Foreign Travelers often encounter "tipping dilemmas," with nearly half expressing anxiety over potential cultural blunders when tipping during vacations.
In the world of travel, understanding local customs, including tipping practices, can make a significant difference in one's experience. Here's a breakdown of tipping etiquette in some popular tourist destinations.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE, tipping is common and follows similar standards to those in the US. A tip of 10-20% is expected in restaurants, with around 10-15% being the norm when the service charge is not included. For taxi rides and rideshares, a 10% tip is appropriate. Hotel staff typically receive $1–$2 per bag from bellhops and $3–$5 per day for housekeeping [1][2][4][5].
Japan
Contrary to many other countries, tipping is not customary in Japan and can be considered rude. Instead, excellent service is shown through politeness and respect, not money. No tipping is generally expected or required in restaurants, taxis, or hotels [2][3][4].
Germany, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and France
Compared to the US, tipping in these European countries is more modest. In Germany, a 5-10% tip in restaurants is appreciated if the service charge is not included, and small rounds-up in taxis are common. Similar modest tipping practices are usual for hotel staff [2].
Portugal, Spain, and Greece follow a similar tipping pattern, with a 5-10% tip being common in restaurants if the service charge is not included, and small tips or rounded-up fares for taxis and hotel staff. In Greece, it's worth noting that 40% of visitors are unsure about tipping practices [2].
France, like many European countries, typically includes a service charge ("service compris") in restaurant bills. However, it's customary to leave some small change or round up the bill as a gesture of appreciation, especially for exceptional service. Around 5-10% is appreciated in such cases [2].
Italy
In Italy, 38% of visitors are uncertain about tipping practices, highlighting the need for research before travel [6].
Greece
In Greece, a generous tip of 10-15% is expected in restaurants, similar to the US standards [5].
Japan
It's crucial to note that in Japan, tipping is not expected at all [1][2][3][4].
Graeme Buck, director of communications at ABTA, suggests that a little preparation before traveling can help feel more confident about tipping practices [7]. Researching local customs beforehand can help avoid awkward situations and ensure a smoother travel experience.
References: [1] Tipping in the United Arab Emirates [2] Tipping Around the World [3] Tipping in Japan [4] Tipping in Germany [5] Tipping in Greece [6] Tipping in Italy [7] ABTA
