tipping travel guide

What Every Traveler Should Know About Tipping Around the World

Welcome to Travel Etiquette , a TPG column that explores the delicate do's and don'ts of travel. As part of a series on tipping, we're exploring how to tip in airports and on planes; how to tip hotel staff; tipping in different regions and even how to tip on all-inclusive trips. Have an opinion or suggestion for a future subject? Sound off in the comments below.

In our ongoing series about tipping at hotels, we've covered all the details about what to give everyone on staff — from the concierge to the bellhop — plus how to handle gratuity when you're on an all-inclusive vacation like a safari or a cruise. But what happens when you head overseas?

Depending on where you go, the same rules may apply. But just as often, they don't.

"Tipping abroad is so much more than converting currencies. Many countries and cultures each adopt their own nuanced take on this, at times, delicate matter," Tom Marchant, the cofounder of luxury travel company Black Tomato told The Points Guy.

To help navigate this wide world of tipping, we've broken down the do's and don'ts by region.

According to Cassandra Bookholder, a travel advisor with Camelback Odyssey Travel , Australia is a nontipping country. "It's important to keep in mind that hotel employees do not depend on tips, nor do guides or most other service [professionals] within the country," she said. "Therefore, a tip is really just to acknowledge outstanding service."

But even then, it's best not to go overboard. "Aussies can be somewhat awkward when accepting gratuity since it's not a common transaction," Bookholder said. "They are more likely to accept when it's presented in an envelope and if you mention that it's 'for a slab of beer' or some wine."

If you do feel compelled to give something, do it in Australian dollars — but note that the smallest bill is $5. So some may even consider tipping a win-win. You show your appreciation and, at the same time, can leave behind any extra (and heavy) $1 and $2 coins.

Tipping customs change depending on where in Asia you're traveling.

In Japan, for example, it's actually frowned upon. "It can even be perceived as offensive," said Marchant. "Japanese custom dictates that politeness and good service come as standard. Best practice here is therefore to avoid tipping."

Or, as Ovation Vacations president Jack Ezon puts it, "If you give a concierge in Japan a tip, he will literally run after you to return your money."

China has a nontipping culture as well, with the exception of luggage porters. In Southeast Asia, hotel staff don't expect to receive gratuity because a service charge is often included on the bill — but they also won't turn it away.

But tipping in India is widespread and customary, which means that most service staff you encounter will expect something. "Hotels will often have a tip box where it is considered common practice to leave something in the region of $10 to $20 per night to be shared between staff," Marchant said.

Most people traveling to Africa will likely spend a few nights on safari, where the gratuity rules differ from those for your typical urban hotel. It's best to give $10 per person, per day, to the camp (to be divided among staff) and $15 to $20 per person, per day, for guides. If you're staying at a lodge where you pay for activities separately, $5 to $10 per person, per activity will suffice. All of the tipping should be done at the end of your stay and can be in US dollars.

If you're spending a few nights in a city like Cape Town or Johannesburg, tipping depends on where you're staying. "If you're at a larger, high-end hotel, you can tip for bags, room service, etc. — but it's not necessary for concierge services," said Nicola Shepard, owner of luxury safari planner, The Explorations Company .

"However, at a small, boutique property — say eight rooms or so — we normally tip $10 to $20 per person per night and leave it in an envelope for the communal 'kitty,' same as on safari."

US dollars are fine for these larger lump sums, but otherwise, use local currency.

This one's pretty simple: tipping north of the border is the same as in the US — "but, of course, using Canadian dollars," said Canada travel expert Marc Télio, the owner and president of Entrée Destinations .

The rules for tipping in most of Europe are essentially the same as in the US — including $1 per bag for the bellhop and at least $5 per day for housekeeping. You can see a more detailed breakdown in this in-depth guide to hotel tipping . But there are always exceptions.

Contacts at Denmark's official tourism organization, for example, said tipping really isn't customary in this Scandinavian nation, where hotel staff members make a living wage. Similarly, tipping isn't customary in Iceland, but you won't offend anyone by doing so. Before traveling to Europe, don't hesitate to ask your hotel about their stance on tipping.

The Caribbean 

Chances are good, if you're in the Caribbean, you're staying at a beach resort. If it's not an all-inclusive property, the rules are what you're accustomed to in the US and most of Europe.

If everything from food and drink to activities is included in the room rate, however, there's a chance that gratuity is also , which appears as a daily service charge. (Make sure to ask before booking.) And sometimes, tipping ahead of time can work wonders—you may just get preferential treatment from the poolside bartender or the beach attendant if you slip them a $20 at the start of your trip.

Central and South America

Tipping practices are relatively standard across Central and South America.

"For housekeeping, bellhops and concierges, small tips — as in spare change or nominal sums — are greatly appreciated but not expected," said Jordan Harvey, a Latin America specialist and owner of Knowmad Adventures . "However, since so many international travelers do tip, staff are pretty accustomed to receiving them."

Local currency is always appreciated to save hotel staff from paying converting fees. But there are two exceptions: "Ecuador is on the US dollar, and due to Argentina's fluctuating economy and the relative stability of the US dollar, people are happy to receive them as tips," Harvey said.

In Chile, most luxury, all-inclusive lodges have their own guidelines, ranging from $20 to $30 per person per day to $50 to $100 per person per day, to be shared among staff.

According to Harvey, these rules generally apply to travelers in Central American countries, too.

The Middle East

Tipping is customary in the Middle East, and can go a long way in helping to guarantee the best level of service. In some instances, Malaka Hilton — the CEO of Admiral Travel International and an expert on the Middle East — recommends tipping hotel staff upon arrival. "More likely than not, the guest has been in touch with the concierge via email beforehand, so we suggest immediately going to the desk to reconfirm any plans and tip at that time," she said.

Even if you haven't been in touch, tip them upon arrival anyway; you'll reap the rewards later. For a concierge, $10 to $20 will suffice; housekeeping should receive a minimum of $1 to $2 per person per night daily (versus at the end of your stay), and $1 per bag for the bellhop. And it's best to do all tipping in US dollars.

According to Mexico expert Zachary Rabinor of Journey Mexico , the rules for tipping south of the border change depending on where you are.

"In firmly established tourism destinations like, say, Cancún or Mexico City, tipping mirrors what's done in the US," he said.

However, when traveling to smaller towns and less touristy destinations, he explained that, "tipping is less expected and more moderate." But, no matter where you are, it should be done in local currency.

The Bottom Line

Tipping culture differs greatly from destination to destination. If you're traveling to a place not listed above, make sure to read up on best practices beforehand so you know whether or not tipping is expected, required or something to avoid doing altogether. But if you're ever unsure of what to do, we recommend erring on the more generous side and leaving a token of your appreciation in the local currency.

Illustration by Abbie Winters.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

The Ultimate Guide to Tipping Around the World – 190+ Countries

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

822 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

40 Published Articles 3358 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1195 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Where can i use u.s. dollars abroad, tipping etiquette & guide for africa, tipping etiquette & guide for the americas, tipping etiquette & guide for asia-pacific, tipping etiquette & guide for europe, tipping etiquette & guide for the middle east, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When you are planning your next big adventure, you will want to be sure to budget for every possible eventuality. One crucial part of international travel that often gets overlooked is tipping those who work super hard to ensure that your experience is perfect.

From bellboys in Bahrain to maids in Monaco, every nation has a different take on tipping, and it pays to know what’s expected of you before you go.

Throughout this guide, we have provided guidance on what to tip in U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise noted, we are suggesting tipping the dollar-equivalent in local currency.

The U.S. dollar is used in quite a few countries abroad. Some countries use it as their main currency, some have their own currency pegged to the U.S. dollar, and others are visited a lot by American tourists and have chosen to accept U.S. dollars.

Below is a list of countries where U.S. dollars are used. Where the U.S. dollar is used alongside the local currency it is always best to double-check whether U.S. dollars are accepted at smaller establishments.

¹ Including American Samoa, American Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico

¹ Only accepted in tourist areas/border cities ² Only in touristy areas ³ Only in big hotels or shops in major cities

Hot Tip: When using U.S. dollars abroad, make sure to take crisp, clean bills, otherwise they may be rejected when trying to pay for goods or services.

This North African country is full of Roman ruins and Ottoman landmarks. Tipping isn’t common in most parts of Algeria, but in some of the more touristy resorts, you will be expected to add a gratuity to your bill.

• Restaurants and Bars – Larger restaurants will either add a service charge to your bill or expect you to add 5-10 percent to the cost of your meal as a tip. Algeria is a Muslim country, so there are not many bars to be found here.
• Hotels – Tip your maid around $1 (in local currency) a night, and add the same again for the bellboy or porter. Servers would also appreciate a small tip with your bill.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers should be tipped around 10 percent of the value of the tour or cost of the drive.

Despite its long stretches of tropical Atlantic beaches and vast arid desserts, Angola is not yet stable enough to be a serious contender for the tourist dollar. Tipping here is rare, and in some cases, frowned upon.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants will add a service charge to your bill, and in others, you could simply add 10 percent of the total bill as a tip. Most local restaurants and small eateries do not encourage tipping.
• Hotels – Keep small bills and loose change to tip both the bellboy when they deliver your bag and the maids every morning.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tourist guides and drivers are the only staff who regularly receive high-value tips, and you should consider paying them 5-10 percent of the tour’s total cost at the end of your adventure.

Benin Tipping Guide

As the birthplace of voodoo, this West African country is surprisingly one of the safest places to visit in Africa. On the whole, tourism is very much in its infancy across the country, and tipping is not yet standardized.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tips are not compulsory, but if service is not included, you should consider adding 10 percent to the bill. You can tip bartenders with change, but it is not common.
• Hotels – Bellboys, porters, maids, and even front of house staff will gratefully receive tips in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you are going on a safari, consider tipping the guide 10 percent of the total cost and the driver a further 5 percent at the end of the tour.

Botswana is the land of big game safaris, conservation projects, and colorful local cultures. With visitors from all over the world coming to experience the national parks and game reserves, tipping is expected in the tourist regions.

• Restaurants and Bars – Add 10 percent in larger bars and restaurants, or just round up the bill in smaller establishments.
• Hotels – You can tip the bellboy, maids, and other staff using low denomination local currency if you wish to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tips are often asked for here. If you are going on a tour, consider tipping the guide 10 percent of the total cost and the driver a further 5 percent.

Burkina Faso

This beautiful country is packed full of unique landscapes and exciting cultures. Still, sadly, the political instability, paired with high rates of crime, has turned the country into a virtual no-go area for international visitors at present. If the situation improves, tips will be welcome but not compulsory.

• Restaurants and Bars – Round up the bill or add 10 percent to the bill.
• Hotels – All hotel staff will be happy to receive small tips in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Both tour guides and drivers should receive a tip at the end of the tour. Decide between you how much you should pay based on the service you have received, but 5-10 percent is normal.

Burundi is another African country that has sadly been blighted by ethnic conflict, and at present, visitors are advised not to go there. If the situation changes, the country will need to ensure the security of future visitors.

• Restaurants and Bars – Add local currency ($1-$2) to the bill to thank the staff.
• Hotels – Again, the local currency ($1 or so) will be appreciated by bellboys, porters, maids, and house staff.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you are going on a tour, you should take extra cash to tip both the tour and the driver. Some areas can be very unsafe, so the service they provide to keep you safe is vital and priceless. 5-10 percent is about right and remember to tip discreetly.

Cabo Verde offers undulating landscapes, year-round sunshine, and a warm Creole welcome. Visitors come to escape the cold north European winters and experience the lively bars, sandy beaches, and growing tourist trade. Tipping is not compulsory, but commonplace in tourist areas.

• Restaurants and Bars – It’s common to tip at restaurants, typically around 5-10 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – Leave a tip for the bellboy, maid, and other staff in local currency. The equivalent of $1 will be enough.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Leave around 10 percent of the total cost for the tour guide and at least 5 percent for the driver.

At the heart of the African continent, Cameroon is a lively land full of unique cultures and landscapes. Certain parts of the country are, however, considered dangerous for Western travelers to visit due to high crime rates, kidnapping, and piracy. If you do visit, tipping here is customary but not compulsory.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should either add 10 percent to your restaurant bill or round up in smaller establishments.
• Hotels – Leave the local equivalent of $2-$5 for your bellboy, maids, waiters, and other hotel staff.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should be sure to have enough money with you to leave up to $15 (in local currency) per day for your tour guides and drivers.

Central African Republic

CAR is currently in the midst of a bitter civil war, making it a challenging destination for international travelers. An ancient nation with a unique history, the tourism trade is very minimal here, meaning tips are not commonplace but always appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – Either round up your bill or leave a small amount of local currency.
• Hotels – Provide staff who assist you with small amounts of local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Your tour guide and driver will be responsible for your safety while you are away from your hotel, so you should tip them generously.

Chad is an unlikely travel destination that rewards the intrepid with stunning scenery and fascinating cultures. In some of the larger cities, tipping is customary.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tips for good service are appreciated — you should consider around 10 percent in restaurants.
• Hotels – Have small change and local currency on hand to tip the bellboy, maids, and waitstaff.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should leave your tour guide and driver with 10 percent of the tour or round up, depending on which is greater.

Made up of a small group of islands in the Indian Ocean, paradise awaits with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and coconut palms as standard. The islands are volcanic and very remote, meaning that tourism is not well established here — tipping is commonplace but not compulsory.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping in restaurants and bars is common, and you should aim to tip 10 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy per bag and the maid per night around $1-$2 in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your guide and driver in the region of 10 percent.

Home to gorillas, fantastic wildlife, and unique fauna, Congo is also a challenging destination due to the high risk of violent crime, kidnapping, and ongoing civil unrest. Tipping is expected in larger establishments and tourist spots.

• Restaurants and Bars – More upscale restaurants will expect you to leave a tip — 5-7 percent of the bill is normal.
• Hotels – Keep some smaller denomination local notes to use to tip the bellboy per bag and the maid every morning.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers will not expect a tip. For tour guides, expect to tip the local equivalent of $10 per day per person and for drivers, $10 per day from your whole group.

Côte d’Ivoire

With stunning coastlines and lush interiors, Côte d’Ivoire offers cosmopolitan cities, historic architecture, unique cultures, and a warm welcome. Tipping is commonplace but not compulsory here.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge is usually added to more upscale restaurant bills, and where it is not, a tip of 10-15 percent is acceptable.
• Hotels – If you are happy with the service, tip the bellboy and the maid in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers will not expect a tip as it is usual to haggle down the price before you ride. Tour guides and drivers should receive 5-10 percent of the total cost of the tour.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

This land of rainforests, gushing rivers, and smoking volcanoes is also the victim of a brutal 20th-century civil war and ongoing political unrest. Many areas of the country are considered “no-go” zones to foreign nationals due to the high risk of violent crime, terrorism, and piracy. Tipping here is not mandatory or standardized, but always welcome.

• Restaurants and Bars – For larger restaurants, add 5-7 percent of the bill. You may want to round it up in smaller establishments.
• Hotels – If you are happy with the service, tip the bellboy and the maid in local currency (around $1 or so) and keep a bunch of bills close at hand for porters, waiters, and other staff, too.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers will not expect a tip. Tour guides and drivers should receive 5-10 percent of the total cost of the tour.

With mountains on 1 side and the Red Sea on the other, Djibouti offers extreme contrasts and stunning scenery as well as ancient architecture and rich and diverse cultures. Warm and welcoming, this tiny African nation loves to receive visitors, and tipping is becoming more commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is customary for diners to leave around 10 percent in restaurants.
• Hotels – Have small local bills at hand to tip your bellboy or porter by the bag, and the same for the maid service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tip your driver and your tour guide $10-$12 per person per day in local currency.

Take a trip back in time to the land of the pyramids, the Red Sea, ancient cities, and bustling bazaars as you join over 8 million tourists who visit every year. Tipping is customary in Egypt.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is good etiquette to leave a tip of at least 10 percent in restaurants in Egypt. Some establishments will already add a service charge to the bill, but this does not go to the waiters, so add more if you can.
• Hotels – You should tip your bellboy or porter per bag, and always leave a small daily tip for the housekeeping service. You may also want to tip the front of the house and door staff, too, and you should keep small bills close at hand at all times.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For guides taking you out a full-day tour, you should consider leaving the local equivalent of around $6 and the same amount per day for longer trips.

Equatorial Guinea

As Africa’s least visited country, not many Westerners have discovered the world’s second-largest rainforest, scientific reserves, black volcanic beaches, and extensive wildlife, including gorillas and sea turtles. In general, tipping is not customary across the region.

• Restaurants and Bars – Only in upscale or expat establishments would you be expected to tip around 10 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – You can tip the bellboy, porter, maids, and other staff using the local currency at your discretion.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and private drivers will also appreciate a tip of around 10 percent, depending on the length of the tour.

Packed full of often challenging, but always beautiful landscapes, and considered to be one of the most authentic countries in all of Africa, Eritrea is a country just waiting to be discovered. Tipping in Eritrea is always appreciated but never expected in most parts of the country.

• Restaurants and Bars – Only in the larger towns or cities would you be expected to tip in restaurants or bars. The standard 10 percent tip is acceptable in most places or rounding up in smaller cafes.
• Hotels – You can leave your bellboy, porter, maids, and other staff small bills as a tip.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Smaller independent service providers like taxi drivers, tour guides, or travel agents would always appreciate a little extra.

With a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes, many travelers to this remote part of the world come to join guided tours or treks, and local guides will expect a gratuity. Tipping in Ethiopia is not compulsory, but always very welcome.

• Restaurants and Bars – Larger bars and restaurants may already add the 10 or 15 percent service charge to your bill. If they do not, expect to tip at least 10 percent of your bill or 5 percent for local places.
• Hotels – Around $0.30 in local currency is fine for hotel staff per service or per day.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Local guides and drivers can make significant tips, especially on overnight tours or with larger groups of travelers. Consider a daily tip of $6-$12 depending on the service. You can also tip in U.S. dollars rather than local currency.

Home to dense rainforests, stunning white-sandy beaches, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, Gabon is a picture-perfect paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. There is no established rate for tipping, but a little extra is always appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – Bars and restaurants that are heavily frequented by tourists may expect a tip of around 10 percent of your bill, but smaller establishments will not.
• Hotels – Leave what you feel you can. It will always be appreciated.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Again, there is no set amount to tip, but rounding up taxi fares or leaving 5-10 percent for guides is a nice gesture.

Ghana is considered one of the safest and most prosperous of all the African nations, and it is one that offers a warm welcome to thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. While there is not necessarily a set protocol for tipping across the country, a tip is expected and always appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – In tourist areas, beach resorts, and big cities, the standard 10-15 percent is usually expected.
• Hotels – Resort hotel staff will expect to receive a tip, and porters and waitstaff will also expect a cedi or 2. You should remember to leave something for the maids, too.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers should receive 5-10 percent; tour guides and other drivers would appreciate 10 percent of the tour cost.

A health crisis and political instability may have blighted the West African nation of Guinea, but its diverse landscapes, virgin rainforests, and the lively capital city of Conakry still draw in fearless adventurers who come to enjoy an authentic taste of Africa. One of the poorer nations on the African continent, tipping is not generally expected.

• Restaurants and Bars – If no service fee has been added to your bill, 10 percent is a good rule to go by.
• Hotels – 10 percent would work well when you dine-in, and you can tip your bellboy, porter, maid, and other staff with small notes if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should factor in the cost of an additional day’s wages as a tip.

Guinea-Bissau

This tiny African nation has a Latin vibe from its Portuguese heritage, diverse landscapes, and welcoming people. Ravaged by a political and military crisis over the years, there is still plenty of faded beauty to be found here. Guinea-Bissau is not a rich country by any means, and tipping is not widely expected.

• Restaurants and Bars – If no service fee has been added to your bill, add the usual 10 percent in larger eateries.
• Hotels – Hotel staff should receive local currency as a tip of about $1, but this will only be in high-end hotels.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Guided tours are recommended as solo travel can be dangerous. Therefore, tip your guides and drivers generously, at least 1 extra day’s wages.

Kenya is a popular destination for travelers looking to capture the delights of The Big 5 up close on safari. It has a thriving economy and suffers very little from political instability. Many Kenyans work within the tourist industry and rely heavily on tips to supplement their incomes. Tips should also be provided in the local currency, the Kenyan shilling.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should expect to leave at least 10 percent of the total cost of the bill as your tip — physically hand it to your server when you pay.
• Hotels – Tip your porter $0.50-$2 in local currency when you arrive, then be sure to tip your maid every day, or $3-$5 per week to ensure that you receive the very best service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tip your tour guide $1-$2 in local currency per day, per person, and the same for your driver, also. Round up your fare to the nearest 100 shillings for taxi drivers.

The South African nation of Lesotho is famous for its mountainous landscapes that are just right for hiking and horseback riding, as well as seasonal sports like skiing and abseiling. Tipping in Lesotho pretty much follows the same rules as tipping in South Africa, and you will be expected to leave gratuities. Wages can be low in the region, so tips are relied upon by local workers.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should expect to leave 10-15 percent of the total cost of the bill as your tip in bars and restaurants.
• Hotels – You should aim to tip the bellboy or porter 5-10 loti ($0.36-$0.72) and around the same for your maid each night.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You will be expected to tip on your tour. Look to provide your drivers and guides with around 10 percent of the tour or 15 percent for exceptional service.

Liberia is a country with a dark past, and not one that is at the top of most people’s must-see travel lists. It is, however, a country that is slowly transforming, and there is genuine African beauty to be found beneath the faded exterior. If you do choose to visit, tipping is not expected, but most workers’ wages are low, so any gratuities are gratefully received. You can tip in local currency or with U.S. dollars.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants will automatically add a service charge to the bill, but if it is not included, a 10 percent tip is normal.
• Hotels – You should leave a tip for your maids every day (the local equivalent of a couple of dollars a day), and pass a few dollars to the porter on arrival.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you hire a guide or driver, you should tip roughly 5 percent; round up taxi fares where possible.

Libya is not only home to unique landscapes and Roman historical landmarks, but it is also unique in that the country does not promote or recommend tipping. Currently a country that is not recommended for tourists due to the ongoing civil unrest, those that do need to be there should be careful not to tip.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping is not required in restaurants. You may see a service charge on your bill. Alcohol is prohibited in Libya, so bars are always attached to eateries.
• Hotels – Tipping is not required at your hotel, either, although a service charge may appear on your room bill.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers will not expect a tip, and will often refuse it, but you can leave a small tip if you want to.

Famous for its sweeping canyons, diverse landscapes, and ring-tailed lemurs, Madagascar has a rich colonial history that includes a loosely observed protocol for tipping. It is not expected that locals tip each other, but tourists are expected to be generous with their gratuities.

• Restaurants and Bars – If the service charge is not already included in the bill, 10-15 percent is recommended.
• Hotels – You should tip your porter and house cleaning staff in local currency, and expect to pay around ~$0.50 per bag and up to $1.50 for your maid each day.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides expect to receive tips from foreigners, so anticipate paying around $7-10 for your guide and about ~$5 per day for the driver (all in local currency).

Malawi is famous for its national parks and wildlife reserves and is a magnet for visitors looking to experience the African outdoors at their finest. Tipping is not compulsory across the country, but wages are low, and it is always appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – If the service charge is not already included in the bill, you should add 10-15 percent of the total bill as a tip.
• Hotels – You should tip your porters the local equivalent of $1 and your maids a little more.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides should be given a tip at the end of your tour, and you should budget for around $3 per day, per person in local currency.

Due to political disruption, Mali may not be on the top of your travel wish list, but in less turbulent times, it is worth remembering that it is the home of Timbuktu and the Great Mosque of Djenné. While tipping isn’t necessarily customary in Mali, per se, it is very much appreciated as wages are low.

• Restaurants and Bars – You can add the 10 percent to the bill, if you are feeling generous, or simply round up your bill or bar tab to an even number.
• Hotels – You could offer the bellboy just a couple of dollars and leave the same for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You will almost certainly need a tour guide in this region as it can be dangerous, so tip generously. Consider giving around $8 per day in local currency and half again to the driver.

With landscapes that are reminiscent of a Mad Max film and a population so small you can go for days without seeing another human being, the vast open landscapes of Mauritania have an ethereal, post-apocalyptic beauty. Because much of the country is unpopulated, tipping would only be expected in large towns or cities.

• Restaurants and Bars – More upscale eateries may expect to receive 10-15 percent of the bill, or you could simply round up the bill at more basic establishments.
• Hotels – You can choose to leave a small gratuity for your maids, and offer the porter loose local bills if you have them.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides do expect to receive a tip, and you should estimate around 10 percent per guest, or maybe more if you are away for days at a time.

This African island in the Indian ocean offers picture-perfect beaches, a heady mix of cultures and community, and is a true taste of paradise right here on earth. A popular destination for honeymooners and couples, there is no protocol for tipping.

• Restaurants and Bars – Larger establishments may add the service charge to your bill, or you can leave a 10 percent tip if they haven’t. Smaller bars and eateries won’t have the same expectations, but rounding up wouldn’t be amiss.
• Hotels – Government taxes are added to your bill to cover service charges, but you can leave a few hundred rupees at the end of your trip for your porters and maids if you wish to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides do expect to receive a tip, and you could consider 10 percent of the total cost of your tour for the guide and around half of the same for the driver.

One of the most popular Arab nations for Western tourists to visit, Morocco, is a land of bustling bazaars, blue seas, and arid deserts. With an ever-growing tourist-trade in the coastal resorts and bigger cities, tipping is common.

• Restaurants and Bars – More upscale bars and restaurants will usually add a 10 percent service charge to your bill, but if they haven’t, you can round up and add it yourselves.
• Hotels – Keep aside around $5 in local currency for your bellboy and around the same again per day for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Round up your taxi fare, or keep spare change for a tip. Your tour guide will expect to be well rewarded, so consider around $27 per guest (in local currency), and pay your guide at the end of the tour.

Mozambique remains one of the most unspoiled and underdeveloped tourist destinations in the world, with visitors coming to see the stunning coastline and some of the finest coral reefs in the world. Tipping is a standard practice in more developed areas, and you can expect to pay around 10 percent for decent service.

