Guidelines for Gratuities While Traveling: Essential Tips for Accommodations, Eateries, and More
In an effort to help travelers navigate the complexities of global tipping practices, Wise, a provider of multi-currency accounts, has conducted extensive research on tipping rules in various countries around the world.
The research includes information on tipping practices in restaurants across continents, aiming to help travelers avoid hidden costs related to tipping.
In North America, it is almost mandatory to tip 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, particularly in the USA and Canada. This is in stark contrast to Japan and China, where tipping is often considered offensive.
In Central and Eastern Europe, tipping in restaurants is more common compared to these Asian countries. In countries like Germany, Austria, or Portugal, 5 to 15% is considered appropriate as a tip in restaurants. In Eastern Europe, countries like Latvia or Slovakia, tips of at least 5% are common in restaurants.
On the other hand, in Scandinavia, tipping plays a minimal role.
In German restaurants, it is customary to leave around 10 percent as a tip. However, especially with small bills, it's best not to be stingy to make a good impression.
In half of the countries surveyed, including Egypt, Croatia, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam, tips often range from 10% or more in restaurants.
The research by Wise also covers tipping practices in hotels and taxis, providing a global overview of tipping customs.
While the research does not provide direct information about tipping customs in 70 countries as researched by Wise, it does offer a valuable resource for travelers looking to understand and respect local customs. For a more detailed look at tipping customs in specific countries, you may want to access a dedicated Wise publication or blog post on this topic.
In addition to the restaurant tipping practices, the research conducted by Wise also includes insights on tipping in hotels and taxis, offering a comprehensive view of global tipping customs. Furthermore, when considering the lifestyle changes that come with travel, adhering to local tipping customs can contribute to a better travel experience.
