare. Taxi drivers are normally helpful to load and unload your bags.
Also in the airport you usually tip the skycaps that will help you with your bags in the airport. Some other reasons for tipping are wheelchair assistance, the bell boy in the hotel, the doorman who brings your luggage to your room and also for renting a car. For most of them you usually tip $1.00 or $2.00.
Also in beauty salons a tip between 2% and 10% is required.

Tips in Europe are not so automatic like in America but in most countries tips are really appreciated. It varies from country to country but when you are in a restaurant it is best to check the menu if service is included or not. For these where the service is not included you can consider a tip between 5% and 10% as normal. Tipping is only a custom in restaurants where they have waiters. If you are in a pub it is better not to tip.

When you are in a restaurant normally you only tip if the service is good. It is perfect acceptable to not tip at all if the service doesn't satisfy. A sign of politeness is to round up the bill to the nearest euro.
Tipping is also expected for taxi drivers. Normally a tip of 10% can be considered as normal. You may consider tipping some extra if you have some heavy luggage with you.
Mostly rest rooms are also not free in Europe. You will mostly find a small plate at the entrance to tip the person who cleans this room and it is a custom to tip between 30 and 40 cents if no price is indicated.

It is best to do a little bit research because the customs of tipping varies between the different countries in Europe.

When you want to travel to Australia you don't need to worry about the tipping customs. Tipping is not expected but in restaurants certainly appreciated. People leave tips for the good service and 10% can be considered as a normal tip when the service is good. Don't give a tip when the service is bad. Tipping is more rarely than in most other countries of the world although more expensive restaurants expect mostly a higher tip. Tipping in hotels or some services like hairdressing is unusual in Australia.
Taxi drivers don't expect a tip but it is usual to round up to the nearest dollar. Also for guide tours are no tips expected.

In Africa tipping is not encouraged but waiters in tourist restaurants and hotels will mostly expect to be tipped. For a safari tipping is recommended if the service shows your appreciation. A tour driver may receive a tip between $5.00 and $10.00
Feel free to give a tip in Africa if the service is ok!

The best advice I can give you is to consult a traveler guidebook when you are planning to make a travel abroad. You may find a section on local tipping practices which can help you during your travel. Be prepared for avoiding unexpected surprises!