• Restaurants and Bars – More upscale bars and restaurants will usually add a 10 percent service charge to your bill, but if they haven’t, you can add the 10 percent yourself.
• Hotels – Hotel porters, cleaners, and maids will usually expect to receive the local equivalent of $1-$2 per day.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Round up your taxi fare to show your appreciation to the taxi driver, and your tour guide should expect to receive around $5 per person per day in local currency.

Namibia is immense, empty, and one of the safest places to visit on the African continent. Tourists come to see unspoiled beaches, extensive wildlife, and vast national parks and are free to tip as, and when, they feel the service they have received warrants it.

• Restaurants and Bars – Consider leaving a gratuity equal to 10 percent of the total bill, but no more than $10 in local currency, and the same for upscale bars.
• Hotels – Hotel porters can expect to receive around $5 in local bills and the same per day for the housekeeping staff.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides usually receive a higher gratuity, and you should consider as much as $3.50 per guest per half-day tour and double that for a full-day excursion, all in local currency.

Beset by military crisis and tribal uprisings, Niger is not considered a safe place to visit. But, if the situation changes and the travel warnings lift, you could visit a country that offers vast shifting deserts, mud-brick mosques, lively markets, and the faded beauty of traditional African towns. Tipping is very much appreciated across the country, and although not formally standardized, 10 percent seems about right across the board.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some places will add the 10 percent service charge to your bill. If not, you should include it in your payment. Some establishments will expect you to tip a further 10 percent on top of the bill anyway.
• Hotels – Hotel porters and maids would appreciate small notes for each interaction you have with them.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour drivers, tour guides, and even taxi drivers will all expect a 10 percent tip, too.

Nigeria is famous for its magnificent wildlife, awesome forests, and epic mountain ranges, as well as bustling cities and lively, fun-loving locals. Popular with tourists from all over the world, tipping is standardized at around 10 percent across most services industries.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some places will add the 10 percent service charge to your bill, but if they haven’t, you should remember to add it to your payment.
• Hotels – A tip of around $2 in local bills or so is enough for bellboys and porters who help with your bags; consider leaving double for your maid daily.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Most taxi fares will have a tip built into them for tourists, and you should agree on the cost before you ride. For organized tours, you should tip the guide around $10 per day in local currency and half again for the driver.

Home to the Nyungwe National Park with its vast wildlife and conservation projects, bustling cities, and a comfortable climate all year round, more and more tourists are choosing to visit Rwanda. Tipping is not customary in Rwanda, meaning you are usually free to give as much or as little as you want to.

• Restaurants and Bars – More upscale bars and restaurants will expect around a 10 percent service charge; use your discretion for smaller establishments.
• Hotels – Just as you would do back at home, you can tip your bellboy, porter, and even the maids with small bills. The local currency is preferable to U.S. dollars.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers do not usually expect a tip, and you should agree on the price before you ride. For tour guides and drivers, consider the local equivalent of $5-$10 per day.

São Tomé and Principe

These 2 tiny islands offer a real taste of paradise with miles of sandy beaches, lush green forests, and beautiful old colonial buildings. Still very much off of the radar of most travelers, São Tomé and Principe — also known as STP — offer the simple life in the sunshine. Tipping is very much at your discretion here.

• Restaurants and Bars – Consider adding 5-10 percent to your bill.
• Hotels – Tip your porter, bellboy, and maids with small local bills when you see them.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers will give you a guided tour for just a few dollars more if you ask them, and organized tours would probably warrant just a $10 or so tip per day (in local currency).

This West African nation, with its breathtaking beaches, lively street markets, and the bustling city of Dakar, is one of the most stable countries in the region. Tipping is not standardized everywhere, but larger cities and tourist destinations will expect you to leave 10-15 percent. You should always try to tip in the local currency to ensure the recipient receives the full amount.

• Restaurants and Bars – If a service charge is not included, you should consider leaving 10-15 percent of the final bill.
• Hotels – Tip your maid with small bills in the region of $2 or $3 per day in local bills, and offer the porter a smaller sum for their help with your bags.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides can expect to receive $15 and $20 per day (in local currency) and your driver half of that again.

The ultimate honeymoon destination, Seychelles is a group of small islands scattered across the Indian Ocean that offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, set against a backdrop of lush hills and palm trees. The islands have a wealth of luxury accommodations to offer those looking to enjoy the very best, and therefore most establishments will already include a service charge of 5-10 percent into your final bill.

• Restaurants and Bars – If a service charge is not included, you should leave 5-10 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – Tipping at hotels is at your discretion — you may want to tip the porter around $2 and $5 for the housekeeping staff, all in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Depending on the length of the tour, you should expect to leave $5 in local currency for a half-day tour and $10 for a whole-day tour.

Sierra Leone

Now safe and Ebola-free, Sierra Leone is one of the few places on earth where you can get up close and personal with pygmy hippos, visit the Gola National Rainforest Park, or admire the famous multi-colored houses of Freetown. Tipping is discretionary in Sierra Leone, but wages are low, and being rewarded for good service is gratefully appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge of about 10 percent is included in restaurant and hotel bills. Otherwise, you may add it yourself if you want to.
• Hotels – Tipping at hotels is also at your discretion, and you may want to tip the porter or the maid small bills or loose change.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – It is common practice to tip guides and drivers at the end of your trip or tour, although there is no set amount, and you and the other guests should decide how much between you.

With an infrastructure that is still recovering from a quarter of a century of civil war, Somalia is a faded beauty that has yet to be considered safe enough to entice visitors back to its shores. That said, internal investments are slowly starting to bring back hope to the country’s pristine beaches and varied landscapes. Tipping is not standard procedure in Somalia.

• Restaurants and Bars – If you wish to leave a tip, follow the general 10 percent rule.
• Hotels – Keep a supply of small bills, either in U.S. dollars or in the local currency, to hand to bellboys or leave for your maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Again, there is no set protocol, so tip your tour guide or driver in cash at the end of your tour.

South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful country, packed full of diverse landscapes, rugged coastlines, fantastic wildlife watching opportunities, cosmopolitan cities, and some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world. Despite a sometimes difficult past, the country now has a thriving tourist industry. Tipping is expected across the service and hospitality industries.

• Restaurants and Bars – 10 percent of the bill is the standard procedure here in South Africa, although restaurants may apply the service charge automatically for larger groups of diners. Bars will also usually expect the same.
• Hotels – Hotel porters should be tipped 10-20 rand (that’s up to $1.50), and depending on the length of your stay, housekeeping staff should receive the same per day when you check out.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For your taxi rides in South Africa, round up to the nearest 100 rand; for organized guides and tours, you could leave the local equivalent of as much as $7 per day for your guide and half again for the driver.

Sudan may have had its troubles in recent years, but as home to more pyramids than Egypt and some of the friendliest people on earth, a visit to this mostly undiscovered country will take your breath away. Still waiting to realize its full potential on the tourist trail, tipping has not been standardized in Sudan.

• Restaurants and Bars – Service charges in Sudan are generally always included in the bill which means that there is no need for you to tip any extra.
• Hotels – Keep small bills in U.S. dollars to hand to porters, bellboys, and housekeeping staff as and when you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You may want to hire the services of a guide during your stay, and you might be with them for some time. Expect to tip the tour guide up to $10 per day and the same again for the driver.

Swaziland (eSwatini)

The tiny kingdom of Swaziland, now renamed eSwatini, is bright, beautiful, and full of authentic African landscapes and cultures. It is also considered to be much safer than its neighbor, South Africa. There are lots of Westernized bars, restaurants, and hotels in the more urban areas, and with them come standardized tipping procedures and expectations.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should expect to pay 10 percent of the total bill if it is not already included as a service charge.
• Hotels – You should expect to hand over 10 rand (less than $1) to your bellboy or porter, and leave a little more for your maid or housekeeping staff per day.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should set aside at least $5 in local currency for a half-day tour and $10 for a full-day tour, with more to be given on multi-day tours. Taxi fares should be negotiated before you set off.

Tanzania is a country of contrasts. Whether you come to climb Kilimanjaro, relax on the beaches for your honeymoon, or trek out to explore the spice island of Zanzibar, this is a country that is popular with adventurers from all over the world. The rise in Western visitors has led to tipping becoming customary in restaurants and resorts in more touristy areas.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should expect to pay 5 percent in bars and restaurants where the service charge is not already included.
• Hotels – Keep small local notes to hand for fast tipping and tip around $2 for the bellboy and $4 for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers -Safari tours are a huge draw in Tanzania, and you can expect to hand over around $15 a day in local currency for your tour guide and the same again for the driver.

The Gambia 

As one of the smallest nations in Africa, the Gambia is home to a stunning Atlantic coastline and year-round sunshine, making it a popular destination for Northern Europeans looking for some affordable winter sun. With a wealth of resort hotels, bars, and restaurants set up to accommodate its rise in popularity, tipping is becoming a more commonplace, too. Wages are also very low, so tipping goes a long way towards supplementing the wages of many local workers.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should expect to pay up to 7.5 percent in bars and restaurants where the service charge is not already included.
• Hotels – You should expect to tip the bellboy $2 in local currency for carrying your bags and leave a few more for your maid. Most hotels will have tip boxes if you don’t want to leave money lying around in your room.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For safari and tour guides at camps and lodges, you should tip $10-$15 per person per day in local currency and half that for the driver.

Togo is a poor country with a rich history, a stunning Atlantic coastline, lush green forests, and open savannah. Visitors come to explore the country on foot and take long hikes through Togo’s diverse landscapes. Tipping is not expected in most establishments in Togo.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should only expect to pay 10 percent service charge or tip at upscale eateries or bars.
• Hotels – Wages are poor here, so tips for your bellboy, porters, servers, and maids will be gratefully received. A couple of dollars in local bills here goes a long way.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For organized tours, you should keep $5-$10 per person per day (in local currency) and half that for the driver.

With a wealth of gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, year-round sunshine, bustling markets, and affordable accommodation, Tunisia is the perfect North African location for a sunshine vacation. With lots of great tourist destinations to choose from all along the coast, and hotels, bars, and restaurants to suit all budgets, tipping here has become the norm. In fact, tips make up a considerable percentage of the local workers’ wages, so it is important to tip every time.

• Restaurants and Bars – Help bolster your server’s wages by including a tip of around 10-15 percent of the bill, or round up the bill to the nearest 10 dinars.
• Hotels – You should expect to provide the bellboy or porter with $2 in local currency for their assistance, and you should leave the maid as much as $7 per week.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For organized tours, you should be ready to give your tour guide as much as an extra $7-$18 in local currency for full tours and multi-day visits.

Antigua and Barbuda

These West Indian islands that lie perfectly between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean offer tropical rainforests, luscious beaches, and upscale tourist resorts. Tipping on the islands is customary and expected.

• Restaurants and Bars – Service charges in restaurants will usually be 10 percent when added. If they are not, diners should leave at least 5 percent on top of their bill and even leave a little more for waitstaff that has provided good service.
• Hotels – Many all-inclusive resorts do not encourage tipping, and it could jeopardize the employment status of the staff. Ask before you tip, and if you can, around $1 per bag in local currency is good for bellboys with a little more for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers expect a 10-15 percent tip and a small tip for handling luggage. Guided tours and chartered crew boats can also command as much as 10-15 percent per day on top of the cost of the tour.

Argentina is a huge country lying at the southernmost point of South America. As a country where you can find glaciers, deserts, mountains, jungle, sandy beaches, and vibrant cities all in 1 place, many visitors come every year to experience its beauty. Tipping is very much the norm here.

• Restaurants and Bars – Service charges in restaurants will usually be 10 percent when added. If they are not, diners should leave at least 5 percent on top of their bill and even leave a little more for waitstaff that have provided good service.
• Hotels – You should leave the doorman or bellboy at least 1 peso per bag and a few for the maid every day.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Paid tours command around 10-20 percent as a tip, and for “free” tours you should budget for around 100 pesos ($1.67) for half-day tours or more for full-day tours.

The island of Barbados is home to endless white sandy beaches, historical monuments, grand plantation houses, and exquisite botanical gardens, as well as luxurious all-inclusive hotels and first-class water sports, food, and nightlife. With such a booming tourist trade, tipping is customary in Barbados. U.S. dollars are accepted across the island, though you may receive change in Barbados dollars. The Barbados dollar is fixed at 2:1 U.S. dollars.

• Restaurants and Bars – While the standard rate of tipping in Barbados is 10 percent, restaurants will often add a service charge of 10-15 percent in tourist resorts. Bartenders should also be tipped 10-15 percent of the total bill.
• Hotels – Aim to tip your bellboy or porter around $1 per bag, and leave $2 in your room every day to tip the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tipping your tour guide is not expected but gratefully received. Consider offering them around 10 percent of the total cost of the tour and half that again for the driver.

Situated on the western edge of the Caribbean Sea, Belize is home to world-class scuba diving, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant cities. Not yet firmly on the tourist map, Belize is a great destination for adventurous explorers. Tipping is not standardized, but it is commonplace. The Belize dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 2:1 and both currencies are widely used.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most upscale eateries and bars will add a service charge of 10-15 percent to your bill. You may leave more if you feel the service was exceptional.
• Hotels – Many hotels add a 10 percent service charge to your bill when you check out. This is to cover the costs of the bellboys, maids, and other staff. You may leave more if you wish to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides expect to receive around 10-15 percent of the price of the tour or $5-$10 per person per day. Diving instructors should also expect to receive anything from 10-20 percent of the dive costs or the equivalent of a dive tank hire instead.

Bolivia is a big hit with adventurers looking to hike, climb, ride, and even glide across some of the most diverse and interesting landscapes in all of South America. A warm and welcoming people, Bolivians don’t so much believe in tipping, but they are likely to expect you to pay for small favors and help.

• Restaurants and Bars – If you are happy with the service you have received, expect to add 5-10 percent to the total cost of the bill.
• Hotels – You can keep loose change and low-value notes at hand to give to the bellboy, the doorman, and even the bartender, or leave in your room for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides command more than waiting or hospitality staff. You should expect to pay your guide an additional 10-15 percent of the tour price and maybe half of that for the driver.

This bright, beautiful, and brilliant nation is a major draw for tourists from all over the world. With white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, stunning scenery, and acres of rainforest, Brazil is always in fashion. Tipping here is very much the norm, and something you should expect to pay on top of your bills.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should expect to add at least 10 percent to the cost of your bill.
• Hotels – You will need to have the cash to hand to tip the bellboy, porters, doormen, bar staff, and the maids. 1-2 real ($0.25-$0.50) should be enough.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – At the end of the tour, the driver or guide will usually pass a hat around. You can give what you feel they deserve, but around 10 percent of the tour price is typical. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but appreciate the fare being rounded up.

Canada is a country of snowcapped peaks, deep green forests, vibrant cities, and friendly, welcoming locals. Tourists come to enjoy camping, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, and a wealth of other outdoor activities. Tipping here is expected and commonplace. U.S. dollars may be accepted in tourist areas and border cities.

• Restaurants and Bars – Expect to pay anywhere 15-20 percent on top of your bill as a minimum. Bartenders should also be tipped $1-$2 in local currency on every round of drinks you buy.
• Hotels – Tip the porter or bellboy $1-$2 per bag, the housekeeper and valet $2-$3 per day, and the concierge $10-$20, all in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you have enjoyed the tour, you should tip your driver and tour guide at the end of the activity. Around 10 percent of the tour price is a good start.

Cayman Islands

As one of the most upscale areas of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands has plenty of exclusive retreats, beautiful empty beaches, and first-class amenities, as well as water sports for everyone. Tipping is very much expected across the islands. U.S. dollars are readily accepted island-wide.

• Restaurants and Bars – Your tax and service will already be included at around 15 percent, but you can leave more on top if you wish. You should also tip your bartender at least an extra $1 for each order.
• Hotels – You may have a service charge added to your bill, but you will still be expected to tip. Consider tipping the bellboy around $1-$2 per bag and the maid $1-$2 a night. Your concierge should receive around $20 at the end of your stay.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For tours by car or by boat, as well as trips out on the water, you should add at least $5-$15 per person per day.

Chile is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a diverse variety of landscapes, including volcanoes, deserts, beaches, and forests, as well as friendly and welcoming people. Tipping is expected in all of the tourist areas.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should add at least 10 percent to your restaurant bill if it is not already included. Even if it is, you should still consider leaving an extra 5 percent that should be handed directly to the waiter.
• Hotels – You should leave a tip for everyone that helps you out. Consider 1000 pesos (~$1.26) for the maids, 500 pesos (~$0.63) for the bellboy, and 5,000-10,000 pesos (~$6.30-$12.61) for the concierge.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides rely heavily on tips in Chile. You should, therefore, offer them at least 5,000-15,000 pesos (~$6.30-$12.61) per person per day. Taxi drivers will expect you to round up the fare when you ride.

With both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, long sandy beaches, snowcapped mountains, and lush green forests, Colombia has something for everyone. Visitors come to explore the great outdoors or mingle with locals in the vibrant cities — tipping is customary but not compulsory.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurant bills will have a 10 percent voluntary service charge (“propina voluntaria”), and some upscale eateries may even include a 15 percent service charge. You can add more if you wish to.
• Hotels – You should tip in local currency around $1 per bag for your bellboy or porter and around $2 per day for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tipping your tour guide is customary, but you can choose how much you wish to leave, although somewhere 5-10 percent of the tour cost is pretty standard.

With jungle-lined beaches and wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, parrots, and toucans within easy reach, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers from all over the world. A growing tourist industry and a stable political situation mean that tipping is becoming more commonplace but not mandatory. U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

• Restaurants and Bars – Upscale restaurants will add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, but if the service was excellent, consider leaving more. A standard gratuity is 10-15 percent for waiters and bar staff.
• Hotels – You should leave the bellboy around $1 per bag, and the maid should receive around $2 per day.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides are invaluable in Costa Rica and can keep you safe and well-informed. Aim to tip around $3-$10 per person a day and the same for the driver.

As an island filled with beautiful beaches, captivating culture, unique landscapes, and amazing music, Cuba may not be without its problems, but it is still a popular destination. Wages are low for the islanders, and tipping, although not compulsory, is very much appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is usual to leave 10-15 percent of the total bill, but you can leave more if you feel that the service warrants it.
• Hotels – Leave your bellboy at least $1 in local currency if he carries your bags to your room, and leave the same again for the maid. Gift-giving is also part of the Cuban culture, and it is perfectly acceptable to give a small gift to the maid on the last day of your stay.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should always be prepared to tip your tour guide as they will show you the very best parts of the island and usually stay with you all day. Leave around $2-$5 in local currency, per passenger.

Dominica offers an unspoiled island habitat that offers lush green forest and mile upon mile of white sandy beaches. The island has suffered at the hands of hurricanes in recent years, but local communities are committed to rebuilding their beautiful island. Tipping is commonplace in tourist areas.

• Restaurants and Bars – Service is usually included in your bill, but if it doesn’t, simply add the 10 percent on top instead. You should tip your bartender on every round, and hand extra to the waiter if you want to.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy around $1 per bag and the maid $1-2 per night in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Organized tours may already have a service charge included in the price. If not, aim to offer the tour guide and driver around 10 percent of the total cost.

Dominican Republic

Just 2 hours south of Miami, the Dominican Republic is an island paradise full of beautiful beaches, lively tourist resorts, and friendly locals. The islands have suffered at the hands of hurricanes in recent years, but communities are slowly being rebuilt to welcome visitors once again.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is customary to leave 10 percent as a tip, so if the restaurant hasn’t added this to the bill, you should add it yourself.
• Hotels – Tipping is not expected in all-inclusive resorts, but if the service is exceptional, you can leave $1-$2 in local currency for the bellboy, the doorman, and the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can easily pick up a private tour on the island or out at sea. You should be prepared to leave as much as $25 per day and give the driver (if you have one) $10 in local currency.

Ecuador is a wonderfully undiscovered nation that is home to the most extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and captivating culture. Often under the radar, adventurers often choose other South American destinations, meaning the country remains authentic. Tipping is appreciated but not expected. The U.S. dollar is legal tender in Ecuador.

• Restaurants and Bars – In upscale restaurants, a 12 percent tax and a 10 percent service charge will be included. In smaller establishments, you should offer a tip of 5-10 percent.
• Hotels – Tips are discretionary, and you can leave small bills for your bellboy, maid, and valet if you are happy with the service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Guides do not get paid very much, so be generous if you can. For a group tour, a gratuity of about $5 per person per day and about $2-$3 for the driver is appropriate.

El Salvador

A country of archaeological sites, volcanic lakes, lush forests, and beautiful beaches, El Salvador, is another often overlooked South American country that is very much worthy of a visit. Tipping here is the norm in the more popular tourist destinations. The U.S. dollar is the official currency of El Salvador.

• Restaurants and Bars – A 10 percent tip is usually automatically added to most restaurant checks, but if it isn’t, you should add the same amount yourselves.
• Hotels – Tips are discretionary for hotel staff, but consider leaving around $1 for the bellboy, maid, and valet if you are happy with the service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Many tour guides in the region work on tips alone. You should, therefore, consider paying as much as $5 per hour, at least.

The island of Grenada is famous for its spectacular beaches, picture-perfect coves and waterways, and excellent water sports facilities. As one of the quieter islands in the Caribbean, tipping is not compulsory, but it is pretty standard.

• Restaurants and Bars – A 10 percent service charge is often already included in your bill, but if not, you should add the same amount yourself.
• Hotels – Tips are discretionary for hotel staff but consider leaving the local equivalent of around $1 for the bellboy and $2-3 a night for your maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you are going on a boat trip, sailing charter, or any other kind of tour, you should be prepared to tip around 10 percent of the total fare.

While some regions of the country are undoubtedly safer than others, there are plenty of natural wonders, quaint villages, and stunning scenery to enjoy in Guatemala. Tipping, or rather rewarding good service, is becoming more commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – Your restaurant bill is highly unlikely to include a service charge, so you should always aim to add 10 percent of the bill as your gratuity.
• Hotels – Bellhops and maids in upscale hotels may expect a small tip, but most hotel staff won’t be waiting for you to tip them. If you do, $1 in local currency is a great place to start.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should give local guides $2-$3 for small tours or $5-$10 per person for the guide and half that for the driver (all in local currency). If you are planning on taking pictures of the locals, you should offer them a small donation, too.

With dense forests and a commitment to ecotourism, Guyana is coming out of the shadow of its troubled past and starting to become one of the continent’s best-kept secrets. Tipping is widely practiced but not expected in Guyana, and while you can use U.S. dollars in Georgetown, always use Guyanese dollars everywhere else.

• Restaurants and Bars – If your restaurant has not already included a service charge of up to 10 percent, then they do not expect to receive a tip. You can round up your bill or leave loose change if you want to.
• Hotels – Hotel staff do not expect to receive a tip, but again, you can leave loose change or small bills if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You will not be expected to leave a tip for your tour guide, but you can leave whatever you like if you feel the service was exceptional.

Haiti has a long history of troubled times, both at the hands of mother nature and its own political hierarchy. There are still historical ruins to be explored, beautiful beaches, and welcoming locals to drink and dance with. Tipping is not customary across the island but is appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – Upscale restaurants and those designed for tourists will expect around 10 percent of the bill. You may round up the bill in smaller establishments. You can tip your bartender at the end of the night if you wish to.
• Hotels – Look to tip local currency — $1 per bag to the bellboy and around $1-2 a night to the maid for cleaning the room.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can choose to tip your tour guide and driver if you wish to, but it is not expected.

Home to some of the most bio-diverse reef systems in the world, Honduras and the Bay Islands are popular with visitors looking to snorkel and dive, as well as those who want to explore the Mayan ruins. Tipping is not necessarily expected in Honduras, but it is fairly commonplace in tourist resorts. U.S. dollars are accepted by most businesses, in addition to local currency.

• Restaurants and Bars – Upscale bars and eateries will usually include the 10 percent service charge on your bill; lower-end establishments will not, but rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.
• Hotels – Tipping the bellboy and the maid around $1 is a nice touch, or you could leave your loose change and small bills for the housekeeping staff when you leave.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Local guides will be eager to please, so you could leave them a few dollars for a tip, but for full-day tours with drivers expect to leave up to $10 per person for the guide and the same again for the driver.

Beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls, live reggae music, carnivals, and upscale all-inclusive resorts are just a few of the reasons why tourists love to visit Jamaica all year round. This most popular of all of the Caribbean islands has a booming tourist trade, but even so, tipping is not yet commonplace outside of areas favored by visitors.

• Restaurants and Bars – If there is no service charge on your bill, consider tipping 15-20 percent in upscale eateries and up to 15 percent elsewhere.
• Hotels – Be discreet about tipping hotel staff as some establishments operate strict policies about staff taking money or gifts from guests. If you do, $1-$2 in local currency should be fine for the bellboy and the maid service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides, drivers, and tourist buses will expect a tip in Jamaica. Aim for around 10-20 percent of the total cost of the trip cost or $5-$10 in local currency to the guide per passenger.

Mexico has the second-largest economy in Latin America and is home to cosmopolitan cities, ancient civilizations, great food, lively people, and some of the very best beaches in the world. The rise of tourism in Mexico, as well as the country’s proximity to the U.S., makes tipping commonplace in most parts of the country. U.S. dollars may be accepted in tourist areas and border towns.

• Restaurants and Bars – A tip of 10-20 percent for good or exceptional service is expected across the country, although some establishments will add a “propina” (service charge) to your bill. If you do leave a tip, it should be in pesos, not dollars.
• Hotels – Bellboys and porters should receive around $0.50-$1 per bag. Maids should expect to receive $1-$2.50 per night, and if your concierge is helpful, tip them up to $8, too (all in local currency).
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Your tour driver and guide will expect a tip. For full tours, expect to leave around $3 per day per person in local currency.

With stunning landscapes and as many as 19 active volcanoes in the country, Nicaragua offers some of the best hiking on the continent. The country is considered fairly safe and the small but growing tourism trade means that tipping is becoming more commonplace. Though a local currency is used, most businesses also accept U.S. dollars.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will expect to receive a 10 percent tip, while some diners will leave an extra 5-10 percent for exceptional service. Your bartender should also be tipped when you buy your drinks.
• Hotels – You should expect to tip the bellboy ~$0.75 per bag (in local currency) and the housekeeper the same daily.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should keep enough cash on you to tip the tour guide 5-10 percent of the cost of the tour and the driver about half of that.

