Tipping can feel awkward — especially when you're traveling and unsure what's expected. Too little feels rude. Too much can feel performative. This guide gives you clear, country-by-country norms so you always tip with confidence.
The Fast Answer: Tip Calculator
If you just need a number right now, use the free tip calculator — enter your bill, pick a percentage, and it handles splitting among multiple people instantly.
Tipping in the United States
The US has the most tip-dependent service culture in the world. Service workers often rely on tips for the majority of their income because base wages can be as low as $2.13/hour for tipped workers in some states.
- Restaurants (sit-down): 18–22% is now the baseline. 15% is considered low; 25%+ for exceptional service.
- Delivery (food): $3–5 minimum, or 15–20% of the order total.
- Bartenders: $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% on a tab.
- Taxi / rideshare (Uber, Lyft): 15–20%.
- Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night, left daily.
- Hair salon / barber: 15–20%.
Tipping in the United Kingdom
Tipping in the UK is appreciated but not as structurally expected as in the US. Always check if a service charge is already included.
- Restaurants: 10–12.5% if no service charge is added. Many London restaurants add a 12.5% service charge automatically — you can ask for it to be removed.
- Pubs: Not expected; occasionally round up or say "and one for yourself."
- Taxis: Round up to the nearest pound, or 10% for good service.
- Delivery: Not expected but appreciated — £1–2 is kind.
Tipping in Canada
Canada follows US norms closely, as service workers face similar wage structures.
- Restaurants: 15–20% before tax is standard. POS terminals now default to 18–25% — selecting "custom" for 15% is perfectly acceptable.
- Taxis / rideshare: 15–18%.
- Delivery: 15–18% or flat $3–5 minimum.
Tipping in Australia and New Zealand
Unlike North America, servers in Australia and New Zealand earn proper minimum wages (AUS $23+/hour). Tipping is genuinely optional — it's a bonus, not an expectation.
- Restaurants: 0–10%. Leave 10% if the service was outstanding.
- Cafes / casual dining: Not expected. Rounding up is fine.
- Taxis: Rounding up the fare is common; a formal percentage is not expected.
Tipping in Europe
European norms vary widely by country:
- France: A service charge (service compris) is legally included in restaurant prices. Rounding up or leaving €1–2 on the table is a polite gesture, not an obligation.
- Germany: Round up to the nearest €5 and tell the server "stimmt so" (keep the change). 10% for excellent service is generous.
- Spain / Italy: Tipping is not expected. Leaving €1–2 on the table in a sit-down restaurant is appreciated.
- Netherlands / Scandinavia: Rounding up is standard. Percentages are rarely used.
Should You Tip Before or After Tax?
In the US and Canada, tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically traditional, but most people and POS systems calculate on the total including tax — the difference on a $50 meal is about $1.50, so it rarely matters in practice.
Splitting the Bill
When splitting, calculate the tip on the full bill first, then divide. Use the tip calculator with split — enter the number of people and it gives you each person's exact share including tip.