This tropical paradise is home to some of the most diverse and exotic species of animals and plants of the planet. The famous Panama Canal is visually stunning and Panama City is cultured and cosmopolitan. Tipping is pretty customary across the country. U.S. dollars are legal tender in Panama, though local coins under $1 are also in circulation.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants do not include a gratuity, but it is customary to tip around 10 percent of the final bill. It is customary to only tip for good service.
• Hotels – Most hotels already include a 10 percent service charge in the final bill, but you may want to tip the bellboy an extra $1 per bag and the maid a little more.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – It is usual to tip the tour guide an additional $10 per day and the driver half of that if there is one.

Paraguay is home to some spectacular national parks and some of the most significant Atlantic forests that have not yet been destroyed by deforestation. Visitors come to experience rustic farm life, extensive wildlife sanctuaries, colorful towns, and unforgettable adventures. Tipping has become more prevalent as tourism increases across the country.

• Restaurants and Bars – If the service charge is not included on the bill, you should add 10 percent on top. Restaurants are the only places where tips are expected in Paraguay.
• Hotels – You should aim to tip the bellboy around $1 a bag (in local currency) and the same again for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to tip the tour guide or the driver, but you can do so if you want to.

A country with a vast history dating back as far as the Inca civilization, Peru is home to a wealth of fascinating archaeological sites, world-class museums, and a wealth of different cultures. Visitors come from all over the world to step back in time, and as the tourist industry grows, tipping has become more commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most bars and restaurants will already include a 10 percent service charge. If you do not see one on the bill, you should add your own.
• Hotels – You should be ready to tip the bellboys around $1 per bag (in local currency) and the same again for your maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to tip the tour guide or the driver, but you may want to leave a cash gratuity at the end of the tour.

Puerto Rico

With a rich and fascinating cultural heritage, as well as beautiful beaches and lush green forests, Puerto Rico is just a short plane ride from Miami. It is also now mostly recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Maria, with most tourist hot spots well and truly open for business. Tipping here is similar to the U.S. and is very much expected. The U.S. dollar is the official currency.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will expect you to tip at least 15 percent of the total bill and bartenders should receive $1 per drink.
• Hotels – You should be ready to tip the bellboys around $1-$2 per bag and the same again for your maid or anyone else who helps you during your stay.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers will be looking for 15 percent of the fare, and you should add at least $10 per day for tour guides and their drivers.

St. Kitts and Nevis

These twin islands in the southern Caribbean offer a wealth of breathtaking scenery, picture-perfect beaches, and an array of luxury hotels and vacation resorts. Visitors are drawn to the islands to relax and enjoy the good life, and tipping is very much part of the culture. Many businesses will accept U.S. dollars and give change in local currency.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will add a service charge that equals 10-15 percent of the total. You can add extra if you want to, or work out the percentage yourself if it is not on the bill. You should also add a small extra for every drink you buy at the bar.
• Hotels – Many hotel staff rely on tips to make a living, so be sure to leave the porters and bellboys an extra $1 per bag, and your housekeepers should receive as much as $3 per night.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers, who are often also tour guides, should be tipped 10-15 percent of the final fare.

St. Lucia is more mountainous than most of the other Caribbean islands, and it has a rich history as a military fortress. It is also a volcanic island, with beautiful sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and a thriving tourist industry. Because of this, tipping is commonplace on St. Lucia.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many restaurants will add the 10 percent service charge to the bill, but if not, you should go ahead and tip 10-15 percent yourself. You should also aim to tip your bartender a further 10 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – Hotels in St. Lucia are pretty upscale. You should, therefore, aim to tip around $1 in local currency to the porter per bag and same again to the maid per night.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should aim to tip taxi drivers and tour guides around 10 percent of the final fare or cost of the tour, to be handed over at the end.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

This chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea offers a real taste of paradise with white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and a noticeable lack of tourists compared to some of the bigger islands.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many restaurants will add the 10 percent service charge to the bill, but if you do not see it on there, you should tip 10-15 percent.
• Hotels – You should aim to tip the bellboy or porter around $1 in local currency and the same again to the maid, per night.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers and tour guides will expect at least 10 percent of the fare as a tip at the end of your journey.

As the smallest country in South America, and one of the world’s poorest countries, not many adventurers get to visit this lush green Atlantic outpost. Covered in swathes of rainforest and with a vibrant Dutch-colonial capital, tipping is not common here as it isn’t part of the culture.

• Restaurants and Bars – These are the only places that you would really be expected to tip and even then, only when the 10 percent service charge is already included in the bill.
• Hotels – You should keep loose change to tip the bellboy, porter, and maid if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers and tour guides will not expect a tip, but will gratefully receive any you choose to give them.

The Bahamas

The tropical islands of the Bahamas offer crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches, and perfect year-round weather — just a few of the reasons why visitors head there in droves. There are over 700 islands to choose from, but the largest and most popular islands are major tourist hotspots, meaning that tipping is very much a way of life here. Local currency is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar which is widely accepted.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge of 15 percent is usually added to the bill, and in the rare occasion that it isn’t, you should leave a gratuity of at least 15 percent. In a bar, you should tip waitstaff tip 10-15 percent, and add a further $1 per round of drinks for the bartender.
• Hotels – You should tip the porters and bellboys at least $1 for each bag they carry, and maids should receive a tip of $2 for each day. You should also leave behind your remaining currency on the day of your departure.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Your tour guide and driver should receive 5-10 percent of the total cost of the tour, but this is at your discretion.

Trinidad and Tobago

The beating heart of the Caribbean, both of these islands offer warm waters, long sandy beaches, and first-class resorts, combined with one of the warmest welcomes in the world. Tipping is not part of the culture in either Trinidad or Tobago, but the ever-increasing tourist trade is making it much more commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurants often add a service charge to the bill of 10-15 percent. If this is not the case, you can add it yourself. You should tip the bartender $1 or so for each round of drinks.
• Hotels – You should tip the porter, bellboy, and even the maid, either in U.S. dollars or Trinidad and Tobago dollars. $1 per bag and a little more for the maid is perfect.

Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, the country of Uruguay is a hidden charm that offers delicious food, stunning beaches, unique scenery, and tons of colonial charm. Easy to reach from the U.S., it is becoming more popular with adventurers looking to move away from the more traditional tourist routes. Tipping is pretty much commonplace throughout the country.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants will add a service charge of 10 percent. If you don’t see this on the bill, you should add it yourself.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy the equivalent of $0.50 in local currency and about the same for the maid every night.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers should receive a daily tip of around 5-10 percent of the tour price. Taxi drivers will not expect a tip, but you could round up the fare.

United States of America

Tipping is commonplace in the U.S. and very much a social expectation. Service wages can be low, and many workers make up their pay in tips.

• Restaurants and Bars – 15-20 percent is normal for sit-down restaurants and slightly less for buffets. This should be applied to your pre-tax bill rather than the whole amount. For bartenders, $1-$2 dollars per drink is an acceptable tip.
• Hotels – For bellboys, $1-$2 is just right and $2-$5 dollars for the maid per day is an acceptable tip.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers should receive a tip of around 10-20 percent of the tour price. Taxi drivers can expect a tip of around 15 percent or maybe more.

This South American republic may have a reputation for civil unrest and high crime rates, but in more stable times, it has become a hotspot for beach lovers from all over the world. Tourism figures have been declining in recent years, and tipping is never mandatory, but certainly desired.

• Restaurants and Bars – If you receive good service, let them know by leaving around 10 percent of the bill for your waiter, and hand it to them in cash.
• Hotels – You should leave the doorman or porter at least $1 per bag, and leave the maid $2 every day (both in local currency).
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – On a paid tour, it is proper etiquette to tip your guide around 10-20 percent of the price of the tour.

Afghanistan

This ancient nation has become increasingly inaccessible and potentially dangerous to Westerners. In more favorable times, it is a fascinating country full of Central Asian charm.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should tip the standard 10 percent in restaurants, and as this is a Muslim country, bars are few and far between.
• Hotels – You should provide your bellboys, porters, and maids with small change.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your guide generously as it can be dangerous to take tourists away from the main cities in Afghanistan.

This vast landmass is home to vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, scorched earth deserts, and so much more. In Australia, it is generally believed that staff in the service industry are paid well and therefore tipping is not standard practice.

• Restaurants and Bars – You will not usually see a service charge on the bill, but you can add a cash tip for excellent service. This applies to both bars and restaurants. Rounding up is a good practice or add 10 percent for great service.
• Hotels – Porters and bag carriers will not expect to receive a tip, but you can hand them $1-$2 in local currency if you want to, or leave the same for your maids.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you feel that your tour guide did an excellent job, feel free to tip him or her a few dollars at the end.

Home to enormous mangrove forests, the royal Bengal tiger, and a winding maze of waterways, Bangladesh is a South Asian country that is largely untouched by mass tourism. Tipping in Bangladesh is known as baksheesh , and it used as a way to show appreciation for good service.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many restaurants have a service charge included in bills, but for those that don’t, you should add 5-10 percent of the total. Alcohol is restricted in Bangladesh, but you can find it in Western hotels.
• Hotels – You should leave about 20-30 taka (~$0.24-$0.35) for the bellboy and the same again for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tipping tour guides is not customary, but you could leave your guide and driver 30-50 taka (~$0.35-$0.60) per day, per person. You could also tip your driver 50 taka (~$0.60).

This Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas is famous for its monasteries, fortresses, and dramatic landscapes. A popular trekking destination, tipping is not compulsory in Bhutan but has come to be expected from Westerners.

• Restaurants and Bars – You will usually find a service charge of around 20 percent already added to your bill, so you don’t need to add any more unless you want to.
• Hotels – You should tip the porter and the maid the equivalent of $1-$2 per bag or per day in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Guided tours are commonplace here and should be tipped in local currency. You should tip the tour guide $10 for the guide and around half of that for the driver. There may also be cooks or horsemen to tip, too, and you should consider around $5 per day.

Brunei is a tiny nation on the island of Borneo, famous for its beautiful beaches and diverse rainforests. Tipping is not standard practice in Brunei.

• Restaurants and Bars – A 10 percent service charge is normally included in your hotel bill, so further tipping is not usually necessary.
• Hotels – For bellboys, valets, porters, and maids, leaving up to $4 in local currency is acceptable.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers expect you to round up the bill, and tour guides and drivers will accept tips, but how much you leave is up to you.

Cambodia is most famous for the beautiful Angkor Wat, but it is also home to stunning beaches, forests, and rivers.  Tipping is not part of the culture here, but due to low wages, it is very appreciated. U.S. dollars are widely used and change may be given in local currency.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping is not expected, but for good service, you could leave between 5-10 percent.
• Hotels – For bellboys, you’ll want to give $1 per bag and the maid $1 per day that you stay.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides will expect a tip of around 10% of the tour price and drivers about $2 per day.

China is a land of ancient treasures, World Heritage sites, extreme landscapes, and friendly people. Tipping is not part of Chinese culture.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants will refuse to accept tips. Others will already add 10-15 percent of your bill as a service charge. In other establishments, tipping is not expected.
• Hotels – Tipping is not expected in hotels, but in very fancy ones, you may want to leave around $10 in local currency for the concierge.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but tour guides do. You should, therefore, consider around $10 per day in local currency.

This archipelago in the South Pacific is famous for its rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches, and coral reefs. Tipping is not expected or required in Fiji because it’s a communal society.

• Restaurants and Bars – You are never obligated to tip your servers, but if you choose to, you should give the money directly to them.
• Hotels – You are not expected to tip hotel staff, but again, you can hand them small amounts in local currency if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers are grateful if you round up the bill, and tour guides and drivers will not expect a gratuity, but you can add an additional 10-20 percent if you want to.

Hong Kong SAR, China

This vibrant island is a land of bright lights and dizzying culture, as well as being one of the most important financial hubs in the world.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurants in Hong Kong will often add a 10 percent service charge to the bill and may refuse a tip if you try to leave one.
• Hotels – You can try to leave a few extra dollars in local currency for bellboys and porters, but they might not take it.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers are grateful if you round up the bill, and tour guides and drivers will not expect a gratuity, but you can add 10-20 percent if you want to.

India is a vast country known for its bustling cities, beautiful countryside, vibrant colors, and wonderful people. Tipping (known as baksheesh in India) is pretty uncommon and is usually only accepted in restaurants.

• Restaurants and Bars – In larger restaurants, a service charge of around 10 percent is usually included. If it is not, you can work this out yourself. It may be best to hand the tip directly to the waiter.
• Hotels – You should offer the bellboy around $0.50 per bag in local currency, and you should leave a similar amount per day for housekeeping.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should round up the fare with taxi or rickshaw drivers. For organized tours, you should tip your guide around $1-$4 per day in local currency.

This Southeast Asian nation, made up of thousands of tiny volcanic islands, is famous for its beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, and mile upon mile of jungle. Tipping is commonplace across Indonesia.

• Restaurants and Bars – If there is a service charge of 5-10 percent added to your bill, you do not have to add more. But if you do not see it, you should personally tip the waitstaff at least 10 percent of the total bill.
• Hotels – Hotels charge a 21 percent tax, of which 11 percent is a service charge. This means that you do not need to tip the staff, but you can leave them a few rupees here and there if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not obligated to tip your tour guide or driver, but you should leave some extra money at the end of the tour if you want to. Taxi drivers will not expect to receive a tip either, but rounding up the fare is common practice.

Japan is a South Pacific island nation that seamlessly fuses ancient culture and modern-day life, and is one of the most fascinating and eclectic places in the world to visit. Tipping is not customary in Japan, and in some instances, can even be considered rude.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping is tricky. You are not expected to tip, and service is included in the bill already. The same applies to bars.
• Hotels – Hotel staff are trained to refuse tips politely. The only exception to this rule is in some upscale hotels where you should place a small tip in local currency in an envelope and hand it to the staff directly.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not obligated to tip your tour guide or driver or even your taxi driver or chauffeur.

This former Soviet state is now making a name for itself with its emerging cultural and nightlife scene, as well as excellent shopping, dining, and other popular attractions. Tipping is not customary in Kazakhstan.

• Restaurants and Bars – Your service charge will be included in your bill. If you want to, you can give a little more directly to the waitstaff.
• Hotels – Your hotel bill will also usually include a service charge, so again, only tip small amounts in local cash directly to staff if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Public transport has fixed fares, so drivers won’t expect a tip, but you can leave one if you wish to. The same applies to tour guides.

Situated in the equatorial Pacific, Kiribati offers world-class fishing and beautiful beaches, and the islands are an undiscovered tropical paradise. Tipping is not commonplace across the islands.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will not include a service charge, and you should leave a tip if you are happy with the service.
• Hotels – You should tip the hotel staff with small denomination local currency if you want to receive excellent service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers also appreciate a tip at the end of the tour.

This Central Asian nation is made up of rugged terrain and is home to snow leopards, lynx, and lots and lots of sheep. Tipping is not commonplace in Kyrgyzstan.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some larger restaurants will include a service charge of around 10 percent, if not, only leave a tip if you are happy with the service.
• Hotels – You can tip the hotel staff with some local currency to the equivalent of $1 or so if you receive excellent service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers also appreciate a tip at the end of the tour, but it is not required.

Lao PDR is famous for the Mekong River, stunning mountain terrain, French colonial architecture, and Buddhist monasteries. Tipping is not customary in Lao PDR.

• Restaurants and Bars – In restaurants frequented by tourists, up to 10 percent of the bill can be added as a service charge. If you do not see it on the bill, round up the 10 percent yourself if you want to.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy, porter, and the maid using local currency. This can be the equivalent of $1-$2.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers also appreciate a tip at the end of the tour. You should consider leaving 5-10 percent of the total cost of the tour.

Macao SAR, China

Macau is a heady mix of cultural influences, and with its giant casinos and malls, it has come to be known as the “Las Vegas of Asia.” Tipping is not yet commonplace across Macao.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurants will include a service charge of around 10 percent in your bill or you could leave 10 percent if it is not included.
• Hotels – You can tip the hotel staff with small denomination local currency if you receive good service.

This stunning peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches, dense rainforests, and eclectic mix of cultures. Despite being known as a popular tourist destination, tipping is not commonplace in Malaysia.

• Restaurants and Bars – A 10 percent service charge is pretty standard in Malay restaurants and bars. If it is not included, you should consider leaving the same.
• Hotels – Maids, bellboys, porters, and other staff would all appreciate tips in the local currency, but it is discretionary.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you go on an organized tour, you should consider leaving around 10 percent of the total cost as a tip when the tour has ended and half that for the driver.

Year-round great weather, romantic resorts, stunning beaches, and clear blue water make the Maldives an attractive prospect. Tipping here is not expected but always appreciated. The U.S. dollar is accepted as legal tender in the Maldives.

• Restaurants and Bars – A 10 percent service charge is pretty standard in restaurants and bars here, so a tip is not usually necessary.
• Hotels – Maids can expect a tip of around $2 per day. Depending on your accommodation, you may have the same waiter for the duration of your stay in an all-inclusive resort. You could tip around $10-$20 for exceptional service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can tip your boat staff between $5-$10 and your dive instructor the price of a tank hire.

Marshall Islands

This chain volcanic islands and coral atolls in the central Pacific Ocean include the world-famous Bikini Atoll, now a popular dive site, and home to some of the most amazing marine life in the world. Tipping is not customary across the Marshall Islands, where the U.S. dollar is the national currency.

• Restaurants and Bars – Service charges are not standard even in larger restaurants, but you can leave a tip if you want to.
• Hotels – Maids, bellboys, porters and other staff would all appreciate tips in the local currency. Feel free to leave a tip at your discretion, though.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you go on an organized tour, you could consider leaving a cash tip (10 percent of the tour price) at the end of the tour for your guide.

Famed for its nomadic culture, ancient Mongol empire, natural beauty, and incredibly friendly people, Mongolia is a huge country that is very much on the map for adventurous explorers. Tipping isn’t common and rarely expected, but is becoming more prevalent in tourist areas.

• Restaurants and Bars – If you are in a restaurant that caters to Westerners, you should consider leaving 5-10 percent as a tip.
• Hotels – Western-oriented hotels will expect you to tip the bellboy around 2000 tugrik (~$0.73) and the maid 1000 tugrik ($0.36) a night.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you take an organized tour, you should expect to tip the guide 5-10 percent of the cost of the tour and the driver an additional 2-5 percent.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is home to over 100 different ethnic groups, making it rich in culture, history, and modern-day tourist attractions. Tipping is not yet customary, but with low wages, tips and gratuities are very much appreciated. U.S. dollars may be accepted in tourist areas.

• Restaurants and Bars – You are not expected to tip in a restaurant, but if you feel that the service was excellent, 10 percent of the bill is the recommended guideline.
• Hotels – Tipping only really takes place in high-end hotels where you can tip the staff $1-$2 if you feel the service warrants it.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Guides can expect to receive around $10 per day for their services, and you should consider paying the driver as much as half again.

This tiny island lies northeast of Australia and offers glorious coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and inland lagoons. Tipping is not common in Nauru.

• Restaurants and Bars – You are not expected to tip in restaurants, and there aren’t many on the island to choose from.
• Hotels – Again, there aren’t many places to stay on the island, and you won’t be expected to tip.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Your tour guide or driver may be grateful to receive a small tip in local cash at the end of the tour.

Most commonly known as home to Mt. Everest, Kathmandu, and Buddhist temples with resident monkeys, Nepal is a challenging country but one that is popular with those looking to really see the world. Tipping is commonplace in Nepal.

• Restaurants and Bars – Large restaurants will include a service charge in the final bill, but at smaller ones, you should leave the standard 10 percent as a tip.
• Hotels – For your bellboy or porter, a tip of 20 rupees (~$0.18) should be sufficient.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Guides and drivers are necessary for many parts of Nepal, especially in the Himalayas. They risk adverse weather conditions and extreme conditions regularly, so tip them fairly — at least $10 per day (in local currency) for guides and half that for porters.

New Caledonia

Comprised of dozens of islands in the South Pacific, the French territory is popular with scuba divers due to a massive barrier reef that is rich in native marine life. Tipping is generally not expected in New Caledonia.

• Restaurants and Bars – Taxes and service charges are usually included in New Caledonia. You can round up the bill if you wish.
• Hotels – You can tip the hotel staff small amounts of local currency if you wish to. Around a dollar would be acceptable.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Guides and drivers will welcome small tips in local currency. As it is not part of the culture you can give as much or as little as you like.

New Zealand

The 2 islands of New Zealand are famous for their volcanoes and dramatic scenery, as well as being home to vibrant cities and welcoming residents. Often referred to as Australia’s friendlier neighbor, tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand.

• Restaurants and Bars – You waiter will not expect a tip, and service charges aren’t usually included. If you wish to, you can leave spare change for your server or bartender.
• Hotels – There is no need to tip your bellboy, maid, or porter, as workers in the service industry in New Zealand are deemed to receive a fair wage.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You may round up your taxi fare if you wish to, but tour guides and drivers won’t expect anything more than loose change.

Pakistan is the sixth-most populous country in the world and a huge country full of dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, and stunning scenery.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most upscale restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, and you should add extra rupees to the bill in smaller eateries.
• Hotels – A government room tax of up to 17.5 percent is usually added to the bill in larger establishments, and you can tip your maid, porter or bellboy around 30-40 rupees (~$0.20-$0.26) for their services
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tip your tour guide $2 per day (in local currency) for individual tours and half that for a group tour.

Palau is an archipelago of over 500 islands located in the western Pacific Ocean. The islands are a popular destination for scuba divers. Tipping is not expected, but very much appreciated. The official currency is the U.S. dollar .

• Restaurants and Bars – You should tip your server if you have received good service, and no service charge is included in the bill.
• Hotels – You can leave loose change for the maids, or hand your porter or bellboy a small amount for every bag they help you with.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – At the end of the tour, you should leave some money for your tour guide, driver, or boatsman. $5-$10 per dive or activity is a good starting point.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is known for volcanic interiors, beautiful beaches, and lush tropical rainforests. The island nation is a destination for those who want to stray from the beaten path. There is no tipping culture in Papua New Guinea.

• Restaurants and Bars – If you wish to, you can leave small denomination local currency for your server.
• Hotels – The same applies to hotel staff — tip if you wish.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides may appreciate a cash tip at the end of the tour, and be careful taking pictures of local residents as some may want a monetary gift in return.

Philippines

The Philippines are always beautiful but sometimes complicated, with ongoing clashes between the military and insurgent groups in some parts of the country. Modern cities and beautiful beaches, though, are still a draw for travelers. Tipping is not customary but is becoming increasingly popular. U.S. dollars may be accepted in tourist areas, otherwise use local currency.

• Restaurants and Bars – If there is a service charge added to the bill, you do not have to tip. If you cannot see it on the bill, you should give around 10 percent of the total of the bill to your waitstaff directly.
• Hotels – High-end hotels may expect their bellboys, bar staff, porters, and maids to receive a tip, but otherwise, you will not be expected to leave one.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides in the Philippines are often on extremely low wages, so tip generously if you can. 10 percent or more of the total bill is a great place to start.

This group of Polynesian islands has coral reefs, sandy beaches, and rainforests galore, and some of the islands are still completely uninhabited. Tipping is not part of Samoan culture, but many workers are severely underpaid.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping is not expected at Samoan restaurants, but you can leave a tip in the hand of your servers if you think the service was good enough.
• Hotels – It is not customary to tip the hotel staff, but some tourists do leave small tips for bellboys, porters, and maids of about $1 or so in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tips are gratefully received by tour guides and drivers, so you should add 5-10 percent of the cost of the tour.

Singapore is a vibrant, multi-cultural island city-state with a rich colonial history and an important financial center. Tipping is not customary in Singapore, but Western tourists are often expected to tip anyway.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most upscale restaurants will add a service charge of at least 10 percent to the bill but may expect tourists to tip more. Conversely, tipping is not expected at hawker food stalls.
• Hotels – It is only really the bellboys that receive tips in Singapore. $1 or $2 per bag in local currency is about right.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You do not need to tip your tour guide. Taxi drivers also won’t expect a tip, but you can round up the fare if you wish.

Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands in the South Pacific is famous for its U.S. War Memorial that honors fallen allied soldiers. There is no tipping on the Solomon Islands, and visitors should honor this tradition.

South Korea

South Korea is a land of beautiful countryside, Buddhist temples, and fast-paced, high-tech cities like the capital, Seoul. Tipping in South Korea isn’t customary, and some establishments will even refuse it.

• Restaurants and Bars – Add a 5-10 percent tip in Western-style restaurants, but do not include a tip in Korean establishments.
• Hotels – Tipping isn’t common in hotels, but you can give loose change to the bellboy, or leave some for the maid if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides in South Korea won’t expect a tip and won’t be offended if you choose not to leave one. Many Western visitors do, however, tip 5-10 percent of the cost.

This beautiful and bold island nation in the Indian Ocean is home to ancient ruins of monasteries, arid interiors, and beautiful beaches. Tipping is very much expected in Sri Lanka.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is customary to leave 10 percent of the bill in a restaurant, and you should hand it directly to the server.
• Hotels – You should tip the porter and bellboy around 50-100 Sri Lankan rupees (~$0.28-$0.55) per bag, and the same again for the housekeeper. Some hotels will have a tip jar, too, where you can leave larger amounts at the end of your stay.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Many organized tours will already have a service charge included. If you don’t see one, leave around 10 percent per day for your tour guide. Local tours and unauthorized guides should only receive a small cash tip at the end.

Taiwan is home to modern cities, traditional temples, and stunning scenery. Despite the rise of Western tourism in the country, tipping is not customary in Taiwan.

• Restaurants and Bars – There will usually be a service charge of 10-15 percent added to your bill. You are not expected to tip any more on top of that. You can leave 10 percent if there is no service charge included.
• Hotels – You are not expected to tip in hotels, but it’s a nice gesture to tip around $1 in local currency to the bellboy and the same again for the maids.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide at least 10 percent of the cost of the tour and around 5 percent for the driver. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but you can tell them to keep the change.

Tajikistan is known for its mountainous interior, and the country is a popular destination for those who enjoy extreme hiking and climbing. Tipping is not expected in Tajikistan.

• Restaurants and Bars – Upscale bars and restaurants in bigger towns and cities will often add a 10 percent service charge to the bill. Other than that, there is no need to tip.
• Hotels – Tipping is not expected during your stay here.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Your taxi driver and tour guide will not expect to receive a tip.

Famous for its tropical beaches, vibrant party scene, and ultra-modern cities, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Despite the huge numbers of travelers that arrive here every year, tipping is still not customary in Thailand.

• Restaurants and Bars – Leave your loose change in mid-range restaurants, and calculate 10 percent of the bill for more upscale establishments. If there is a service charge on the bill, you do not have to worry about tipping any extra.
• Hotels – Tip the bellboy or porter around ~$1.50 per bag in local currency and the same again in an envelope for your maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Round up the fare for taxi drivers and add $10-$20 per day in local currency for the tour guide.

Timor-Leste

This Southeast Asian island nation is best known for its coral lined beaches and vibrant marine life. Following decades of brutal struggle to achieve independence, it is now still largely undiscovered and tourist-free. Tipping is not customary in Timor-Leste. The official currency is the U.S. dollar.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping is not mandatory here, and restaurants do not have a service charge added to them. If you feel like tipping, you can tip 10 percent as a guide.
• Hotels – You can tip loose change, but it is not expected.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Round up the fare for taxi drivers and add a small tip for your tour guide if you feel they deserve one.

This Polynesian kingdom comprises more than 170 islands lined with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and interiors covered with tropical rainforests. Tipping is not part of the culture in Tonga, but it is appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurants do not have a service charge added to them, but if you want to tip, you should hand the money directly to your servers. The same rules apply to bars.
• Hotels – You do not have to tip hotel staff, but many guests leave something small for the bellboy and the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – It is a nice gesture to tip 5-10 percent of the tour price to both the guide and the driver. Taxi drivers only really receive a tip if they help load luggage or go that extra mile.

Turkmenistan

Set on the ancient Asian Silk Road and bordered by the Caspian Sea, this Soviet-style country is an unusual, but rewarding, travel destination. Tipping is not part of the culture in Turkmenistan.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurants do not have a service charge added to them, and tipping is not expected or required in traditional restaurants. Servers in Western-style establishments will appreciate a small tip.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – It is a nice gesture to tip 5-10 percent of the tour price to both the guide and the driver. Taxi drivers do not expect to receive a tip.

These sparsely populated islands are part of the British Commonwealth and are famous for palm-fringed beaches, extensive birdlife, and historical sites from WWII. Tipping in Tuvalu isn’t common and never expected.

• Restaurants and Bars – There is no service charge, and tipping is not expected. If you frequent an upscale establishment, you can leave a tip if you wish to.
• Hotels – Only upscale hotels would expect you to leave a small tip for the bellboy, maids, or other hotel staff. Leave what you think they deserve (in local currency).
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, and tour guides should only receive one if you want to reward them for their services.

Another of the Silk Road nations, Uzbekistan is best known for its ancient Islamic landmarks and architecture, ornate mosques, and the city of Samarkand. Tipping is not compulsory in Uzbekistan.

• Restaurants and Bars – Because most establishments already add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, additional tips are not required. Bars and clubs are on the rise in Uzbekistan, so feel free to pass a small tip to your bartender in local currency.
• Hotels – The service charge is always included, but bellboys, porters, and maids may expect a small gratuity.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can show your appreciation for your guide and driver by leaving them a tip of your choice at the end of the tour.

Made up of 80 islands, this South Pacific nation attracts adventurers looking to dive the coral reefs and explore the underwater caverns and WWII-era wrecks. Tipping is not encouraged in Vanuatu, and can even be considered an insult in some instances. Local residents believe that if they receive something for nothing, they will be in your debt. Therefore, play it safe and don’t tip in Vanuatu.

Vietnam is another much loved Asian nation famous for its beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and Buddhist pagodas. Tipping in Vietnam is appreciated but not expected. U.S. dollars may be accepted in shops or hotels in tourist areas, but paying in local currency may be more advantageous.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants in Vietnam will add a 5-10 percent service charge to the bill. If you cannot see this on the bill, add about the same yourself, and hand it directly to your server. Bartenders often rely on tips to make a living, so round up your bills or add an extra $1 per round (in local currency).
• Hotels – Look to leave your bellboy around $1 per bag (in local currency), and your maid or housekeeper a little more. You can also leave a few extra dollars at the reception desk when you leave.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides also rely on tips to supplement their income, so add $3-$5 per day (in local currency) for your guide and the same for your driver.

The Eastern European nation of Albania is a popular destination for adventurers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Tipping is commonplace in Albania, but not mandatory.

• Restaurants and Bars – The usual practice is to leave a tip of around 5-10 percent of the total cost of the meal. Your bartender won’t expect a tip, but you can add an extra 5 percent if you are happy with the service.
• Hotels – Cleaning staff, bellboys, and porters will appreciate around $1-$2 in local currency as a tip.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For tour guides, the normal tip amount is 10 percent of the price of the tour and about half that for the driver if there is one. Taxi drivers will not expect a tip, but you can round up the fare.

A popular ski resort, Andorra is a tiny, independent principality that has tax-haven status making it equally as popular with duty-free shoppers. Tipping isn’t really customary in Andorra.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants will add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, meaning there is no need to leave a tip. If you don’t see a service charge, add the extra 10 percent and give it to your server instead.
• Hotels – You are not expected to tip your hotel staff in Andorra.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tipping a taxi driver isn’t expected or custom in Andorra, and you should agree upon your fare before you ride.

The tiny nation of Armenia is the place to visit if you like tranquil scenery, ancient churches, and warm, welcoming locals. Tipping is starting to become increasingly popular in Armenia.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurants are starting to add around 10 percent of the bill as a service charge, but this may not go to the serving staff. If there is no service charge on the bill, you should aim to tip about 10 percent in restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• Hotels – Tipping in hotels isn’t expected or custom in Armenian hotels, but you can leave a small amount of local currency with the bellboy or for the maids if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should round up the fare for your taxi driver, and leaving spare local change for your tour guide or driver is always appreciated, especially in bigger towns and cities.

Once home to such famous residents as Mozart, Strauss, and Freud, Austria is a land of historic cities, perfect peaks, and stunning scenery. It is popular with visitors looking to ski, hike, and explore the cities. Tipping is common in Austria.

• Restaurants and Bars – There is often a service charge of around 12.5 percent added to the bill, but you should round up the total on top of this. If there is no service charge, tip around 5-10 percent.
• Hotels – Hotel bills often already include a service charge, but you can leave small gratuities for personalized service. Leave a couple of euros for your bellboy or porter and the same again for the maid per night.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can tip your tour guide with ~$11 in local currency at the end of the tour, and you should also leave a tip for the driver.

Azerbaijan is a country where Eastern history blends seamlessly with Western culture, and it is a popular destination with those looking for skiing, water sports, and even beach holidays. Tipping is still fairly uncommon in Azerbaijan.

• Restaurants and Bars – More upscale hotels may add a service charge to the bill, but in regular eateries, there is no need to tip.
• Hotels – Tipping is not expected in hotels in Azerbaijan.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to tip your tour guide or driver. Taxi drivers will expect you to round up the fare.

The Republic of Belarus is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage and extraordinary landscapes. It is a nation that is still pretty much undiscovered by Western tourists, but it has lots to offer. Tipping is not common in Belarus.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping isn’t expected in Belarus, but if you want to add a gratuity, leave around 5 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – Tipping is not expected in hotels, but you can leave small change for the bellboy, porter, or maid if you want to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to tip your tour guide or driver, but you can leave them small local currency if you want to.

Belgium is a country of medieval cities, seriously scrumptious chocolate, and finely-honed craft beers, among many other things. Tipping isn’t standard practice in Belgium.

• Restaurants and Bars – You will often find a service charge of 10-15 percent added to your bill in Belgium restaurants. Because of this, there is no need to tip further.
• Hotels – A service charge will be included in your bill, but feel free to leave a couple of euros for the doorman, bellboy, and maids.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to tip your tour guide or taxi driver, but you can leave a few extra euros if you want to.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

This combined nation on the Balkan Peninsula is home to medieval castles, romantic villages, rivers, lakes, and mountains. Still one of the hidden gems of Europe, tipping is common practice in many of the larger towns and cities.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping is expected in restaurants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and you should always aim to tip 5-10 percent of the bill. The same percentage is also expected when tipping your bartender.
• Hotels – Hotels will often round up the bill, but carry a little extra local cash to tip the bellboy, porter, and maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Wages here can be quite low, so always tip your tour guide when you can. You should also round up the fare for your taxi driver.

Bulgaria is a Balkan nation with Black Sea beaches, a rich cultural history, and the beautiful capital city of Sofia. As Bulgaria finds its feet on the tourist maps of Europe, tipping is starting to become more commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is standard practice to tip 10 percent of the bill. Most waitstaff makes up their salaries in tips, so if the service was excellent, you should tip even more.
• Hotels – Tipping is expected and very much appreciated in Bulgarian hotels. You should tip the porter, doormen, bellboy, and maids with local currency of around $1 per bag and the same again for each night stayed. Avoid tipping in coins.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – It is customary in Bulgaria for tour guides and drivers to receive a tip of around 10 percent at the end of the tour. Taxi drivers also expect a similar percentage.

Croatia is a land of mountains and lakes that run into beautiful beaches on the Dalmatian Coast. Visitors come to ski in the winter and enjoy quieter beach holidays than can be found in the more traditionally Spanish, French, and Portuguese resorts. There is not a huge tipping culture in Croatia.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is expected that you leave the standard 10 percent on your bill in most restaurants, or round up the bill in bars or smaller establishments.
• Hotels – Tips are not expected in hotels, but you can show your appreciation by leaving $2-$3 in local currency for the bellboys and maids.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide around $1.50-$2 per person in local currency, and about half of that for the driver. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it’s a nice gesture to round up the fare.

The island of Cyprus is famed for its beautiful beaches, rugged interior, and ancient ruins of palaces, tombs, and mosaic-tiled villas. Cyprus is a popular winter sun destination, and there are lots of great resorts to choose from. Tipping is optional here.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will charge a 10 percent service charge on the final bill. If you want to leave anything extra, a couple of euros will suffice. You are not expected to leave a tip in bars and cafes, but again, that is up to you.
• Hotels – Most hotels already include a 10-15 percent service charge in your bill. You can tip your bellboy or maid a few euros extra if you wish.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides and drivers will appreciate a tip of around 10 percent of the cost of the tour. You can round up the fare for taxi drivers.

Czech Republic

Home to historical cities, craft beers, and castles, the Czech Republic has a thriving tourist trade and is popular with visitors from all over the world. Tipping is very much expected here.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge of around 10 percent is usually included in the bill. If it is not, it is good manners to tip your servers 10-15 percent.
• Hotels – You should tip your bellboy and maid with local currency and also leave the local equivalent of ~$20 for the concierge at the end of your stay.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide (in local currency) as much as $15-$20 per person per day for small groups and $10 per person per day for larger groups.

Denmark is alleged to be the “best place to live in the world” and millions of travelers visit every year to test out that theory. According to Danish law, any service charge or gratuity should be included in the bill, but there are certain instances where you may still need to tip.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge should be included in your bill. If it is not, you should consider leaving around 10 percent of the bill to be given directly to your server.
• Hotels – You do not need to tip any of the staff at your hotel.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You don’t need to tip your taxi driver, and tour guides would not expect to receive a tip either.

Estonia is a land of churches and castle, rugged beaches, and deep blue lagoons. Visitors come to take in the scenery or explore the ancient cities, and tipping is a relatively new tradition that is becoming much more commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – It is usual to tip your servers 5-10 percent of the total bill, but you have to offer this as it is illegal for the establishment to add it to the bill.
• Hotels – Tipping your hotel staff is not expected or customary.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can round up your taxi fare if you want to, and offer to leave your tour guide 5-10 percent of the cost of the tour if you think the service warrants it.

With numerous ski resorts, vibrant modern cities, a rich cultural history, and the world-famous Northern Lights, Finland is popular with visitors from all over the world. Tipping in Finland is complicated, and it is how and when you leave the gratuity that is more important than how much.

• Restaurants and Bars – Service charges are not commonplace in Finland, and you are not expected to tip. If, however, you find that the service you have received has been exceptional, you can leave your server a tip and give it to them directly. €5-€10 (~$5.50-$11) would be sufficient.
• Hotels – Tipping your hotel staff is not expected or customary, but you may want to leave €10-€20 (~$11-$22) at the end of your stay, to be divided between the porters, maids, and other staff.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to tip tour guides at all, and you only need to round up the taxi fare if your driver has been exceptionally helpful.

As one of the most popular tourist nations in the world, France offers everything from ancient cities and world-famous landmarks to tropical beaches, fine cuisine, and world-class skiing. Tipping in France is not mandatory, but it is good etiquette to leave one.

• Restaurants and Bars – Under French law, service charges cannot be included in your bill, but if the service has been good, you should leave 10 percent for your servers. In bars or cafes, leave a few extra euros with your bill as a tip.
• Hotels – You should leave €1 (~$1) per bag for the porter or bellboy and the same per day for the maid. Be sure to offer the concierge a larger gratuity of around €10 (~$11) at the end of your stay.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide around €5 (~$5) and a little less for the driver, per person, per day.

Georgia lies at the borders of both Europe and Asia and is a melting pot of ancient cites, diverse modern cultures, and Soviet history. Tipping in Georgia is commonplace but not mandatory.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many eateries already include the 10 percent service charge in your bill. If you do not see it, you should consider leaving the same but only if you were happy with the service.
• Hotels – Upscale hotels will expect you to tip the bellboy, porter, and maids about $1 in local currency depending on the service they provide. You do not usually need to worry about tipping in lower-end establishments.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should be prepared to tip your tour guide as much as 10-15 percent of the cost of the tour and a further 5 percent for the driver. If you are on a group tour, you may wish to all put your money together at the end instead.

Offering a ton of traditional charm combined with state-of-the-art amenities, modern cities, great food, and a vast array of culture, visitors come to sample to world-famous beer and experience the German way of life. Tipping in Germany is customary within the service industries.

• Restaurants and Bars – Cash is king in Germany, and most restaurants will simply expect you to hand 5-10 percent of the cost of your meal directly to your server.
• Hotels – You should expect to leave around €1 (~$1) per bag for the porter and a further €3-€5 (~$3-$5.50) for the housekeeper.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You don’t need to tip your taxi driver, but you should round up the fare at the end. You should also consider leaving a tip as much as 10 percent of the tour cost for the guide and the driver.

The European nation of Greece plays host to millions of visitors every year, all looking to experience miles of sandy beaches, tranquil waters, great food, and amazing culture. Tipping in Greece is definitely customary, but it’s not obligatory.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants will round up the bill instead of adding a service charge. If there is no extra charge, then a gratuity of 5-10 percent should be left on the table or given to the waiter directly.
• Hotels – It is customary to leave the bellboy or porter €1 (~$1) per bag, and leave the same again next to the bed for the housekeeper.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – It is customary to tip the tour guide and you should consider leaving €3-€5 (~$3-$5.50) per person, per day.

Hungary is a country of amazing architecture, fabulous folklore, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. The capital city of Budapest is one of the top city break destinations in the world. Tipping in Hungary is appreciated, but not mandatory.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many restaurants will add as much as 12.5 percent service charge to your bill, so you don’t need to worry about leaving any extra.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy around ~$1.50 in local currency and your housekeepers around $1 every day that you stay there.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tip your taxi driver 10 percent of the cost of the total fare, and tip your tour guide based on the length and duration of the tour. The average tip for tour guides in Hungary is $1-$2 in local currency.

Iceland is diverse and beautiful with fantastic scenery, fun-filled towns and cities, and some of the most incredible natural phenomenons in the world. Visitors come to party in Reykjavik, and it is especially popular from mid-May to late July when the country is bathed in 24-hour sunlight. Tipping is not commonplace in Iceland.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurant bills often include a service charge, but if not, you should tip around 10 percent of the bill. In smaller establishments, you could also round up the bill.
• Hotels – It is not customary to tip bellboys, porters, or other front-of-house staff in Icelandic hotels. It is a nice touch, however, to leave some local money for your maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You will not be expected to leave a tip for your taxi driver or tour guide, but if the service was exceptional, you might leave them a small tip to show your appreciation.

From natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway to cities full of culture and vibrant nightlife, Ireland is a small country with a lot to offer. Tipping is commonplace in Ireland.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many restaurants already add a service charge to the bill, but if you do not see one, you should tip 10-15 percent of the cost of the meal. You can dispute the service charge if you do not feel the service was good enough.
• Hotels – You should tip the porter about $1 in local currency and leave the same for housekeeping.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you are on a group tour, a hat or bucket is usually passed around at the end of the tour. If you have booked to be privately shown the sights, you should leave 10 percent of the cost as a tip.

Italy is another of the most visited countries in the world, home to some of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world, as well as the Vatican, a ton of famous artwork, and fantastic food. Tipping is not expected in Italy.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge may be added to your bill, but the restaurant must make you aware of it. If there is no service charge, you can simply round up the bill, or hand a few euros to your server instead.
• Hotels – You should leave a couple of euros for the porter and the same again for the housekeeper. When you leave, you can tip the concierge if they offered you a good service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tours are popular in Italian cities, and you should tip the guide €5-€10 (~$5-$11) depending on the length of the tour. Your taxi driver will not expect a tip, but round up the bill if you want to.

This Baltic nation is full of surprises, including beautiful beaches, quaint cobbled streets, and warm and welcoming people. Tipping in Latvia is not commonplace, but always appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many restaurants already include a service charge on the bill. If you do not see it, you should leave a tip of 5-10 percent if the service was good.
• Hotels – You are not expected to tip the staff in your hotel.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can round your taxi fare up to the nearest euro, but you do not need to leave a tip, and tour guides and drivers can be given your loose change at the end of the tour.

Liechtenstein

This tiny German-speaking principality is packed full of medieval castles, alpine landscapes, and quaint Germanic villages. Tipping is not commonplace and never expected in Liechtenstein.

• Restaurants and Bars – Many restaurants will include a service charge in your bill. If there isn’t one, and the service was great, add around 5 percent to your bill.
• Hotels – Most hotels will include a service charge in your final bill, so there is no need to tip the hotel staff separately.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Service charges will be included in both taxi fares and guided tours, so you do not need to tip extra here either.

Deserted sand dunes, castles, lakes, and vibrant cities full of friendly people make Lithuania a real jewel in the crown of Europe. Tipping in Lithuania is not very commonplace, but always appreciated.

• Restaurants and Bars – Check to see if there is a service charge already added to your bill. If there isn’t one, you should tip your server 5-10 percent.
• Hotels – Tipping hotel staff is not common or really warranted in Lithuania.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You don’t need to tip your taxi driver, and you won’t be expected to tip your tour guide either.

The tiny Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg is one of the safest nations in the world, and travelers come to take in the rich cultural, historical, architectural, and industrial heritage of the country. Tipping in Luxembourg is much more commonplace than it is in most other European countries.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will add a service charge of 15 percent to your bill. At really fancy establishments, you will be expected to leave as much as 10 percent more on top of that.
• Hotels – You should be ready to tip €1 (~$1) for the bellboy and double that per night for the housekeeping staff.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers and tour guides will expect a tip equivalent to around 10 percent of the total fare or cost of the tour.

A country rich in Greek, Roman, and Ottoman heritage, Macedonia is equal parts Balkan and Mediterranean and offers a completely different kind of European experience. Tipping in Macedonia is not uncommon, but not yet well-practiced.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants will add a service charge to the bill. If you don’t see one, tip 10 percent of the bill instead, or just leave loose change in smaller eateries.
• Hotels – There is no need to tip the hotel staff, but if you want to, you should keep a few euros spare for the porter and the housekeeper.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should round up the taxi fare, or add 10 percent of the cost of the tour to keep your tour guide happy.

Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe and is a popular destination for beach lovers and history buffs alike. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and stunning landscapes, tipping has become customary in Malta.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants may include a service charge in your bill, but if there isn’t one, you should tip 5-10 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – In Malta, hotels often command a service charge of around 10 percent, as well as expecting tourists to tip staff directly. For porters and bellboys, €1-€2 (~$1-$2) per bag is about right, and you should leave a little bit more for the maid every morning.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Your tour guide should receive 10 percent of the total cost of the tour, and the driver should receive at least half that again. For taxi drivers, you should round up the fare.

With the dubious honor of being Europe’s most impoverished nation, Moldova still has lots to offer, including stunning scenery, fantastic wineries, and vast cultural history. Tipping is starting to become increasingly popular in Moldova.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but a further 5-10 percent tip is expected on top.
• Hotels – You should keep loose change to tip the bellboy, porter, and the maid at your hotel.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers and tour guides would both welcome a tip at the end of the journey or tour; leave as much as you feel is appropriate.

This independent city-state on the Mediterranean coastline is famous for its casinos, yachts, fancy hotels, and the prestigious Grand Prix that takes over the streets once a year. Tipping is customary in Monaco.

• Restaurants and Bars – A service charge of around 15 percent will be added to the bill in most restaurants, but if it is not, you should add 15 percent yourself. It is also customary to add 15 percent to your bar bill, too.
• Hotels – Tipping is customary in all hotels, and you should expect to tip the bellboy, porters, and valet a couple of euros per bag, and a little less for the housekeepers.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers don’t expect to receive a tip in Monaco, but your tour guide will. Leaving around 10 percent for the guide and their driver is a nice gesture.

The Balkan country of Montenegro is famous for its stunning black mountains, sun-drenched beaches, and quaint towns and villages. Tipping is becoming increasingly commonplace in Montenegro.

• Restaurants and Bars – Check for a service charge on the bill, but if there isn’t one, you should leave a tip of around 10 percent.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy or porter €1 (~$1) per bag and the maid a little more, but only in upscale hotels.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip the taxi driver around 5-10 percent of the fare and the same for your tour guide and driver.

Netherlands

The home of clogs, canals, and cafes, the Netherlands may be low-lying, but they are high on the list of many would-be adventurers. Tipping isn’t generally expected in the Netherlands.

• Restaurants and Bars – If the service in a restaurant is above average, you should consider tipping 5-10 percent of the bill. If it was anything less, simply round up the bill. In bars and cafes, leave your loose change with the bill.
• Hotels – Tipping is not expected in Dutch hotels, but if you want to show your gratitude, you can pass €1-€2 (~$1-$2) to the bellboy, porter, and the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You do not need to tip your taxi driver, but you can round up the fare if you wish to. For your tour guide or driver, you can leave whatever you feel is appropriate.

Famous for outstanding natural attractions such as the fjords, mountains, and Midnight Sun, Norway is also home to vibrant cities that extend a warm welcome to visitors. Tipping is not customary in Norway.

• Restaurants and Bars – Tipping is not common in Norway, but rounding up the bill is. The same tipping etiquette applies to bars and cafes, too.
• Hotels – No need to worry about tipping hotel staff, as this is not done in Norway.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You do not need to tip your taxi driver, but you can round up the fare; tour guides will not except a tip either.

Extensive national parks, winding rivers, and great food are just a few reasons to visit Poland. The picturesque cities such as Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk are also popular attractions for out-of-towners. Tipping in Poland is always expected, but it is customary to reward good service.

• Restaurants and Bars – In big cities, it is customary to leave 10 percent of the bill as a tip. You should try to remember to tip in cash and hand it directly to your server. You can tip your bartender a little more on each round of drinks if you want to.
• Hotels – It is not necessary to tip your bellboy or porter, but you could leave the maid a little something for their service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – For well-executed tours, it is customary to tip your tour guide and driver 10-15 percent of the cost of the tour.

The beaches of the Algarve, world-renowned cuisine, and spectacular landscapes make Portugal one of the Mediterranean’s most popular vacation destinations. There is no real tipping culture in Portugal.

• Restaurants and Bars – There are no hard and fast rules for tipping here, but if you are in an upscale establishment, watch out for the service charge in the bill. If there isn’t one, you can tip as much as 10 percent if you want to. Leaving a cash tip will ensure that your servers receive it.
• Hotels – You will not be expected to tip the hotel staff, but leaving €1 (~$1) for the bellboy or porter, and the same for housekeeping, helps to show your appreciation.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you are on a free tour, you should tip the guide at least €10 (~$11) to pay for their time. For paid tours, leave a tip at the end for both the guide and the driver.

This southeastern European country is best known for its beautiful medieval towns, ancient ruins, the city of Bucharest, and the legend of Count Dracula. Tipping is commonplace in Romania.

• Restaurants and Bars – The service charge is not usually included in the bill in Romanian restaurants. Serving staff are not well paid, so it is customary to leave a tip of at least 10 percent of the bill. The same rules apply to bars.
• Hotels – You should be ready to tip your maid at least $1 per day in local currency, and your porter or bellboy should be given the same per bag for their service (sometimes more).
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide at least $2-$5 per day in local currency and a similar amount for the driver if there is one. Taxi drivers will also expect to receive a tip of around $1 per fare.

The largest nation on earth, Russia, is a vast landmass that offers everything from frozen tundras to sub-tropical beaches, modern cities, and ancient landmarks. Tipping in Russia is commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should tip your server 10-15 percent of the cost of your meal, and always hand it directly to them in cash.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy or porter the local equivalent of $0.50-$1.50 for each bag, and the maid should receive double that each day during your stay. If the concierge provides additional services during your stay, you should tip him or her, too.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide at least $5 per day in local currency and half that again for the driver. Taxi drivers will also expect a tip, and you should be prepared to pay 10 percent of the fare.

This tiny micro-state is situated close to north Italy and is known to be one of the world’s oldest republics with its mountainous towns and villages. Visitors come to explore the ancient citadels, and tipping is commonplace in San Marino.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should tip your server around 10 percent of the bill.
• Hotels – You should be ready to leave a small tip in local currency for the bellboy, porter, and maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide and driver a small amount of local currency at the end of the tour.

With a rich history that spans the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Habsburg, and Yugoslav eras, Serbia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and has diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and excellent cuisine. Tipping is not obligatory.

• Restaurants and Bars – You can add up to 10 percent of the bill if you wish to leave a tip, but you should pay this in cash and hand it directly to your servers.
• Hotels – You can keep some low denomination local currency to hand to tip the bellboy or porter, and then leave some more in your room for the housekeeper.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should round up the fare for taxi drivers, and tip your tour guide and driver at the end of the tour.

With a rich cultural history, ancient castles, and stunning scenery, Slovakia is fast-gaining a reputation for offering superb skiing at affordable prices. Tipping here is not particularly commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – If there is no service charge on the bill, you could add up to 10 percent of the cost of the meal in cash and give it directly to your server.
• Hotels – Loose change can be given to the bellboy or porter and housekeeper, too.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should round up the fare for taxi drivers. For tours, you can include some small amounts as a tip for your guide.

Famous for its mountains, ski resorts, medieval castles, and quaint cobbled streets, Slovenia is a heady mix of ancient facades and 20th-century architecture. Tipping is not obligatory in Slovenia.

• Restaurants and Bars – In tourist rich areas, it is customary to add a 10 percent tip to the cost of your meal, and hand it to your server in cash.
• Hotels – Hotel staff will be happy to receive a small tip for helping to carry your luggage or clean your room.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Round up the fare for your taxi driver and tip your tour guide if you were impressed by the tour.

With some of the most enjoyable climates in Europe, incredible landscapes, and beautiful beaches, Spain is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Tipping is not very common.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants may already include a small service charge on your bill, but if you do not see this written down, then go ahead and feel free to add up to 10 percent of your bill as a tip. Make sure that this money goes to the server and not just the restaurant.
• Hotels – If your hotel has a porter, you should be prepared to leave a couple of euros for a tip, and you should also leave the maid a few euros extra every day.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Many tour guides are self-employed and rely on tips to supplement their incomes. Make them feel appreciated by paying them as much as €10 (~$11) per person, per day. Save some extra to pay the driver, too. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip but round up the fare where you can.

Sweden is a land of saunas, endless sunshine, superb cities, and some of the best flatpack furniture in the world. Visitors come to experience the very best of Scandinavian living, and while tipping is generally not part of Swedish culture, it is becoming more popular in tourist areas.

• Restaurants and Bars – More often than not, a gratuity is often included as part of a service charge, but if it is not included, you should leave 5-10 percent of the bill. In Sweden, not tipping too much is as important as tipping too little. If you are in a bar, you should leave a little extra when you pay.
• Hotels – Service charges for the hotel staff are usually included in the bill when you leave. You can also leave small tips for porters, bellboys, and even the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to leave a tip for your tour guide or taxi driver, but you can leave change at the end if you want to.

Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for amazing chocolate, picture-perfect castles, scenic train rides, and superb skiing. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the Swiss Alps, and tipping is not particularly commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – There will usually be a service charge included in your bill. If you want to leave more or leave a tip where no charge is included, you should round up your bill. Tips aren’t really expected in bars.
• Hotels – Tipping hotel staff is one of the few places where tipping is prevalent. Keep loose change on hand to tip the bellboy, porter, and maid to thank them for their services.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You do not need to leave a tip for your tour guide and you don’t need to tip your taxi driver either.

Ukraine is famous for its Orthodox churches and Black Sea coastline, as well as the lively capital city of Kiev and the largest catacomb system in the world. Tipping in Ukraine is not part of the culture, but is expected from Westerners.

• Restaurants and Bars – In larger eateries, you should tip around 10 percent for good service. In cafes and smaller establishments, you can simply round up the bill.
• Hotels – In upscale hotels, you should tip the bellboy or porter the local equivalent of $1 and about the same for the cleaning staff. Check your final bill, though, as some hotels automatically add a 20 percent service charge.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your tour guide the equivalent of $15-$20 per day, per person, and round up the fare for your taxi driver.

United Kingdom

Home to Buckingham Palace, London, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the U.K. is a major tourist destination for visitors from every corner of the globe. Tipping here is a reward for good service rather than something expected.

• Restaurants and Bars – Expect to pay a tip of around 10 percent in restaurants or anywhere where food is brought to your table. Some establishments include a service charge, but you can ask to have this removed if you are not happy with the service. It is also acceptable to hand cash tips directly to your waitstaff.
• Hotels – You should tip the porter a couple of pounds per bag, and while you are not expected to tip the cleaner, you can leave some cash on the side when you leave.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers appreciate a rounded up fare, and you should consider tipping your tour guide as much as £5 (~$6.50) per day, per person.

This tiny city-state in Italy is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope himself and a myriad of iconic religious buildings, art, and architecture. Tipping in the Vatican is not really expected.

• Restaurants and Bars – There are cafeteria-style restaurants inside city walls and you are not required to tip in any of them.
• Hotels – There are no hotels in Vatican City.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – A tour of the Vatican is worth its weight in gold to ensure you don’t miss a single thing. You should, therefore, tip your tour guide generously, as much as $20 per day in local currency.

This popular tourist destination in the Middle East is home to historic Arab settlements, state of the art cities, stunning beaches, glorious weather, and welcoming multi-cultural society. Tipping is customary in Bahrain.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will add a service charge of 10-15 percent to your bill. If they do not, you are not obligated to leave a tip, but you should if you feel the service warrants it. In bars and cafes, it is acceptable to round up the change.
• Hotels – Service charges are again included in your hotel bill, but it not uncommon for Western tourists to tip the bellboy or the porter and leave local money in the room for the maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers will expect to receive about 10 percent on top of the cost of the fare, and you should tip tour guides or drivers about the same.

This Islamic republic on the Persian Gulf is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, and these days it is also home to some of the most opulent cities and attractions in the world. Tipping is a strange game in Iran as gratuities are often refused before they are accepted.

• Restaurants and Bars – Upscale restaurants will include a service charge of around 10 percent in your bill. In bars and other establishments, you can round up the bill or try to offer cash directly to your server.
• Hotels – Tipping is only expected in Western-style hotels where you should tip the bellboy a few dollars (in local currency) per bag, and leave the same again in your room for the maids.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can round up the fare to leave a small tip for the taxi driver. You should tip your tour guide about 10 percent of the tour cost and half of that again for the driver.

Iraq is not an easy country to visit, with ongoing unrest and terrorism making it unsafe for Western visitors. In less turbulent times, it is a land of breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities, and countless historic attractions. Tipping in Iraq is not common and is mostly never expected either.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some more fancy establishments may include a service charge of 10 percent in the bill. If you don’t see one, but felt that the service was good, you may leave your own.
• Hotels – Tipping is not expected in Iraqi hotels, but you may leave small local denomination notes for the bellboy, porter, or maids if you wish to.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can round up the taxi fare, and only tip your tour guide if you feel the service is worthy of it.

Home to the spiritual homeland of 3 world religions, Israel is a small country with a lot to offer. From beautiful beaches to vibrant cities, visitors come to Israel for a million different reasons. Tipping is commonplace in Israel.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should leave 10-15 percent as a tip on top of your bill, but ask your server if any of the gratuity comes to them. If not, leave it in cash. You should tip your bartender per round, too.
• Hotels – You should tip the bellboy or porter around $1.50 per bag carried, and leave $1.50-$3 per day for your maid, all in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You are not expected to tip your taxi driver, but you can round up the fare for good service. Your tour guide and driver should receive a tip of around 15 percent of the cost of the tour. Tipping tour guides is very common in Israel, and if you embark on a private tour, you may want to tip them even more.

Jordan is an Arab nation that is home to a plethora of ancient sites and monuments, stunning beaches, and the famous archaeological site of Petra. Tipping in Jordan is very much part of the culture.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants will add a service charge of 10 percent to your bill. You should also add 5-10 percent on top to give to your server. In bars, you should also expect to pay at least a 10 percent service charge.
• Hotels – Hotels will also add a 10 percent service charge to your final bill, but this is not for the staff. Therefore, you should tip your bellboy or porter around $1.50-$3 per bag, your maid at least $3 per night, and the concierge up to $28 at the end of your stay, all in local currency.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Round up the fare for your taxi driver. Your tour guide should be given as much as 10 percent of the cost of your tour and half of that again for the driver.

Home to the Grand Mosque and Kuwait Towers, Kuwait is a prosperous nation that has one of the lowest numbers of Western visitors in the Middle East. Tipping in Kuwait is very much discretionary.

• Restaurants and Bars – A 10 percent service charge will usually be added to your bill, but you may also want to add a little more to give directly to your servers. Alcohol consumption in Kuwait is forbidden, so you are more likely to visit a coffee shop than a bar. You should leave a small tip for waitstaff in local currency.
• Hotels – There will often be a 10 percent service charge added to your final bill. You are not expected to tip the hotel staff, but you can leave a small amount in local currency for the maids, or tip the bellboy or porter direct.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should tip your taxi driver around 10 percent of the fare, and if you are off on a guided tour, consider tipping a similar amount.

Lebanon is a country filled with ancient ruins, religious temples, and the vibrant city of Beirut. Tipping is customary in Lebanon.

• Restaurants and Bars – In Western-style hotels, you will usually find a service charge of around 15 percent automatically added to your bill. If you do not see one, you should tip your waiter 10-15 percent anyway.
• Hotels – Staff will expect to be tipped in local currency, and you should budget around $2.50 for bellboys, porters, valets, and maids. You may want to tip your concierge more.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can round up the fare for your taxi driver, and you should add at least 15 percent to the cost of a tour for your guide and their driver.

From beach holidays in Muscat to diving, fossil hunting, and desert camping, Oman is the country for sophisticated travelers who like to do and see more. Tipping is not customary in Oman, but Western visitors often do so anyway.

• Restaurants and Bars – You should add a tip of at least 10 percent of the total cost of your bill as a tip for your servers.
• Hotels – You should carry local currency so that you can tip your bellboy, porter, valet, and cleaners to the value of $1-$2.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You can round up your taxi fares and leave a tip for your tour guide at the end in the region of $13 (in local currency) for a 5-day trip.

The Arab nation of Qatar is known for its sand dunes and beaches, futuristic skyscrapers, and prolific Islamic art. Qatar is also one of the richest countries in the world, and tipping is commonplace in larger towns and cities.

• Restaurants and Bars – Most restaurants in Qatar will include a service charge with the bill, but none of this will usually be passed on to the waitstaff. Be a nice tourist, and leave a further 10-15 percent for your servers.
• Hotels – Tip your doorman, bellboys, porters, and maid at least $3-$4 in local currency to reward good service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tour guides in Qatar are usually tipped about $5 a day in local currency, and the driver around the same. You should also tip your taxi driver by rounding up the fare.

Saudi Arabia

As the birthplace of Islam and home to the cities of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia is one of the last great nations to not succumb to the lure of the tourist dollar, although this is changing. Tipping in Saudi Arabia is becoming more commonplace.

• Restaurants and Bars – You will be expected to tip 10-15 percent unless there already is a service charge added to the bill.
• Hotels – There are many luxury hotels in Saudi Arabia, and it is becoming increasingly common to tip the bellboys, valets, porters, and maid with the local equivalent of $1-$2.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Club together with other guests on your tour and provide your guide with an envelope of cash at the end. The final amount should equate to around $10 per day, per person (in local currency). You should also tip the driver about $5 per day.

Syria is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. It is a country of great beauty and diversely differing landscapes. Unfortunately, it is also besieged by civil war and terrorism, and currently travel to Syria is not recommended.

• Restaurants and Bars – Some restaurants may include a service charge, but usually, it will be down to you to choose how much to tip. Westerners are often expected to tip where locals may not be.
• Hotels – Keep small local cash handy to tip your bellboy, porter, and maid.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Tours in Syria can be dangerous, so you should show your appreciation to your tour guide and driver as generously as you can.

Home to the iconic Hagia Sophia, beautiful beaches, and excellent value for money tourist resorts, Turkey is popular with those looking to enjoy the sunshine while enjoying a taste of the Middle East. Tipping is very much part of the culture in Turkey.

• Restaurants and Bars – In Turkey, it is customary to tip 5-10 percent, depending on service. You should hand over your tips in cash (Turkish lira) where you can.
• Hotels – You should be ready to tip your bellboy, porter, or valet around $1 per bag in local currency and the same amount again for room service.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – You should leave $1.50-$2.50 in local currency as a tip for your tour guide and a similar amount for the driver. If you need to take a taxi, be ready to round up the fare on arrival.

United Arab Emirates

Being a federation of 7 different Emirates, UAE is home to some of the most opulent destinations in the world, including Abu Dhabi and its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai with it’s extravagant Burj Khalifa tower, and the Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. Tipping is common practice in the Emirates.

• Restaurants and Bars – Restaurants and hotel bars usually include a service charge of 10-15 percent to your bill. This will not go directly to the waitstaff, so you may want to leave them a cash tip on top of this.
• Hotels – You should tip porters, bellboys, and the valet the local equivalent of $1.50-$3. It is customary to leave a larger tip for your cleaner at the end of your stay, and the same for the concierge if you have found them to be helpful.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but you can always round up the fare. Tour guides and their drivers do expect to be tipped, and you should consider leaving around 10 percent of the cost of the tour at the end of each day.

Yemen has a rich cultural heritage and is home to the iconic Dar al-Hajar, the fascinating Socotra Island and cities steeped in ancient history. It also, sadly, a country that has suffered from decades of civil war. Tipping in Yemen is not very common.

• Restaurants and Bars – Upscale restaurants will expect you to tip the standard 10 percent, while smaller eateries, cafes, and coffee shops will be happy with cash tips or rounding up the bill. Yemen is a dry country, so you probably won’t be drinking in a bar.
• Hotels – Hotels do not expect you to tip in Yemen, but you can leave small amounts of local cash for the bellboy or cleaner.
• Guides, Tours, and Drivers – If you are taking a taxi, you should round up the fare, and if you are planning on joining a guided tour, be mindful to include a 10 percent tip for the tour guide and half again for the driver.

Take the time to research your tipping obligations in each country you are planning to visit. After all, nobody wants to look like a lazy tipper, or come across a little too strong.

Finally, if you are still unsure of what you should tip, to whom, and when, ask your hotel concierge (if you have one), desk staff, or even the front-of-house team in the restaurant — they will be able to set you straight.

Other Tipping Guide Resources

• Etiquette 101: Your Guide to Tipping Around the World
• Tipping Around The World
• Worldwide Tipping Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an appropriate tip.

This can vary a lot by country and situation, but a rough rule of thumb is that 10 percent works in most instances for tour guides. 10 percent is also a good restaurant tip except for countries that are heavily visited or influenced by American tourism, in which case 15-20 percent might be more appropriate.

Is it against the law to not tip?

There is no legal requirement to leave a tip but in some countries where wages are severely subsidized with tips, it is rude to not leave one.

Should you tip if gratuity is included?

Usually if a service charge or gratuity is included, you do not need to leave a tip. 2 instances where this may not be the case is if the service was exceptional and you wanted to show even more appreciation. Also, some restaurants include a service charge which does not go to the servers. If you are unsure, ask, and then hand a cash tip directly to the server.

Is it rude to tip in Europe?

Tipping is not considered rude in Europe, but tipping 15-20 percent is quite excessive. Rounding up the bill is quite common or tipping 10 percent for great service.

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

Discover the exact steps we use to get into  1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free   (even if you’re flying economy!) .

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy  and  terms of service  apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

A Helpful Guide to Tipping in Europe

Here's how much to tip in 10 European countries, from hotels and restaurants to taxis and tour guides.

Planning a vacation to Europe, whether it's your first trip or you're an old pro, is super exciting. Trip planning can lead to dozens of questions, but there's one that's asked the most: Is tipping in Europe a must?

The short answer is yes, you do tip in Europe. Most travelers are aware that tipping practices differ between the U.S. and European countries. Rick Steves, author, TV host, and expert on European travel, told Travel + Leisure , "People overthink tipping in Europe." Steves' website also begins with similar advice: "Don't stress over tipping."

Still, some guidelines can be helpful. According to Simone Amorico , co-owner and CEO of Access Italy , "At restaurants in Italy, an average of 10 to 15 percent is appreciated. When it comes to drivers and tour guides, the average is 10 percent, but many leave more." He added, "At hotels, guests may tip the concierge or guest relations, depending on the services requested, as well as housekeeping."

Richard Nahem, longtime Paris resident and owner of Eye Prefer Paris Tours , said, "The tip is usually included in the bill, and it's called the service charge. It's perfectly acceptable not to leave a tip, but [leaving] three to five percent as a courtesy [is customary]. Most restaurants and cafes are not equipped to add a tip to your credit card bill, so it's best to have some coins with you. Hand the cash tip to the server, rather than leaving it on the table." Nahem added, "It's also customary to tip the concierge at hotels, and for taxis, a euro or two is fine."

If you want to tip your guide for a two-hour walking tour, for example, a per-person tip of two to five euros (or the equivalent in francs, kroner, etc.) is appropriate, according to Rick Steves. For a smaller group, the tip should be more, and for a private guide, 10 to 20 euros for the group is fine, unless extra service is provided. You do not tip bartenders in Europe, but leaving change or a euro is always appreciated. Tips are also not customary for takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service.

Clearly, even advice from experts varies when it comes to tipping in Europe, and in many cases, it comes down to personal judgment. However, all would agree that no matter how many euros a traveler leaves, it's most important to treat servers and hospitality workers with courtesy .

Here are a few guidelines on tipping in 10 European countries.

The service charge ( servizio ) at restaurants in Italy is usually included and noted on the check. If there's no service charge, a 10 to 15 percent tip is fine. A cover charge ( coperto ) is usually indicated, but this is generally not for the waitstaff. At hotels, tip one to two euros per bag, and for housekeeping, one to two euros per night. For taxis, no tip is necessary, but leaving the change for the driver is customary. Tips for tour guides vary, but consider 10 percent an average.

In restaurants in France , a service charge is often included, but if not, five to 10 percent is normal. At hotels, tip one to two euros per bag for porters, and the same per day for housekeeping. Taxi drivers expect a euro, or the change if it's enough — for example, you gave a €10 bill on a €9.15 fare. For tour guides, tip about 10 percent, but you may wish to add more if your guide provides special service.

Service is generally included on the bill at restaurants in Greece , but if not, 10 to 15 percent is considered generous. No tip is necessary for taxis, but rounding up or leaving the change is fine. At hotels, one euro per night is customary for housekeeping, and the same goes for a porter who takes your bag. Tour guide tips vary, depending on the type of tour. Start at 10 percent, but offer more for a private tour.

As in most other countries, add 10 to 15 percent if a service charge isn't indicated on the check at a restaurant in Ireland . For taxis, leave the change or round up if paying cash. In hotels, leave two to three euros per night for housekeeping, and tip porters approximately one euro per bag. Tour guide gratuities should be about 10 percent as a starting point.

Switzerland

A service charge is typically included in the check, but it's customary to add about 10 percent, depending on the service. For taxis, rounding up the total is fine. At hotels, tip two to three francs for porters and door people and the same per night to housekeeping. Gratuities for tour guides will vary depending on the type of tour, with 10 percent as a general base.

At more upmarket restaurants, the menu will say whether a service charge is included ( servicio incluido). If there's no service charge, tip 10 percent. For taxis, if you pay in cash, rounding up is fine. At hotels, one to two euros per bag for the bellhop and two euros per night for housekeeping is polite. If a concierge helps with bookings, tip five to 10 euros. For tour guides on big group tours, two to three euros is fine. For a smaller group tour, tip five euros, and for a private tour tip 15 per person.

Iceland and Scandinavian Countries

Tipping in these countries — Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden — is different from most of the other European destinations in that gratuities are not expected. Most restaurants include service in the bill; at most, round up or leave change if paying in cash. Hotel employees don't expect tips for services, but you may still provide a small amount for extra help. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, either, nor do tour guides. However, for a guide that offers something special, or for a private or full-day tour, you may want to tip around 10 percent.

Related Articles

Etiquette 101: Your Guide to Tipping Around the World

Are you in a country where tipping is customary and required? Appreciated but not expected? Or virtually unheard of? The truth is, tipping rules vary by country, by region, and by scenario. A modest rounding up of the check may be fine in some places and insufficient in others. A few small bills left on a night table might be gladly picked up by housecleaning staff in one hotel and scrupulously shunned elsewhere. Such uncertainties can throw an uneasy shadow over even the most exhilarating jaunt in a new land. That's why we've spelled out guidelines for the most common tipping situations in 50 countries, from Switzerland to Singapore.

THE MIDDLE EAST

The tipping culture is often complex and subtle in this part of the world. "It's known for being very friendly and hospitable, with people providing too much service," says Rita Zawaideh, the Jordanian-born owner of Seattle's Caravan-Serai Tours, which plans trips to the region. In return, "people's hands are out a little bit more." While you may give more often in these parts, it's usually in small amounts—and it's deeply appreciated.

Dubai's government mandates adding a 10 percent service charge to all bills at hotels, restaurants, and bars. (Tips are usually divided equally among staff but sometimes go directly to the people who have helped you.) Feel free to top it off with a few dirhams (each is worth about a quarter). Parking valets and porters are the exception—they usually get 10 dirhams. Bag packers in markets might appreciate a few coins; cabdrivers don't expect anything, but rounding up to the 5-dirham note is good practice.

At Restaurants: The tip is included in the bill; add 5–10 percent above that.

At Hotels: One to two dollars a day for the housekeeper (pay throughout your stay to ensure great cleaning); $1 per bag for the porter; concierges are powerful and very helpful, so $10–$20 at the beginning of your stay will go far.

Guides and Drivers: Cabdrivers, 10–15 percent; guides (who never drive you), $20 per person per day; drivers a little less.

Dollars Accepted? Everything is accepted, and often preferable to local currency.

P.S. Guides are often well-trained Egyptologists whose function is not only to educate but also to divert the many locals who will have their hands out for baksheesh, whether they've earned it or not. James Berkeley, president of Destinations & Adventures, which arranges trips to Egypt and the Middle East, likes to tell "the biggest joke in tourism": A camel driver tells you, "No charge to get on my camel—but five-dollar tip." You pay, you lumber up onto the camel. Then he says, "$20 tip to get off."

Unlike Europeans, Americans can't travel independently in Iran; they must be with a government-approved tour, and tipping is encouraged. Zawaideh recommends each person leave a tip in a separate envelope and write a short note of appreciation. If restaurant service is really good, leave a few more dollars. In hotels, if you really want to express appreciation, says Zawaideh, give a small gift from the United States (a T-shirt or hat bearing the name of an American city or sports team). In a closed country like Iran, she says, "they love that stuff—it means a lot more." But if you do tip, dollars are accepted.

At Restaurants: As in European countries, the tip is routinely included in the bill; add a shekel per customer (they're about four to the dollar).

At Hotels: A couple shekels for the concierge for a small favor. Six shekels per bag for porters; six shekels per day for housekeepers.

Guides and Drivers: 10–15 percent for taxis; 90–120 shekels per person per day for tour guides, 120–150 shekels for driver-guides.

Dollars Accepted? Certainly, you will find people who will accept U.S. dollars or euros, but the preferred form of cash payment is still the shekel.

At Restaurants: Service is almost always included in the bill; add 5–10 percent for the waiter.

At Hotels: One dinar ($1.50) per bag for the porter, same per night for the housekeeper—or a bit more, as they tend to be impoverished Palestinians. Tip the concierge—in advance—only if you expect something very special to be done, like access to rare tickets.

Guides and Drivers: 10–15 percent for taxis; $30 per person per day for tour guides; private driver, $30 per day total.

Anyone Else? Bedouins in Petra—a tribe called Nabateans—control most tourism to the ancient city, part of a deal worked out with the king when the city was made tourist-friendly. They will sometimes keep asking for tips—even after you've already paid. It's okay to decline firmly.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, and euros, too.

P.S. Berkeley says to ask whoever arranged your guides—local or government-sanctioned—whether the tip has been prepaid. If so, refuse to pay more.

At Restaurants: Leave 15–20 percent.

At Hotels: Follow the standard for hotels in big American cities: $2 to $5 for doormen when they call a cab, $2 to $5 a day for housekeepers, and $2 to $5 a bag for porters.

Guides and Drivers: Tip $10 per person per day for drivers, $5 per person per day for guides.

Dollars Accepted? Yes.

SAUDI ARABIA

At Restaurants: Tips aren't included, so leave 10 to 15 percent of the bill. And, says Zawaideh, asking for doggie bags is a no-no in the Middle East; uneaten food is taken home by kitchen staff or given to the homeless.

At Hotels: To ensure good service throughout a stay, says Zawaideh, "I give the concierge $20 to $25 when I get there so he remembers who I am." Give porters $1 to $2 per bag and leave about $2 a day in your room for housekeepers.

Guides and Drivers: Give guides about $10 per person per day if you're going out alone or in a very small group, about $7 per person per day in a large group. Give drivers $5 per person per day; if they have assistants who keep the car clean and get water, give them $2 per person per day.

P.S. If you visit a mosque, leave $1 for the person who hands out robes for women to wear and 50 cents to $1 for the person who minds your shoes, which you respectfully doff at the door. "Don't make it obvious that you're tipping someone," advises Zawaideh. "Put the tip in an envelope for guides and drivers, palm it off with a handshake and a thank-you to the concierge, and slip it in the jacket pocket of the maître d' to get a good table." And keep in mind that most workers here are foreigners from, say, India or the Philippines. They depend upon your tips to support their families.

** UNITED ARAB EMIRATES**

At Restaurants: U.S. rules apply; tip 15 to 20 percent. In a so-called seven-star restaurant, which you'll find here, tip the maître d' $50 to $100 to ensure superior service (you're going to be paying $200 per person for the meal anyway).

At Hotels: Tip the concierge $30 to $35 every time you have a major request, like a special restaurant reservation. Tip porters $2 per bag, doormen $2 to $3 to hail cabs, and maids $3 a day.

Guides and Drivers: Guides get $10 to $20 per person per day, drivers $5 per person per day.

P.S. Unlike elsewhere in the region, don't tip bathroom attendants in the United Arab Emirates unless there is a coin dish in the restroom.

It helps, in some of the world's least developed areas, not just to be generous but to be thoughtful. Your porter in Johannesburg may be well versed in the way of tourists, but that doesn't mean he can easily exchange a ratty five-dollar bill.

At Restaurants: 10 percent is generous, but check to make sure the service isn't included in the bill.

At Hotels: Two dollars per bag to the porter; $10 to the concierge at the beginning of your stay, to guarantee good service; $5 per night to the housekeeper, preferably paid day by day.

Guides and Drivers: For cab drivers, round up to the next 10-dirham note; private drivers and guides should both get around $20 per day.

P.S. In Morocco, "tipping is best done quietly, perhaps off to the side," suggests Joel Zack of Heritage Tours, which specializes in travel to Morocco. He recommends the furtive handshake-with-cash-in-palm move, accompanied by a smile and a thank-you.

SOUTH AFRICA

At Restaurants: 10–15 percent to the waiter.

At Hotels: A dollar per bag to the porter and per night to the housekeeper; $3–$5 to the concierge.

Guides and Drivers: Taxi drivers, 10 percent; private drivers and tour guides, $25 per person per day, says Joel Zack, president of Heritage Tours Private Travel.

What Else? South African authorities employ "car guards" and airport porters semi-officially to cut down on unemployment; most don't get salaries and rely on tips. When parking a car, you might be approached by a guard. If he shows identification, he's probably the real deal. Pay him 15–20 rand when you return; pay an airport porter 20 rand per bag max.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but not for car guards and airport porters, who'd have trouble changing them.

THE AMERICAS

_ Latin America may be just south of the border, but tipping customs vary widely. "Whereas in the United States you'd leave 15 to 20 percent on a meal, in Latin America it's more like 8 to 12 percent outside of modern places in large capitals," says Clark Kotula, an expert on South American travel. And while tipping is not as much a part of the culture in Latin America as in the United States, workers still appreciate tips, even if they don't expect them._

At Restaurants: 10 percent to the waiter.

At Hotels: At least 25 pesos for a porter, and up to 45 for a particularly helpful one.

Guides and Drivers: Round up for taxi drivers; 10 percent for "remisses" (common local car services); 10 percent for a full-day driver, more for a really good one; 150–300 pesos for a full-day guide, a bit more for a great one.

Dollars Accepted? U.S. dollars are always accepted as tips, though you can't get USD in Argentina, so bring cash with you.

P.S. "Tipping is more expensive now than it used to be," says travel specialist (and native Argentine) Vanessa Heitner. "There were times when a 20-peso tip at the higher end meant a lot, but nowadays it isn't enough." Because of inflation, she notes, the proper amount is a moving target. Also, be sure to have plenty of change in your pocket for tipping—there's a serious shortage of it, and many shops and restaurants will refuse to break bills.

At Restaurants: No tip required; 10 percent is routinely included in the bill for "serviço."

At Hotels: $2 per bag for the porter; no tip expected for the concierge; $2 a day for the housekeeper.

Guides and Drivers: Round up for cabdrivers; for a private driver, give about $20–$50 for a full day, depending on the quality of the service; same for an all-day tour guide (they rely heavily on tips, so be generous).

Dollars Accepted? Yes, and encouraged, due to a favorable exchange rate.

Who Else? At ecoresorts in the Amazon, there are often boatmen in addition to tour guides. Tip them $10–$15 per day.

P.S. "Brazilians are discreet and subtle when it comes to business transactions," says travel agent Jill Siegel of South American Escapes. "It's helpful when tipping someone not to make a great display. You might verbally thank them, shake their hand, and express your appreciation while handing the bills folded."

**CANADA **

At Restaurants: As in the United States, the gratuity isn't included, so tip the standard 15 to 20 percent, depending on the service.

At Hotels: Concierges who go out of their way for you should get $10 to $20 per favor; porters get $1 or $2 per bag. Housekeepers get $5 per day."Leave something for them daily," advises Mary Pyle Peters of Distinctive Journeys in Blaisden, California, which organizes Canada trips. The person who cleaned your room all week may not be the same one who comes in the day you check out.

Guides and Drivers: Tip them $10–$15 per person per day. Taxi drivers get 10 to 15 percent.

Dollars Accepted? Yes. Both coin and paper currency.

At Restaurants: A 10 percent tip is included in the bill; feel free to put down a few more bills amounting to another 5–10 percent. Nicer restaurants may also charge a 5–7 percent cubierto, basically a sit-down charge.

At Hotels: If you want extra-good service, consider tipping the concierge (if there is one) $20 up front. Porters get $1 per bag; doormen a few dollars if they hail you a cab; cleaning staff $2 a day (given at the end of your stay, preferably in person or marked for them in an envelope—otherwise they might not take it).

Guides and Drivers: Tip guides $10 to $25 per person per day, depending on how many people are in your group; $5 a day for drivers. With cabs, round up the fare.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but they may be harder for the recipient to spend than the Chilean peso.

P.S. An organized camping trek to, say, Patagonia could involve extra staff, who would be tipped roughly $10–$20 per person per day, with tips split among the expedition staff.

At Restaurants: Check the bill to see if the tip is included. If it is, it's usually 8–10 percent, and it's still common to tip more, up to 15–20 percent total.

At Hotels: If you're staying in a small rural hacienda, a family staff usually cooks, cleans, and tends the gardens, so leave a pooled tip of $5 to $10 per person per night at the end of your stay. In standard hotels, the usual tipping rules apply: about $1 to doormen and cleaning staff per bag or daily cleanup.

Guides and Drivers: Tip $10 per person per day for guides and $5 per person per day for drivers. You don't need to tip taxi drivers unless they really go out of their way to help you.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but try to tip in Colombian pesos. Credit cards are accepted widely.

P.S. When you put your dinner on a credit or debit card, you'll be asked, "Cuantos quotas?"—meaning over how many months do you want your bill payment broken up, a feature that is unique to Colombia, says Kotula. Just say one.

At Restaurants: Tip is included in the bill; anything additional is a pleasant surprise.

At Hotels: 25–50 cents per bag to the porter, $1 per bag at a fine hotel; leave $1 a day for the housekeeper.

Guides and Drivers: Tip cabbies a small amount if you have luggage; drivers get $2–$4 for a long drive, $1–$2 for a trip from the airport; $5–$10 per person for a full-day guide and/or driver.

Who Else?: On an organized tour involving several guides, there's usually a jar for tips to be divvied up among staff—leave $2–$3 for each person who's helped. On a boat, $5–$10 per person for the captain will be distributed among the crew.

P.S. At the Four Seasons, all tips are covered by a resort charge, so no need to add on. Costa Ricans generally get paid better than many other Central American guides. "Rarely do you find them standing around with their hand out for a tip," says Leigh Ann Cloutier of Rico Tours.

At Restaurants: A 10 percent tip is usually included in the bill, but feel free to leave an extra 5–10 percent in nicer restaurants.

At Hotels: Give porters $1 a bag, doormen $1 if they hail you a taxi, and cleaning staff $1 a day at the end of your stay—either directly or left in an envelope at the front desk.

Guides and Drivers: Guides get about $10 per person per day, drivers half that. An Andes trek may include a cook, who gets $5 per person per day, and a burro driver, who gets about $2–$3 per person per day.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, they are the currency of Ecuador.

P.S. Taxi drivers don't expect a tip but appreciate one of about 10 percent if they've been chatty or helpful. And many tourists in Ecuador go on Galápagos Islands boat excursions replete with naturalist guides, who get $50–$75 per person, and kitchen staff, who get $80–$100 per person, at the trip's end.

At Restaurants: 10–15 percent, cash preferred.

At Hotels: About 10–20 pesos per bag for the porter (you can leave it at check-in if you won't be there when your bags arrive); 20–50 pesos per night for the housekeeper; minimum 100 pesos for the concierge.

Guides and Drivers: About 100–200 pesos per full day per person for tours, 200–300 pesos per day for combined driver-guide.

Who Else? Gas station attendants should get 5 pesos per fill-up; use your judgment with parking attendants, doormen, and maître d's, depending on service.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but local currency is better (estimate 15 pesos to the dollar). "We must be sensitive to the fact that Mexico is not an extension of the U.S.," says Mexico specialist Adamarie King, of Connoisseur's Travel.

P.S. Tip discreetly, in an envelope if possible. If a craftsman gives a demonstration, it's better to buy a small piece of his work than to tip. Beware of boys wielding squeegees. "If you don't ward them off with a friendly shake of the head," says King, "you are giving tacit permission, and a small tip—20 pesos—is considered due."

At Restaurants: Leave an 8 to 10 percent tip.

At Hotels: Give porters about 50 cents a bag, doormen $1 to $2 if they hail you a taxi, and cleaning staff $1 a day at the end of your stay.

Guides and Drivers: Guides get $10 a day per person and drivers $5 a day per person.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but with 27 Nicaraguan cordobas to the U.S. dollar, it can be hard for locals to convert small bills, so consider just exchanging dollars for cordobas at the start of your trip.

P.S. "Tourism is now rapidly developing in the country, with more three- and four-star properties in the main tourist sites, not only the capital (and the very first five-star mukul at the beach), and people are getting trained," says Pierre Gedeon of Nicaragua Adventures. "However, the infrastructure of Nicaragua is still changing, so you may not get the same service as you will receive in a developed country."

At Restaurants: 10–15 percent for the waiter.

At Hotels: Three sols ($1) per bag for the porter, 3–5 sols per night for the housekeeper; tip the concierge only for special favors.

Guides and Drivers: Cabbies don't get tips, as the fare is usually negotiated; private drivers get $5–$10 per day; guides, $10–$20 per day.

P.S. Despite a heavy tourist influx to the Cuzco area, Peru is not a tipping culture (locals don't tip), but hawkers are a common sight, so give a little something if, say, you get your picture taken with a llama.

DON'T BE A JERK: TIPPING, CARIBBEAN-STYLE

In resorts throughout this necklace of islands, an all-inclusive service fee of 10 percent or more is a mainstay, the better to keep nagging tip calculations from cramping your blissed-out state. "I have yet to encounter a hotel in the Caribbean that doesn’t charge a service fee," says Terry McCabe of Paramus, New Jersey's Altour travel agency. Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tip over and above the all-inclusive fee when the occasion calls for it—something that will largely be determined by the service you receive.

At Restaurants: If it's outside your resort package, check the bill to see if the gratuity is included. If not, tip 15 to 20 percent depending on the service. "I use the same tipping standards as at home," says McCabe. You're not expected to tip at all-inclusives.

At Hotels: Assuming there is a service charge, you might still tip the concierge for special favors such as nailing down hard-to-get dinner reservations. "Money talks," says Veith. "Hand the concierge whatever you think those seats are worth, $20 or $25, and they'll get them for you." Tip bellboys a few dollars per bag and maids $20 for a week's work, especially if you get to know them.

Increasingly, you may end up with a butler at top resorts, regardless of whether you want or need him. On a 2008 trip to Turks and Caicos, says McCabe, "I left my butler $50. But another guest had to call him back because he’d unpacked her things and she couldn't find where he'd put her bras."

Guides and Drivers: Most Caribbean tourists, when not vegetating on a beach, go off on bus tours and tip the guide a couple of dollars, but if you take a private tour, tip your guide about $25 and your driver about 15 percent for the day. Veith suggests another option: Ask a taxi driver what it will cost to take you here and there for a day, then tip 15 percent on top of that.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, except in the French Caribbean, which uses euros.

P.S. "If you charter a boat, they'll include the service charge,” says McCabe, "but if the captain takes you to 47 different little coves and jumps overboard to show you a conch, you can tip more." For spa treatments, tip 15–20 percent, "although you can probably do 10–15 percent in Mexico and the Dominican Republic and still feel pretty good about it," says Veith.

ASIA/THE PACIFIC

Tipping expectations vary widely throughout the region. "In India, they'll run after you and scream for money," says Sandy Ferguson, who runs Asia Desk, a Georgia travel agency, "but in Southeast Asia they don't," even though it's considered polite to tip. The only rule that applies universally? "Always give the bellman at least a buck a bag," he says.

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND

At Hotels: $1 per bag (in either Australian or New Zealand dollars, depending on where you are); $10–$20 to the concierge for a favor; $1–$5 per day to the housekeeper, depending on how messy you are.

Guides and Drivers: $5 for cabdrivers; $20–$50 per person for a private guide; $5–$10 for a bus-tour guide; $25–$50 per day for a private driver.

Who Else? 10–15 percent for beauty and spa treatments; tip Aboriginal and Maori guides exactly what you would others.

Dollars Accepted? Tipping should only be done in local currency.

P.S. "Twenty years ago, you'd be fired if you accepted a tip," says Donna Thomas of New Zealand Travel. Since then, tipping has spread "because Americans forced it on people." Be discreet and prepared to have your tip refused, especially in New Zealand, where people are particularly reserved.

At Restaurants: About $1 per diner for the waiter.

At Hotels: $1–$2 dollars per bag for the porter; service charge included for everything else at nice hotels.

Guides and Drivers: About $1 for taxis; $5 per day for private drivers; $10–$20 per person per day for tour guides.

Dollars Accepted? Yes; what's more, Sandy Ferguson of Asia Desk, a travel agency, discovered by chance that $2 bills open doors. Having gotten hold of a bundle of them in the U.S., Ferguson "almost caused a riot" in the airport when he paid that way. "Bring them to each hotel" for the porters, who consider them good luck—because of their rarity.

P.S. Ferguson says be prepared for unusually effusive thanks for a tip here. "Don't get embarrassed by that," he says.

China, like many Asian countries, comes from a no-tipping culture. At a restaurant frequented by locals, you don't leave a tip; the same holds true for a hotel dominated by the domestic travel industry. But if you're staying at a hotel that caters predominantly to luxury overseas visitors, the luggage boy is waiting around for a tip (say, 5 RMB per bag). Fine hotels and restaurants in China may also add a service charge of 10–15 percent, so nothing is expected or even technically allowed beyond that. "It is not in the hotel's interest to encourage this behavioral practice in one aspect of operations," says Guy Rubin of Imperial Tours. "No manager in China is assuming that their staff is going to make an income on tips, other than perhaps the luggage boys in certain hotels." Tip quietly and out of sight if you do—and not in front of employers.

Massage Houses: No tipping.

Luggage Porters: Ten yuan per bag is standard, though tourists generally leave twice that.

At Restaurants: 10 percent to the waiter (or a few rupees at more modest establishments), though many posh spots now include a 10 percent service charge.

At Hotels: 50 rupees (about $1) per bag for the porter; 250 rupees a night for the (low-paid) housekeeper.

Guides and Drivers: 400 to 500 rupees a day for a car and driver. Taxi and rickshaw drivers aren't accustomed to tips, but you can tell them to keep the change—up to 10 percent.

Who Else? "A lot of hotels now ask that you use a tipping box at the end of your stay rather than tip individuals," says Victoria and Bertie Dyer, owners of India Beat.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but not usually preferred.

P.S. Small bills are very easy to get and useful for tipping.

At Restaurants: A 10 percent tip is included. "The locals will also throw down any loose change," says Diane Embree of Michael's Travel Centre in Westlake Village, California. "I tell Americans they should do the same, up to maybe 15 percent total."

At Hotels: A 10 percent service charge is included, "but my understanding from talking to locals is that employees sometimes don't see it," says Embree. Thus, it's okay but not required to hand out a dollar or two here and there to porters and cleaning staff. "It doesn't mean that much to us, but it means a lot to them."

Guides and Drivers: Guides should get $25–$40 per couple and drivers half that. Tip taxi drivers about 10 percent.

Dollars Accepted? U.S. dollars are accepted, but rupiahs are preferred.

P.S. If you go rafting or take an elephant ride, a modest tip is greatly appreciated. Ditto for spa services—think 15 percent.

Though it's largely a non-tipping society, providers of certain services may appreciate a tip, but only in yen (estimate a little more than 100 yen to the dollar). Others who may decline your offer of a tip: concierges, porters, and waiters.

Guides and Drivers: For a tour guide, offer 2,500–5,000 yen in an envelope. To tip a cab driver, round up for a very short ride. A private driver will usually expect to have you buy his lunch, around 2,000 to 2,500 yen.

At Hotels: A room attendant at a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn—usually gets 5,000 yen for one or two nights—always in an envelope.

At Restaurants: A 10 percent tip is included, with locals rounding up the bill and leaving the change. You can do the same or leave 10–15 percent more if you're so inclined.

At Hotels: Per Tour Malaysia, tip the bellboys the standard $1 per bag, and cleaning staff $1 a day. There's no need to tip anyone else unless you really want to.

Guides and Drivers: Private guides and/or drivers should get $5–$10 per person per day.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but it's easier for locals to trade in ringgits, the local currency (with about 3.7 ringgits to a U.S. dollar).

PHILIPPINES

At Restaurants: Check the bill—a 10 percent service charge may be included, in which case you might leave an extra $1–$2. If it's not included, leave a 10 percent tip or a bit more.

At Hotels: A 10 percent service charge is usually included, but you should still give porters $1 per bag. Tip cleaning staff only if you see them or if you leave it in a clearly marked envelope, says Jose C. Clemente III, president of Rajah Tours Philippines. They're not going to pick up money that's left behind. If a concierge goes out of his way to secure you good tickets or reservations, tip him $4–$5.

Guides and Drivers: Guides get $20–$50 a day, and drivers about $4–$5. Tip taxi drivers about 10 percent.

Dollars Accepted? "While tipping in U.S. dollars may be appreciated, tipping in the local currency is perfectly acceptable," says Clemente.

P.S. Men in blue uniforms who often help you park your car should get 10 to 20 pesos—about 20 to 50 cents.

At Restaurants: As in Malaysia, a 10 percent tip is included. Feel free to leave a bit more, but it's not expected.

At Hotels: Tip the concierge up to $10 if he does you a special favor like securing hard-to-get restaurant reservations. Bellboys get the standard $1 a bag. Leave cleaning staff a few dollars a day in an envelope if you wish, but it's not expected.

Guides and Drivers: Guides taking you out for a full day should get $15 to $20 per person, which they will split with the driver, if there is one. With taxi drivers, just round up the fare and leave the change.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but it's easier to spend Singaporean dollars. (One U.S. dollar is about 1.5 Singaporean dollars.) Hand cabbies U.S. dollars and they'll be screaming at you for giving them a hassle, confirms Alice Jong, a publicist for the Singaporean Tourist Board.

SOUTH KOREA

There's really no tipping culture in South Korea. The exceptions include excursion guides, who get the standard $20 per person per day, and drivers, who get half that. Hotel porters should get the usual $1 per bag, says Walter L. Keats, president of Asia Pacific Travel. "Most Asian countries don't tip, and Korea is no exception, but guides, drivers, and bellmen who are used to dealing with Americans have come to expect a tip, and understand it is for good service, but not required.... One can also just tell a taxi driver to keep the change on a fare as well."

At Restaurants: Check the bill; about half the restaurants include a 10 percent service fee. If yours doesn't, leave 10 to 15 percent in a top restaurant and 10 percent in a regular one.

At Hotels: You may tip the concierge $20 or so if you're in a group, when you check in or out of the hotel; cleaning staff $2 per day (left in the room), porters $3–$5 a bag being delivered to your room, and doormen $1–$2 if they call a cab.

Guides and Drivers: Tip 10 percent of their fee.

Dollars Accepted? In Taipei, yes; outside the cities, tip in the local currency.

P.S. They don't have tipping in the culture, but if you tip people, they'll be really happy, says Raymond Woon of Edison Travel Service in Taipei.

At Hotels: About $1–$2 per bag for the porter; no tip necessary for the housekeeper or the concierge (service charges are included at hotels of two stars or above).

Guides and Drivers: About $1 for taxis; $2 per day for private drivers; $10–$20 per person per day for tour guides (who also tip tour drivers, so don't worry about that).

Who Else? If you ever find yourself at a local masseuse, a $3 tip at the end of the massage is about right.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, preferably $2 bills (see Cambodia); otherwise, tip in Thai baht.

P.S. A common feature in Thailand is the ubiquitous bathroom attendant. Some of them might even throw a towel over a man's shoulders while he's at the urinal. Fifty cents, or about 20 baht, should do it there.

At Restaurants: Scan the bill first: The gratuity usually isn't included, in which case you should leave about 10 percent, preferably in cash, and a bit more if you tip on a credit card. If the gratuity is included, throw a few more bills in on top.

At Hotels: Give the concierge about $20 if he does you a favor (like securing special reservations outside the hotel). Cleaning staff get about $2 a day, left at the end of your stay on the nightstand, where it's easily visible. You don't need to tip doormen.

Guides and Drivers: Guides get $15 per person per day and drivers half that, given at your last encounter if you venture out more than one day. You don't need to tip taxi drivers, but you can round up the fare (so if the fare is 45,000 dong, leave a 50,000-dong bill). Work out the fare in advance with drivers of cyclos, or bicycle carriages, which are common and usually charge about $10 per hour. It's okay to add on a few dollars' tip.

P.S. Tip a massage therapist in a fancy spa $5 to $10. If you go to a days-long spa—the kind "where they make you drink green tea till it's coming out your ears," says Ferguson—they'll tell you the tipping policy in advance. "Bring all the $2 bills you can," advises Ferguson, "and use them to tip porters. The $2 bill is rare in Vietnam and is considered lucky."

How Not to Tip in the South Pacific

"Bali Ha'i may call you, any night, any day," as the song goes—but that doesn't mean that folks there or in any other part of the South Pacific, including cities on the "big islands" of Australia and New Zealand, are calling for your Western-style tips. "One of the real selling points about going to these places is that you don't have to tip,” says Kleon Howe of The Art of Travel, in San Diego, which books trips across the region. It's just not part of the indigenous cultures here. "For the island groups, the first time you arrive you are an honored guest, and people would never in a million years suggest that you have to pay for service," continues Howe. "The second time, you are family, and they would never ask a family member to tip." Not that those old island ways aren't increasingly coming up against Western notions: Many resorts now have so-called Christmas-fund jars up front where you can indulge your American tipping itch by stuffing in a few dollars daily (the money is divvied up among the staff).

There are other subtle exceptions to the no-tipping norms. "If you go into a restaurant that you think is three-star and they blow you away with service and food, tip as high as 10 percent," suggests Matt Knowles of Sea Escape Travel in Folsom, California. In many resort restaurants, a 10 percent tip may be included, and you don't have to add to it. Really. In hotels, you can try to give porters a few dollars for carrying your bags, but according to Knowles, "they are not going to be standing there with their hand out." Ditto the cleaning staff: If you tip a few dollars, do it face-to-face or leave it with the front desk in an envelope at trip's end, because otherwise they won't take it. As for concierges, if they do something really special for you at a luxury resort (such as Kangaroo Island's Southern Ocean Lodge or Fiji's Vatulele Island), tip accordingly. Some top resorts also have butlers, whom you should tip $5 to $10 a day, depending on what they do for you.

Other instances where you might tip around $10 per person: after top-notch spa treatments, during winery visits where staff go out of their way to welcome you beyond the simple pour, and on group tours with a really great guide and scuba outings helmed by a virtuoso dive master. Always show your appreciation in the local currency, not in U.S. dollars (they're difficult for locals to trade).

But most of all, try to reconcile your brawny American sense of tipping with native ideas of what's proper. Howe puts it all in perspective: "Let's say you decide to do a private picnic on one of the little atolls and somebody takes you out there in a boat and comes back for you later. It would be acceptable to give him a 10–15 percent tip but not expected." Paradise, then, in more ways than one.

As Eastern and Central European countries become tourist enticers alongside Western European favorites, you're left to wonder what to tip where, and when to put down dollars, euros, or local currency. One rule applies across the board: "Tip in cash," not on a credit card, says Gwen Kozlowski of Exeter International in Tampa, Florida. "If you don't, the server won't necessarily get it."

At Restaurants: If you're ordering just coffee or a drink, leave the change. For a quick, casual dinner at a konoba, as taverns are called, leave about 3–5 percent of the bill. For dinner in a nice restaurant, where tips usually are not included, leave about 10 to 15 percent.

At Hotels: Concierges aren't common, but tip them $5–$10 at a smaller hotel and $10–$20 at a luxury hotel if they do something special for you, says Wanda S. Radetti of Tasteful Croatian Journeys in New York. Cleaning staff get $1–$2 per day in an envelope at the end of your stay; bellboys get $1 per bag. You might also want to leave the dining-room breakfast staff $1–$2 per day on the table if they've taken good care of you.

Guides and Drivers: Tip them separately 10 to 20 percent per day. With taxi drivers, just leave the change.

Dollars Accepted? Not so much; use euros.

P.S. If you're sailing the Croatian coastline on a chartered boat, at the end of your trip leave about $50–$60 per person for the skipper and crew. On the larger yachts, standard gratuity is 10 to 20 percent of the overall cost, given to the captain to be distributed to the chef and staff.

CZECH REPUBLIC

At Restaurants: There's usually a service charge, but consider tipping on top of it—up to 15 percent total. When it comes to good service, Czechs get it, says Kozlowski admiringly. "They regularly serve the British market, English is widely spoken, and they'll find a way to make things special for you."

At Hotels: Tip concierges about $20 if they do something really special for you. Bellhops get $1–$2 per bag, cleaning staff $3–$5 a day.

Guides and Drivers: Tip guides $15–$20 per person per day for small groups and $10 per person per day; tip drivers half that. In taxis, round up the fare.

Dollars Accepted? Yes. Euros, too.

P.S. If you get a special backstage tour—at, for example, Prague's Estates Theatre, where Mozart debuted Don Giovanni—tip the guide a few dollars.

At Restaurants: Tallinn has moved toward Western Europe in tipping practices, though at rates lower than Paris, says Greg Tepper, president of Exeter International. Most locals leave nothing at all on meals during the day. So leave just a few coins; at night in a nice restaurant, tip 5–8 percent—in cash.

At Hotels: Tipping culture is largely like the rest of Europe now. Porters get one euro per bag. You might give a concierge five euros if he goes out of his way for you.

Guides and Drivers: Guides get 30–35 euros per day, drivers 20 euros per day. With taxis, you can round up the fare, but you don't have to.

Dollars Accepted? Tip only in euros.

At Restaurants: The words service compris on your bill mean no tip is required, but most locals leave up to 10 percent. Tipping at bars is not expected.

At Hotels: Two euros per bag; one to two euros for a housekeeper; 10–15 euros per restaurant reservation made by a concierge.

Guides and Drivers: About 25 euros per person per day for guides, and up to 50 euros for one who's nationally certified; a separate driver should get about half of that. Give 10–20 euros for private airport transfers, depending on the driver's wait time and the in-car amenities, and 10–15 percent tip for taxi drivers.

At Restaurants: 10–15 percent to the waiter or bartender—just add it to the bill.

At Hotels: One to three euros per bag for the porter; five euros per night for the housekeeper; 20 euros for a helpful concierge.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but euros are recommended.

P.S. Despite its reputation for precision, Germany has no hang-ups about generous tipping.

At Restaurants: It is customary to tip maximum 5–10 percent depending on the amount of the bill (10 percent for an inexpensive bill, and 5 percent for a more expensive meal).

At Hotels: Porters, a euro per bag; housekeepers, a euro a day at most; concierges only for something very special.

Guides and Drivers: No tip expected for taxis—round up and they'll be delighted; private drivers, 20 euros per day, up to 40 if they've gone out of their way. Group tours, 4–6 euros per person; personal tours, 40–60 euros for a full day.

Who Else? It is customary to tip the captain and crew from 5 to 15 percent of the base cost for a yacht charter; it's also customary for guests to put the tip in an envelope for the skipper to then distribute to the crew at the end of the cruise, says Leftheris Papageoriou, founder of Hellenic Adventures.

At Restaurants: When it comes to great service, "Hungary isn't quite there yet," says Kozlowski. "If the service is good, I leave 10 percent of the total bill in cash, tops. If it's just coffee, I leave pocket change."

At Hotels: Tip concierges about $20 if they do something extra­ordinary like secure you hard-to-get tickets. Porters get $1–$2 per bag, cleaning staff $3–$5 a day.

Guides and Drivers: Tip guides $15–$20 per person per day for small groups and $10 per person per day for larger groups; tip drivers half that. In taxis, round up the fare.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, if they're undamaged and crisp, and never give American coins.

P.S. Expect to tip train porters $1–$2 per bag. Spas will probably include a 10 percent service fee, but you can tip 10 percent on top of that.

At Restaurants: A 15 percent tip is built in, and don't leave more than 10 percent on top of that. Overall, "there's no tipping in Iceland," says Tor D. Jensen of Jensen World Travel in Wilmette, Illinois.

At Hotels: There is simply no tipping of any sort, says Jensen.

Guides and Drivers: You can give guides about $20 a day and drivers $10, but it's not expected. "You might treat them to lunch," says Jensen.

At Restaurants: Leave as close to 10 percent as is convenient, but no more.

At Hotels: Porters, 5 euros; housekeepers, 1–2 euros per night, more for extra service.

Who Else? Despite the old-world romance of a ride on the canal, tipping gondoliers and vaporettos isn't customary.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, but euros are much preferred.

P.S. "There is no fixed percentage as in the U.S.," says Filippo Curinga, of Italy-based I.D.I. Travel. Another travel agent recommends insisting if your tip is first refused—it's a common demurral in Italy.

At Restaurants: Give 10 percent in cash directly to the waiter; leave it on the table and management might pocket it.

At Hotels: Porters, $3–$5 per trip made; housekeepers, $2–$3 per night; concierges, $10–$20 for good service.

Guides and Drivers: Always negotiate a fare before you get into a taxi. Cabbies, 10 percent; drivers, $30 per full day; private guides, $50 per full day.

Dollars Accepted? It's best to tip in rubles.

P.S. "A personal touch goes a long way in Russia," says Greg Tepper of Exeter International. "Writing a heartfelt thank-you note will be as appreciated as the cash accompanying it."

SCANDINAVIA

Tipping here is fairly formalized; either the service is included in the bill, or tipping isn't done. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, and even many porters and coatroom attendants have fixed fees and don't expect a penny more. Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges. Scandinavia is an expensive place, but since you won't have to shell out much more than you see on the bill, at least you know what you're getting into.

At Restaurants: If the service is good, round up the bill to anywhere from 7 to 13 percent and leave it in cash, not on a credit card, says Virginia Irurita of Madrid's Made for Spain travel agency. If the service isn't good, she says, "you can leave the table without giving a tip and nobody will say a word. Americans are coming here and leaving 20 percent, so some waiters are getting spoiled."

At Hotels: Tip concierges who do you a special favor 5–10 euros, cleaning staff about 5 euros a day (up front if you want them to treat you extra nice), and bellboys about one euro per bag.

Guides and Drivers: Leave guides 30 euros per person per day (up to 40 if they're really good), drivers half that. With taxi drivers, round up the fare.

Dollars Accepted? Always tip in euros.

SWITZERLAND

At Restaurants: Generally, between 5–10 percent is fair, but not expected.

At Hotels: A service charge is included in the bill, so tip the concierge $10–$20 only if he makes you a special reservation. Hand the cleaning lady $5–$10 on the spot if she goes out of her way for you.

Guides and Drivers: Really good guides get about $40 per person per small group per day, drivers half that. With taxi drivers, tip 5–10 percent or round up the fare.

Dollars Accepted? Only tip in Swiss francs.

At Restaurants: Ten percent or a bit more, in cash—you can't put it on your credit card.

At Hotels: "There usually isn't a service charge included in a hotel bill," says Jack Shaw, co-founder of Epic Europe Tours, a luxury adventure travel company specializing in custom travel for small groups. "The concierge tip depends on how nice the hotel is, but I would guess that five-star concierges are used to better than 10–20 Swiss franc tips."

Guides and Drivers: Taxi drivers aren't generally tipped, but rounding up works, and drivers will sometimes just take the initiative and keep the change. Private cars get $35–$50 per day, regardless of the size of the group. Tour guides get $10–$15 per day per person; private tour guides, $75 and up.

Who Else? At Turkish baths, the masseur gets $20–$25. If you charter a boat, give the crew 5 percent of the price; if you rent a boat cabin, $15 per person per day.

Dollars Accepted? Yes, and euros.

P.S. "Tipping is at one's own discretion," says Earl Starkey at Protravel International, which specializes in planning trips to Turkey. "If you are not pleased with the services rendered, don't tip. It isn't like New York, where the waiter might follow you out onto the street."

UNITED KINGDOM

At Restaurants: Service is often included; if not, tip 10–15 percent. Sometimes you'll see an "optional" charge added to the bill; make sure you're not just blindly paying it but adjusting to the level you feel comfortable with. And feel free to round to the nearest pound—up or down. Tipping in pubs is not customary.

At Hotels: Porters, 1–2 pounds per bag; housekeepers, 1–2 pounds. Go up to 5 pounds apiece at the five-star hotels.

Guides and Drivers: Tip the cab driver whatever small change you have; tipping optional for a narrated boat tour through the Thames—they'll certainly ask. Give 20 pounds per day for a guide and 10 pounds for the driver at the end of the day, or maybe take him to lunch. Not much more is expected, as Brits don't always expect to tip when they're abroad.

Dollars Accepted? Pounds much preferred.

P.S. Tipping is said to have originated in 16th-century England, and though it has since spread across the globe, England has by and large gone the way of most of Europe: Tips are included in many bills, especially in formal settings, and discretion is key in handing them over.

This article was originally published in November 2008. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Worldwide Guide to Tipping

Are you planning to head out of town for a relaxing getaway or family road trip? Wherever the road is taking you, it’s sure to include encounters with professionals in the hospitality, tourism, and food service industries. But how can you tell who expects a tip and how much is appropriate? To help, here is a tipping etiquette guide for all types of excursions.

General Travel Tipping Guidelines

Gratuity can make a big difference for those working in tipped positions. As such, you need to bring cash along and factor tips into your vacation budget. It can be hard to know how much to tip in a given environment; especially if you are traveling. Increasing the amount can go a long way in rewarding excellent service, but so can mentioning that person in a review or in a note to management. 

Please feel free to let other travelers know about your experience with The Parking Spot; Google Reviews, other review sites or reaching out directly to your facility are all good channels for feedback. Remember to tip on the full price, not a discounted rate. While timeliness varies, the tipping point is generally at the end of service.

When dining out in America, waiters and waitresses usually receive a tip amounting to 15-20% of the total bill. Tour guides and activity providers are along the same lines at 10-20%. For group tours or a short excursion, the tip can be lower. For private tours and day-long activities, the tip can be on the higher end. Ride-sharing and private transportation services also rely on tips. Plan for 10-20% and adjust as needed depending on the time of day or distance of travel.

Hotel tips often depend on the level of luxury. For instance, not every establishment offers room service or courtesy drivers, but most will still have housekeeping staff.

• Front desk agent: No tip is necessary unless providing concierge services or additional tasks.
• Concierge: The amount depends on the service provided, but $5 is considered fair for basic services.
• Valet service: What should you tip the valet? When the vehicle is delivered back to you, it’s customary to tip $2-5. For parking, it can be optional or a lower amount. Consider more for your Parking Spot valet since that person may also be charging your EV or washing your vehicle.
• Bellhop: Depending on the number of bags or trips, $1-5.
• Housekeeping: How do you tip the housekeeper? Per night, the American Hotel & Lodging Association suggests $1-5. If you receive housekeeping each day of your visit, tip each day. Leaving a tip at the end of the trip may not go to everyone who serviced the room.
• Room service: Food delivery is tipped similarly to a restaurant at 15-20% but is typically included in the bill. 
• Shuttle drivers: You are welcome and encouraged to tip your shuttle driver, especially if the service and hospitality were outstanding. The Parking Spot makes it easy to tip your driver. Just scan the QR code on the shuttle with your phone and select your desired tip amount. Add your credit card or log in to your Spot Club account to complete your tip.
• Spa services:  Like at a standard salon, these professionals expect 15-20%.

Tipping on Cruises

Tipping on a cruise may not be necessary if it’s automatically included. If gratuity was not included as a fee, there might be a tip box by reception, or you may want to bring cash. The cruise line may also recommend an amount to be added to the final bill.

All-Inclusive Resorts Tipping

Tipping at an all-inclusive resort is also typically included, with extra fee stacked on for daily services. If you’re unsure what all the fees cover, review the folio carefully or inquire with the front desk upon check-in. If not included, follow basic hotel guidelines with $1 per bag for the bellhop, $5 per day for housekeeping and so on.

Tipping While Abroad

Tipping in other countries is a different matter entirely. Before traveling abroad, research the customs and tipping expectations for that particular country or region. Doing so can help save you time and maybe some embarrassment.

Getting the Most Out of Your Vacation

Want your trip to be unforgettable? The Parking Spot has a range of off-site parking locations to make transportation a breeze. Also, be sure to checkout our other travel tips for all types of getaways and essential guidelines for your upcoming adventure!

Get more helpful information like this in your inbox! Enter your email to join our email list.

The ultimate guide to tipping in Asia

Aug 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Tipping across Asia is not as complicated as it seems. Darien Robertson for Lonely Planet

Tipping is an elusive custom all over the world, and Asia is no exception. A common mistake tourists make is tipping in the first place. It's not customary to tip in many Asian countries, and in some instances, it's even considered rude.

Don't stress – it's not as complex as it seems. Just follow this guide to tipping across Asia .

Restaurants and bars

China , Myanmar , Singapore and Taiwan do not have a strong tipping culture, so leaving extra money at the end of the meal or in a bar is largely deemed unnecessary. However, influenced by the influx of overseas tourists into larger cities, some chic new restaurants in China are starting to accept small tips when offered. 

Hospitality workers in much of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia , Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia and Malaysia , are becoming more and more accustomed to receiving tips, though tipping culture in non-touristy areas is not customary, other than perhaps rounding up the bill. For tourist spots, it's very much formed by international visitors. Because of Southeast Asia's proximity to Australia and China (non-tipping cultures), locals know not to expect tips from these groups of visitors, though Americans and Europeans tend to tip, so it's very hit or miss. 

In India , tipping is customary. Aim to tip 10-15% at bars, cafes and restaurants regardless of whether a service charge is included (since this doesn't always benefit servers ), especially in smaller establishments.

In the Maldives and Bhutan, tipping is not customary but appreciated. For both countries, aim for a 10-15% tip, but note that a 10% service charge applies in both regions when you dine out, and in that case, an additional tip is not expected.

In most of Central Asia, tipping is not expected unless you're staying or dining in ritzier places (where it is sometimes customary to add 5% to the 10% service charge). 

Other Asian countries, including Japan and Nepal , believe that tipping is only for exceptionally good service – being treated with hospitality and warmth is the norm and shouldn't be "rewarded." In Japan, some servers might even politely refuse a tip if you leave one.

Hotel staff

China's no-tipping culture prevails when it comes to hotels, but if you're living the high life in a particularly luxurious establishment, feel free to tip the porter around 5 yuan per bag. You may also find that in high-end hotels, a 10% service charge will be added to the overall bill. Japanese hotels also do not expect their staff to be tipped, particularly in a traditional ryokan (inn). If you feel particularly inclined, leave around 5000 yen (for a short stay) in an envelope, but it may be politely refused if you hand it over in person. 

India's hotel staff are notoriously poorly paid, so tipping the porter at least ₹100 per bag and the housekeeping staff ₹250-300 per night (₹500 in five-star hotels) are particularly welcome gestures.

Throughout most of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines , Singapore , Vietnam and Malaysia, a service charge will almost always be included in your overall bill upon checkout, so tips are not expected. However, it isn't uncommon to tip porters the local currency equivalent of US$1-2 per bag. Tipping housekeeping staff in larger hotels is more common than in smaller establishments.

Tour guides

As you can probably guess by now, tour guides and drivers in China do not expect tips. South Korean and Taiwanese tour guides do expect to take home a little extra on organized excursions – around 10% of the tour cost is fine to split between the guide and driver. In Japan, tip tour guides around 2500 to 5000 yen for a full day, handed over in an envelope. If you're using a private driver, it's a nice gesture to offer to buy them lunch.

A general rule of thumb in India is to tip ₹500 per day for guides and ₹500-₹600 per day for drivers (up to ₹800- ₹1000 for more than two passengers).

In Singapore and the Philippines, tipping tour guides and drivers a combined 10% of the overall tour cost is fair – they should split it between themselves. In other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia, tipping around US$10 to $20 (on the higher end for couples or families) for a tour guide per day, and half of that amount for the driver is appreciated. It's customary to give the total tipping amount to the guide, who will then siphon off some for the driver. If on a trek, tipping porters $10 to $20 per day is customary.

Taxi drivers

Taxi drivers in China or South Korea do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is standard practice in Japan. Indian taxi and rickshaw drivers are not accustomed to tips (however much they will insist otherwise), but telling them to keep the change is a genial gesture. In Central Asia, visitors are encouraged to tip drivers US$10-15.

In Singapore, the local currency equivalent of US$1 is a good tip for taxi and tuk tuk drivers, while in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, a 10% tip for fixed-fare rides is standard. In Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, tipping taxi drivers is not required. However, it's appreciated when passengers simply round up the fare or offer the driver to keep the change.

Mosques and temples

There isn't a hard-and-fast rule here, though there's usually a donation box available. Robes and scarves for women are usually free of charge, and no tip is expected for the person handing them out. 

Thai massages

If you grab a quick massage on the Khao San Road or similar, don't feel obliged to tip more than 30 baht. If you indulge in a more upmarket massage, your tip should be around the 150 to 300 baht mark. Resorts and retreats that include multiple treatments will usually state the tipping policy upfront.

In certain industries (like spas) in Southeast Asia, workers typically get a fraction of the cost of the treatment from the shop, so tips are appreciated. In Vietnam, returning patrons often tip 50-75% of the treatment, especially if requesting a specific therapist. In more touristed areas, there is sometimes signage that tipping is included. Otherwise, 10-20% is customary, especially in posh hotel spas.

When traveling in the Middle East and South Asia, you will often be asked for "baksheesh." The term usually applies to a simple gratuity or service charge but can refer to all kinds of financial tokens of appreciation. If someone asks you for baksheesh without providing a service, this is considered begging, so giving money is completely at your discretion, although not usually advisable. Baksheesh can be politely asked for by those who have provided a service, but it can be refused at any time, and – like almost all tipping customs – it is not mandatory, whatever you may be led to believe. 

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

Keep costs low when exploring Japan with these top money-saving tips.

Mar 8, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Dec 20, 2023 • 11 min read

Dec 10, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 2, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 7, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 28, 2023 • 10 min read

Oct 20, 2023 • 13 min read

Oct 18, 2023 • 7 min read

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Tipping: How Much to Tip Tour Guides, Taxis, Hotel Maids, and More?

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Most Americans pretty much know whom they want to tip and how much to give each person, but tipping is something of a conundrum once you leave the U.S. One reader recently asked:

“I’m curious about the going rate for tipping tour guides and bus drivers/assistants in cities I plan to visit. The tour operator’s suggestions sounded high but this is my first escorted tour. What can you tell me?”

I can tell you, first, that I sometimes share your concern and, second, that tipping varies sharply among various countries and situations. Here are some sources for more detailed information.

Tour guides and drivers

The best source I found was online at Gate 1 Travel . This site recommends that each traveler tip $6 to $7 a day for the tour guide, $3 a day for the tour bus driver, and $2 to a separate local tour guide for each half day of sightseeing. Those sound like reasonable guidelines to me, but maybe a little high for developing countries and for countries where tipping, in general, is not as common as it is in the U.S.

Other sources recommend 10 to 15 percent of the total price to the tour guide, about half that to the driver. Beyond that, my search didn’t reveal any useful repositories of info on tour tipping.

Cruising has always generated the largest amount of confusion, writeups, and comments about tipping. To make life easier for unsure travelers, several large cruise lines now assess an overall “service” charge designed to replace individual tipping. Rates run $7.50 to $15 a day, with most clustered around $10 to $11 a day. On one of those lines, you don’t need to tip any further unless you receive exceptional service from someone.

Lines that don’t set an overall service charge usually post “suggested” tipping schedules, which are probably at the high end of the normal range. Here are suggestions from other sources (all figures are per person, per day unless otherwise noted):

• Cruise Critic , a site that provides lots of cruise information and ship reviews, goes into great detail. It recommends $5 per cabin for the room steward/attendant, whether double or single occupied; $2 per visit for room service; $2 for a deck steward; $1 to the table “captain” for each visit to a restaurant; $5 a dinner visit for the waiters/stewards, total, for them to divide; $10 a week to the wine steward; and $1 to $2 a bag to porters. Most ships add a routine 15 percent to bar bills.
• Cruise Tip Calculator provides a comprehensive online tip calculator: You enter duration, party size, and cruise line, and the site immediately displays recommended tips&#8212daily and for the entire cruise&#8212for the usual list of staff. The test numbers I saw came out to a bit less than Cruise Critic’s recommendations.
• The Gate 1 Travel site recommends $8 to $10, total, apportioned between cabin attendants and restaurant waiters. Jane Engel, a well-known travel writer, suggests $3 to $4 each for cabin attendant and primary waiter, $1.50 to $2.50 for assistant waiter/busperson, and $0.50 to $1 for head waiter—which works out to about the same as Gate 1 Travel’s figures.

Your toughest tipping quandary seems to be when you sail with one of the few lines that nominally say “tipping is not required.” That’s fine on the few lines that say “absolutely no tipping,” but others provide the maddening policy, “Tipping is not required, but if you feel like it, it’s OK.” What are you supposed to do in that case? My guess is that most travelers add an additional tip, but less than the suggested guidelines.

Restaurants, hotels, taxis

Independent travelers face tipping questions anywhere they travel outside the U.S. They know that some people who serve them expect tips, while others find the offer of a tip insulting. Individual country, region, and city guidebooks usually include tipping customs and expectations as one of the standard items to cover. For an overall guide, the most comprehensive I’ve seen is posted by the online travel store Magellan’s . Here’s are some of the highlights:

Restaurants

• No tipping in Denmark, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Australia (except in “fine” restaurants), and a few others.
• In Europe, even though restaurants nominally add a service charge, most travelers add an additional five to 10 percent.
• Elsewhere, where restaurants do not add service charges, tipping is generally 10 percent.

Hotel porters

• No tipping in Fiji, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, a few others.
• Elsewhere, the general recommendation is $1 to $2 per bag. Given the weak dollar, I suspect that $2 would be more appropriate these days, at least in euro countries.

Taxi drivers

• No tipping in Chile, China, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, and a few others.
• Round up to the nearest even figure in most of continental Europe, Argentina, Australia, Egypt, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Iceland, Turkey, and a few others.
• Elsewhere, tipping is generally 10 percent; occasionally 15 percent.

In the U.S.

Presumably, you’re on surer ground here, In case you aren’t, FindALink posts a tipping guide that covers just about any situation you could think of&#8212plus quite a few you’ve never even considered.

(Editor’s Note: SmarterTravel.com and Cruise Critic are both members of the TripAdvisor Media Network, an operating company of Expedia, Inc.)

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

8-Night South Africa Tour, Incl. Kruger...

Poconos: 2-Nt, All-Incl. Stay at Upscale...

ResortsAndLodges.com

Amsterdam to Copenhagen: Luxe, 18-Night Northern...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Trending on SmarterTravel

How Much Should You Tip on a Guided Tour? All Your Gratuity Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about tipping on a guided tour..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

When you book a guided tour , it may seem like you’re covering most of your vacation costs before you even depart. Most tours include accommodations, trip leaders, local guides, transportation during the trip, admission fees, and many meals all in the upfront cost. But the addd cost of tour leader tips and other customary gratuities can sneak up on you unless you’ve factored them in at the beginning.

Inspired by my own frustration about the vague information available about how much to tip on guided tours, I’ve compared tipping guidelines and recommendations from a dozen different tour companies to create this tipping guide for tours. You can use it to get a sense of tour operator tipping norms and then plan accordingly.

BEST OF THE BEST: 15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours

Which Gratuities Are Covered in Most Tours?

Many tour companies build tips for support staff into the tour price. That could include hotel staff, waiters, and sometimes (but not always) bus drivers. If your guided tour has a dedicated motor coach driver for the entire trip, for example, you may be expected to tip the driver in addition to your guides.

And almost none of the tour operators I spoke with include the priciest of all tips—tour leader gratuities—into the cost of a tour. The exception is Road Scholar , which includes group leader gratuities in the up-front tour cost. 

Which Gratuities Are Not Covered in Most Tours?

Beyond the above-mentioned exceptions, most tour companies do not include tips for guides and hotel housekeeping. Often, these people rely on tips as a vital part of their income, so it’s important to set your own budget accordingly to make sure you’re tipping at an appropriate level for their service.

• Tour Leader/Director: I’ll go into more detail below about tipping tour leaders, but in terms of the biggest gratuity expense to budget for on a tour, this is it, since the customary amount may well be in the hundreds of dollars.
• Local Tour Guides: Some tour companies will include local tour guides into the gratuities covered in the cost of the tour, while others say you should tip local tour guides individually. If you’re expected to tip local guides on your own, the daily amount usually falls somewhere in the $2 to $10 range. Local tour guides tend to be used for day tours, so you’ll want to tip them at the end of the day, as you may not see them again.
• Hotel Housekeeping: In-room tips for the cleaning staff aren’t generally paid by tour companies. TourScoop’s sister site FamilyVacationist has an explainer about hotel housekeeping tipping etiquette , but generally speaking the customary range is $3 to $10 per day depending on the hotel class. 
• Independent Meals: Learn tipping customs for your destinations before you go, since you’ll likely have some meals on your own and will want to be able to tip or not tip as the culture dictates. 

Why You Should Always Tip Your Tour Leaders

Ask a tour company why you should tip your tour leader and you’ll likely get some version of, “Well, it’s the customary way to thank them for all their hard work” or “It’s how you show appreciation and gratitude.” 

Intrepid Travel goes a bit deeper on its explanation, noting that “tipping is still a big part of leaders’ overall income” and that tipping locals for their guiding services is actually a powerful way to inject cash into the local economy. Since tip money doesn’t pass through a third party, the money “either go[es] straight to the leader, or get[s] divided up among your porters and local guides.”

A great tour leader turns a good experience into a great one, and it’s natural to want to make sure they feel appreciated, even if you have some resistance to the structures that require guests to heavily subsidize these hard-working wonders.

How Much to Tip Your Tour Leaders

The less helpful but most accurate answer to the question of how much to tip your tour leader is that information about tipping is generally found in the final documents you receive before your trip, so be sure to read those pages carefully when you get them (usually somewhere between a month and two weeks before the start of a tour). To give you a ballpark estimate, though, the daily per person tip for a tour leader tip should be somewhere in the range of $7 to $12, with $10 per person per day being the most widely recommended amount. 

GO IT ALONE: 10 Best Travel Companies for Solo Travel Tours

That amount can add up quickly, especially if you have more than one tour leader and/or are traveling with a family group . For instance, Adventures by Disney (which is refreshingly up-front about its tipping recommendations) pencils out gratuities for a 10-day tour with a family of four at $720 to $880, since its family travel adventures always include two tour leaders. That can be sticker-shock territory, which is why I suspect so many tour companies are so cagey about how much to tip tour leaders. 

How and When to Tip on a Guided Tour

Some companies—including Trafalgar , Globus , and Collette —may give you the option to pre-pay tour leader tips with your credit card at the time of booking. On the one hand, that’s great, since it means you don’t need to carry around cash to give at the very end of the trip. On the other hand, it pokes holes in the industry-wide story that the tip is tied to the service you’ve received.

Most tour companies still recommend tipping your tour leader at the end of the tour. Plan to tip in either the local currency or U.S. dollars if it’s a widely accepted currency in the destination country. Some tour leaders also accept Venmo or PayPal.

More from TourScoop:

• 8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies
• Plane Essentials: The 10 Carry-On Items I Always Pack
• How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes for Tours

Our running list of new-for-2025 tours

Solo Travel News: Road Scholar Debuts Exclusive Trips

Outdoor Afro and REI Co-op Team Up on New Trips Celebrating Black Joy

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

More about us

Immersive tours that let you live like a local

Live like a local with an immersive tour.

Here’s how 5 tour companies are taking sustainability seriously

These tour companies are leading the way on sustainable travel.

How to plan for free time and meals on a guided tour

A little planning goes a long way toward making the most of your free time on tour.

It’s not too late: Here are 26 tours you can still book for summer 2024

It's not too late to have an amazing summer of travel.

A Guide to Tipping in Portugal

• Restaurants & Bars
• Spa & Resort Staff
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Services
• Frequently Asked Questions

Before traveling to a destination, it’s always a smart idea to do a bit of research and be familiar with the tipping practices of that country or region. This information will become valuable to you as you move about the country, dine at restaurants, ride in taxis, take tours, and stay at local hotels.

For those living in the United States, or are at least familiar with its constant expectations for big tipping just about everywhere, you’ll need to change your mindset when visiting Portugal. If you want to fit in and keep up with the local Portuguese practice, it’s best to re-think your tipping style here.

How should visitors tip in Portugal ? Similar to the rest of western Europe, Portugal does not have a strong “tipping culture,” and there are really no standards or rules regarding tipping. Throughout the country itself, the tipping practice may vary, depending on the region where you are traveling. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to ask a local about the custom of tipping in that specific area.

While there’s no obligation to tip in Portugal, it’s also important to remember that when you do leave a tip, it’s essential to use cash euros (the European currency), so the recipient of your tip can easily use the money without having to make a special trip to a bank (and then pay a transfer fee). 

This article is a guide on how to tip properly in Portugal:

Restaurants and Bars

When dining out in Portugal, it’s common practice to leave a small tip for your server. However, please know that this is not required, and ultimately depends upon the level of service you’ve received at that restaurant.

As a general guideline, if you choose to leave a tip after a meal, it’s customary to give 10 percent of the final bill. This is especially true when dining at upscale restaurants, or with big groups. The Portuguese tend to “round up” the bill to the nearest euro. For example, if your bill is 28 euros, you can leave an extra three euros as a tip, which would amount to 31 euros in this instance.

At restaurants, cafés, and bars, a service charge is not usually included in the bill you are given. However, this sometimes may occur, especially in touristy areas, so be sure to review your bill and don’t leave an extra amount if you see a service charge already added.

For casual cafés and bars, a small tip is fine, and customers who just order a drink or two are not expected to leave anything extra.

It's customary to tip the service staff at hotels in Portugal , although you don’t leave the same amount for (or tip with the same frequency) each employee. Here’s a breakdown of hotel gratuities in Portugal:

• Bell staff: When a bellman brings the bags up to your room, a one- to two-euro tip per bag is customary. (Note: There’s NO need to tip when a doorman or porter takes your bags from your car to the lobby upon arrival). Just tip when your bags are brought to your room, as these tips are usually pooled.
• Housekeepers: Give between two and five euros per day. If you want, you can leave the total amount in your room when checking out.
• Doorman: Give one or two euros if they help you with transportation, hail a cab, or carry your bags.
• Room service: It’s best to tip one or two euros to the delivery person unless there is a service charge already attached to the bill.
• Concierge: Tip five or more euros only if they provide an extra, personalized service during your stay.

Whether you take an afternoon tour of a Portuguese city or you embark on a longer, multi-day tour, it’s customary to tip your guide after the trip. However, it depends upon the length of the tour. For example, if you’re on a group walking tour that lasts a few hours, a three- or five-euro tip is acceptable. For those taking a private, lengthy tour, an appropriate rate is about 10 or 20 euros.

This tipping rate will increase when you’re on a multi-day tour with the same guide. Remember, if you’re booking a tour with a professional tour company, they will usually provide some tipping suggestions in advance. In the event that your tour includes destinations that involve additional entrance fees or other activities, ask your guide about the correct tipping practice at those locations.

With bus tours (especially those that require a lot of driving), it is a courteous gesture to tip the driver about one or two Euros, but that’s not expected.

Spa and Resort Staff

When visiting a spa or resort in Portugal, there is no expectation to leave a gratuity. However, if you had an incredible experience or over-the-top spa service and wish to show your gratitude, a tip of five or 10 percent of the total bill would be acceptable. 

As a general consideration, it’s a good idea to check with the spa or resort regarding any tipping suggestions or policies in advance.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

When you take a taxi or a ride-hailing service in Portugal, know that the drivers do not expect a large tip. In fact, a customary taxi tip is approximately five or 10 percent of the fare. It’s also acceptable to “round up” the bill to the nearest euro. 

For Uber and Lyft passengers, there’s an option to add a tip in the app, which you can do after the ride at your discretion, just like when you use the app in the U.S.

Of course, if the drivers go above and beyond, or help you lift your luggage, it’s always a courtesy to leave them a little extra. 

Tipping in Portugal is not expected like it is in the U.S., and it is in no way obligatory. However, it's common practice to leave restaurant servers, hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides with a small tip for their service.

It's optional, but it's not uncommon to tip your taxi driver five to 10 percent of the fare.

While tipping is not an expectation in Portugal, if you do decide to leave a tip, the customary amount is 10 percent at restaurants and five to 10 percent for cab rides. At hotels, the amount you tip depends on the service; for instance, it's common to tip hotel housekeeping two to five euros a day and bell staff one or two euros per bag.

Driving in Portugal: What You Need to Know

October in Portugal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Weather in Portugal: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Road Maps of Spain and Portugal

A Food Guide to the Alentejo Region in Portugal

May in Portugal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The Best Time to Visit Portugal

November in Portugal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

July in Portugal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Spain and Portugal Wine Regions

The Weather and Climate in Portugal in June

20 Best Things to Do in Portugal

March in Portugal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Douro River Cruises

How to Travel From Barcelona to Lisbon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

The Best Road Trips to Take in Portugal

Should you tip your tour leader? Here’s what we think.

Tipping is one of those topics than tends to split travellers into tribes: the Pro Tippers and the I’ve-Already-Paid-For-This-Service-Thank-You Anti-Tippers.

Usually the divide is simple: travellers who come from countries that tip versus travellers who didn’t grow up with a tipping culture. But it can be a thorny question. What are the rules? How much should you tip (if at all)? What are the consequences if you get it wrong?

We’ve already written a bit about tipping in America and Vietnam (and Smarter Travel has some good general advice) but today we’re talking about small group travel. In particular: whether or not to tip your tour leader.

Our position

We work closely with local unions and abide by regional laws on wages to make sure every local leader and porter gets a fair and decent wage. But tipping is still a big part of leaders’ overall income. Particularly in cultures where tipping is entrenched in the tourism industry, like America and South East Asia.

RELATED: HOW TO BUDGET LIKE A BOSS, SPEND LIKE A LOCAL ON YOUR NEXT BIG ADVENTURE

Why tipping matters

But beyond good manners, tipping injects cash into the local economy, which is really the big benefit of small group tourism. By tipping in local currency, you’re making sure money is going to those who deserve it most. Tips don’t pass through any third party (not even Intrepid). They either go straight to the leader, or get divided up among your porters and local guides.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR LOCAL LEADERS HERE

Do I have to tip?

All we ask is that you research the effects of tipping before making up your mind. And if you still don’t want to tip, find some other way to show your gratitude. Your local leader will really appreciate it.

RELATED: 12 COMMON (AND EXPENSIVE) TRAVEL MISTAKES – AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

How much should I tip?

If you haven’t been on an Intrepid trip before, and the idea of tipping is giving you mild anxiety, this is generally what happens: on the last day, over lunch or dinner, the group covertly gets together (like an office organising a colleague’s surprise party). Some discuss how much they’re thinking of tipping (talking about money can be awkward, so some travellers just put in what they feel), and there’s a quick whip-around in an envelope, which gets presented to the leader at the completion of the tour. It’s also fine to give your own tip separately from the rest of the group. The amount each traveller tips is usually anonymous.

How much you put in is up to you. Chat it over with your group. See what you think is fair. Whatever amount you decide on, we can almost guarantee it will make a substantial difference to your leader.

If I don’t feel like tipping, what should I do?

If you’d like some more info on tipping, or anything else to do with Intrepid leaders, check out our FAQ page. There’s some good general advice there.

Interesting in exploring the world on an Intrepid small group adventure? Search our range of tours now . 

All images C/O Intrepid Travel. 

Feeling inspired?

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

You might also like

Best places to travel in march, best places to travel in may, best places to travel in february, best places to travel in april, best places to travel in june, how to secure your inca trail permit the..., best places to travel in july, best places to travel in january, best places to travel in november, best places to travel in october, best places to travel in september.

The Ultimate Guide to Tipping

It feels like everyone wants a tip now. Here’s a look at who should get a tip and how much to hand over.

Getty Images

For food delivery service, you should plan to tip 10% of the bill – and keep in mind that more is always appreciated.

Once upon a time, tipping was relatively simple. You might add 10% to 15% to your restaurant bill for the server or hand a dollar or two to the valet who parked your car. But now, it feels as though tipping has become the expectation everywhere.

“Technology is great, but you can also utilize it to push the boundaries,” says Sam Zietz, CEO of GRUBBRR, a company that provides self-ordering solutions such as kiosk software to restaurants.

Today’s sales terminals make it easy to ask for tips as part of a transaction, which is why customers may find themselves facing a tipping screen even in retail locations. However, Zietz doesn’t think people should feel compelled to tip every time they are asked. For instance, the clerk at your local bookstore probably doesn’t need a tip for bagging your purchase.

Instead, tipping has traditionally been reserved for those in service industries. For many of these workers, tips may make up a significant amount of their income, particularly since federal law only requires employers of tipped workers to pay $2.13 an hour in direct wages.

Local customs and personal preferences play a role in tipping decisions , but here’s a look at who should get tipped and how much you should hand over.

Who You Have to Tip

When it comes to who to tip, the guidelines are simple, according to Lisa Mirza Grotts, who has been an etiquette expert for 23 years. “Any time a service is performed, a gratuity is required,” she says.

How much to tip restaurant servers: Twenty percent of the bill has become standard for sit-down establishments and 10% for quick-service restaurants, according to Zietz.

Decades ago, 10% was considered the standard tip for a restaurant meal, and 15% may have been given for exceptional service. Now, 15% might be paltry compared to the standard expectation of 20%.

Likewise, people may have previously skipped tipping at quick-service restaurants, but 10% is now the norm for these dining situations.

Interestingly, Zietz says his company’s data shows workers earn more in tips when customers in quick-serve restaurants order at a kiosk rather than at the counter. That’s not because people tip more at the kiosk – the percentages are roughly the same – but because people tend to order more at kiosks which results in a larger tip amount.

How much to tip for food delivery service:  Ten percent or more of the bill for food delivery , according to Grotts, or $2 to $5 per pizza, according to the Emily Post Institute.

“If you get it, you give it,” Grotts says. “Even if you order a burrito, it requires a tip because it’s a delivery, and … a service has been performed.”

While 10% of the bill is the norm, more is appreciated. For foods such as pizza, a flat tip per item may be more appropriate than a percentage.

How much to tip bartenders:  About $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% of the tab, according to the Emily Post Institute.

If you order and pay for a single drink, pass the bartender a tip immediately. However, if you’ll be running a tab, wait until you close that out and pay a single tip for the evening’s service.

How much to tip baristas:  No obligation, according to the Emily Post Institute.

If a tipping jar is on the counter, there’s no obligation to drop money into it. However, if you are a regular customer or have a special order, leaving some money would be appreciated.

The same would apply to other situations in which a tipping jar might be set out, such as at an ice cream stand, sandwich shop or bakery.

How much to tip movers:  About $5 to $10 per mover per hour, according to Architectural Digest.

Unlike wait staff, movers don’t rely on tips for their income, so it can be a judgement call regarding whether to provide one. However, Architectural Digest recommends it and suggests that tipping with cash at the end of the move is the best practice.

Since you might not know how long a move will take, the magazine suggests setting aside an amount equal to 20% of the cost of the move for tips.

How much to tip hotel valet staff:  About $2 to $3 for initial service and then $1 to $2 after that, according to Grotts.

Tipping a valet is proper if they are providing a service such as retrieving your vehicle or hailing a cab.

If the person is merely holding the door and greeting you, a tip is not necessary. “Opening the door for you is his job,” Grotts says.

How much to tip a hotel concierge: About $5 to $15, depending on the service, according to the Emily Post Institute.

The concierge desk is there to make your stay pleasant, and there is no reason to tip staff for answering questions about directions or local attractions.

However, if the concierge provides an additional service, such as securing theater tickets or a restaurant reservation, they should be tipped. The Emily Post Institute suggests $5 to $10 for most services. If the tickets or reservation were particularly hard to get, increase the tip to $15 or 10% to 20% of the ticket price.

How much to tip hotel housekeeping: About $3 to $5 for the initial service and then $1 to $3 per night after that, according to Grotts.

Some hotels only provide housekeeping upon request, and the amount you tip workers will depend upon the hotel and level of cleaning provided. Emptying the trash and restocking the coffee machine may not necessitate the same level of tip compared to service that includes remaking multiple beds and running the vacuum.

“Always tip staff per day versus at the end of your stay,” Grotts advises. “That way, the housekeeper who cleaned your room will get the tip.”

How much to tip spa workers:  About 15% to 20%, according to the Spa Industry Association.

It’s customary to tip spa workers, such as massage therapists, who offer a service. A 15%-20% tip is the norm, and that amount should be based on the regular cost of the service, not any discounted rate you might receive.

Check to make sure a gratuity isn’t already added to your bill, though.

How much to tip hairdressers or nail technicians: About 15% to 20%, according to the Emily Post Institute.

As with other service professionals, a 15% to 20% tip is the norm for hair and nail care. Consider tipping more for exceptional service.

How much to tip a taxi driver, Lyft driver or Uber driver:  About 15% to 20% of the fare, with a minimum of $1, according to the Emily Post Institute. Tip an extra $2 for the first bag carried plus $1 for each additional bag.

This is another example of where technology has increased worker tips, according to Zietz. He notes that at one time, New York City taxi drivers had pushed back against electronic payments in favor of cash. However, they eventually began to accept them.

“All of a sudden, the amount of tips they were seeing was skyrocketing,” Zietz says.

That may be because it’s easier for customers to place a tip on a debit or credit card than to fish around in their wallet for extra cash.

Who You Don't Have to Tip

In some situations, a gratuity might be automatically added to your bill.

“Then, (tipping) becomes discretionary if you would like to add more for superior service,” Grotts says.

There are also some professionals who provide a service but are not customarily tipped. These include the following:

• Accountants.
• Financial advisors.
• Medical professionals.
• Home repair workers.

In some cases, professional ethics dictate that tips cannot be accepted, while, in other instances, tipping isn’t customary. As a general rule of thumb, any worker who receives a salary or is employed in a well-paid occupation does not need to be tipped. Depending on your relationship with the worker, another show of appreciation may be appropriate though. For example, it is common to provide teachers with a holiday or year-end gift which could be cash, a gift card or another item.

Tipping While Traveling

If you travel internationally, keep in mind that not all countries approach tipping in the same way as the U.S.

“As a business owner, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively and learn about the tipping practices of a variety of cultures around the world,” says Vladimir Fomenko, CEO of Infatica, a company that provides ethically sourced proxies to businesses. “Tip customs vary widely so it's wise to familiarize yourself with the local rules before you travel.”

He notes that, in Europe, a service charge is often included on a bill, and this takes the place of tipping. In other countries, trying to offer a tip when it is unexpected can create an awkward or unpleasant situation.

That’s what happened to Zietz when he tried tipping in Japan. “I tried to tip the taxi driver, and I ended up insulting him,” he recalls.

In other countries, tipping is the norm – so much so that you may be asked directly to leave one.

“In Israel , you’re always expected to tip at least 10% and up to 20%,” says Justin Albertynas, CEO of Ratepunk, a hotel rate comparison app. “It doesn’t matter if you liked the service or if it was poor. Don’t be surprised if, on your way out, (you are) asked why you didn’t leave a tip or asked to (leave one).”

While it’s a good idea to research the tipping customs of your destination before traveling, Albertynas says not to stress too much. Locals, particularly in tourist areas, are usually understanding if your tips aren’t exactly what they would consider right.

Tipping Etiquette and Considerations

Tipping is considered common courtesy nowadays, and many service professionals rely on tips for their livelihood. What’s more, tips are a way to express appreciation.

“In principle, it is always great to tip after you get excellent customer service,” Fomenko says.

Being known as a generous tipper, particularly at a business you frequent, can help ensure that a high level of service continues. Workers may be more willing to go above and beyond for customers who regularly reward their efforts with good tips.

On the other hand, don’t feel obligated to tip if the service doesn’t warrant it.

“What I often notice is that people simply tip everywhere when they’re traveling, ignoring the quality of their experience,” Albertynas says. “If you feel that the service was poor, it is unnecessary.”

Still, keep in mind that some aspects of service may be out of a worker’s hands. Even the most attentive restaurant server can’t speed along slow kitchen service or prevent poorly seasoned food.

Tags: personal finance , personal budgets , tipping , money

The Best Financial Tools for You

Credit Cards

Find the Best Loan for You

Popular Stories

Family Finance

Saving and Budgeting

Personal Loans

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Your Money Decisions

Advice on credit, loans, budgeting, taxes, retirement and other money matters.

You May Also Like

Saying 'i do' for the second time.

Maryalene LaPonsie Aug. 13, 2024

How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Maryalene LaPonsie Aug. 12, 2024

Bartering: What It Is and How to Do It

Erica Lamberg Aug. 9, 2024

Affordable Wedding Gift Ideas

Geoff Williams Aug. 8, 2024

Breaking the Cheap Delivery Habit 

Erica Sandberg Aug. 7, 2024

Is Organic Food Worth the Extra Cost?

Erica Lamberg Aug. 6, 2024

Financial Planning for LGBTQ+ Families

Emily Sherman Aug. 2, 2024

Cheap Foods to Buy if You're on a Budget

Geoff Williams Aug. 1, 2024

Average Wedding Costs

Erica Sandberg July 31, 2024

Extreme Couponing 101

Jessica Walrack July 31, 2024

15 Apps and Websites to Earn Extra Cash

Jessica Walrack July 30, 2024

Cheap Tickets

Erica Sandberg July 29, 2024

Money Tips for the 'Sandwich Generation'

Erica Lamberg July 26, 2024

Find Personal Finance Advice on Reddit

Jessica Walrack July 26, 2024

Midyear Financial Checkup Guidelines

Jessica Walrack July 25, 2024

Paid Online Survey Sites for Extra Money

Maryalene LaPonsie July 24, 2024

What to Know About Donating Plasma

Geoff Williams July 24, 2024

How to Budget for Friends’ Weddings

Jessica Walrack July 23, 2024

Is Your Partner Financially Unstable

Erica Sandberg July 23, 2024

4 Secrets to Booking Cheap Airfare

Jessica Walrack July 22, 2024

Ultimate South of France Travel Guide: French Riviera

After spending two weeks on the Cote d’Azur, I’m sharing my travel tips for visiting the French Riviera in the South of France. This region of France is incredible — sparkling blue waters meet dramatic cliff lines, dotted with pastel, charming villages.

It was my first time down to this region, and as a French American, I had put it off for too long. I fell in love with the slow-going, Meditteranean atmosphere that the French Riviera exudes. This trip was extra special as my husband, daughter, and I hunkered down for 2 weeks in a single town to explore the entire coastline. (Peep in this guide what I wrote about traveling to the South of France with a toddler. )

Throughout our time in the South of France, we visited and revisited favorites. Had long beach days, afternoons popping into hilltop villages, and took numerous day trips. Our home base paid off immensely (more on that below) as a place to both discover and explore from.

Having spent extended time in other regions in France, like our 6-week stint in Bordeaux , time in the Dordogne , and my favorite mountain getaway in Annecy , the Cote d’Azur was vastly different. And while many portions of the Cannes-Nice coastline are known for glitz and glam, what I found was very much slow-going, coastal living.

So if you’re considering planning a trip to the South of France, don’t skip the French Riviera. Plan ahead as it’s undoubtedly a highly visited area (for good reason), and enjoy. This is my French Riviera travel guide.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels to Base Yourself in the French Riviera:

• Welcome Hotel , for the best waterfront hotel
• Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera , for the best luxury hotel
• Hotel De La Darse , for the best budget-friendly hotel

Travel Tip: The best way to explore the South of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here .

The French Riviera Travel Guide

Helpful tips before planning your trip to the french riviera.

When is the Best Time to Visit the French Riviera?

Summer months will be the best for beach clubs and warmer weather, but with it comes the crowds. I’d opt for late May or September for ideal weather and fewer people.

How Many Days Is Enough to Visit the French Riviera in the South of France?

1 full week is the perfect amount to visit the South of France’s coastline and villages. You could stay longer to travel more slowly and take your time.

Is the South of France Expensive?

In consideration with the rest of France, it is not more expensive than say Paris or Bordeaux. It’s on par with vacation prices throughout the Mediterranean. Many think of the French Riviera as high-glitz towns like Cannes or Monaco, but there are many small villages to enjoy along the way.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around in the French Riviera in the South of France?

Public transportation with buses and trains is one way to get around — the French Riviera coast is connected by a single train line for ease. For those wanting more flexibility, I would recommend a car for a portion of your time. We rented a car with Discover Cars and enjoyed not having to be tied to a public transport schedule. Parking was challenging at times but found it easier with an early start to the day.

Where to Stay

When I planned our trip, I did a lot of research to find the best mix of a smaller coastal town that still had a lot to experience and was well-connected. That for me was Villefranche-sur-Mer . It was a wonderful base for our two weeks on the coast. I loved that it was quaint and small, and only 25 minutes from Nice Airport by car which was super convenient as we flew in there.

For where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer, there are only a handful of hotels. Welcome Hotel right on the water is lovely and in the heart of everything. Another hotel I bookmarked was the price-friendly Hotel De La Darse just over in the Darse Port about a 10-minute walk from downtown. Rooms are simple but most have a wonderful view of the coast. Up on the hill, Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera is another elevated option.

We booked an Airbnb (which I can’t say I 100% loved, wishing I had done a hotel like Welcome Hotel) and suited for our time there.

The Best Places to Go in The South of France

Villefranche-sur-mer.

I fell in love with Villefranche-sur-Mer and was so happy it was our home for the time in the Cote d’Azur. This pastel-colored village which is quite small in size, has so much character. I loved that in a 10-minute walk, you could explore the town, and then be right on the beach with clear waters. It’s one of those must-see villages while on the French Riviera.

Favorite Things in Villefranche-Sur-Mer

• Exploring the village, walking the old streets like Rue Obscure and Rue Volti , and enjoying the sunset out on the port.
• Spending the afternoon at Marinieres Plage , we often grabbed food from the weekly farmer’s market to bring with us.
• Enjoying the restaurants in town like La Mère Germaine , Alma , and daily coffee and pastries at BAKARO .

One of the best day trips was to Menton on the Italian border, known as the “Pearl of France.” It’s an idyllic seaside town that has the most lovely shades of yellow across the city. Menton is somewhere in Southern France you don’t want to miss. I’d recommend spending a full day here to maximize everything that there is to do.

Favorite Things in Menton

• Getting the famous lemon tart from Mitron Bakery .
• Strolling the old town ( Vieille Ville ) and seeing sights like Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton and the square in front, Rue Longue , and La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs .
• Having a drink along Plage du Marché , one of the many wonderful beaches in Menton to enjoy.
• Afternoon trip to the small mountain village of Sainte-Agnes, great for mountain views.
• Dinner at Pizzeria 430gradi for their famous Napoli-style pizza, followed by sunset from the Vue Panoramique de Menton .

Perched on a small hilltop that overlooks the entire coast of the Côte d’Azur, the medieval village of Èze is incredible. We arrived late in the afternoon much after most crowds had left and enjoyed the jaw-dropping views which the village is known for.

Favorite Things in Èze

• Walked Le Jardin Exotique (ticketed entry).
• A very simple, but cozy dinner at La Taverne d’Antan à Eze .
• Strolling the village at sunset.

Travel Tip: Consider joining a small group half-day tour that includes Èze, Monaco, and Monte-Carlo to get around.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

About 30 minutes away from Nice is the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the Alpes-Maritimes department. It’s an absolute haven for artists, there is quite a bit to enjoy here in terms of walking around, enjoying a museum, and dining. I loved my afternoon here which went well into the evening.

Favorite Things in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

• Visiting Fondation Maeght and seeing all of the Miró pieces.
• Strolling through the village itself, enjoying sights like the Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence , Saint Paul de Vence Cemetery , and Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs .
• Having a coffee at the famous La Colombe d’Or Hotel and Restaurant (book in for lunch here.)
• Dinner at Les Remparts .

As one of the largest cities on the coast aside from Cannes or Monaco, Nice has a lot to do. I would concentrate most of the time in the charming “Old Nice” area. This is where most of the best things to do are. A day or two will give you plenty of time to enjoy the old quarter, visit the parks, and ports which make Nice quite famous. Keep in mind that Nice will be the busiest on the coast, so the earlier start the better before the crowds.

Favorite Things in Nice

• A morning at Marché Aux Fleurs to shop the markets.
• Trying the original socca at Chez Thérésa and then a coffee at The Service Course Nice .
• Strolling around Colline du Château and enjoying the views of Ponchettes Public Beach .
• An afternoon in Port de Nice Lympia , strolling around, dining at places like Rouge, Restaurant – Bar à vin , Brasserie de Castillon , and Le Plongeoir .

Travel Tip: One of the things we didn’t get to do was a boat tour that takes you along the coastline. I had bookmarked this 1-hour boat tour that departs from Nice Port as an option for the afternoon. The other tour I had bookmarked was from the famed “NO DIET CLUB” folks who run this incredible 3.5-hour foodie tour that takes you through the classics.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Known for its sparkling blue water beaches, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was one of our go-to places for day trips. There’s quite a bit here to enjoy outside of the town itself, which is why we ended up spending so much time. It’s easy to access by bus as well, so consider that as an option since there is very limited parking. (Uber is also the easiest.)

Favorite Things in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

• An afternoon exploring the gardens at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild .
• A morning at the beaches, Plage de Passable and Plage Paloma were my favorites.

Other French Riviera Cities

There are many other French Riviera cities and destinations to enjoy and even other day trips to consider. If you want to experience natural sights like the lavender fields, just head north to Provence . Along the way stop by Aix en Provence, and even add on the Gorges du Verdon , a natural gorge known for its blue waters.

Cannes is one of those glitzy Riviera towns that is a historic part of France. Many think of it for the annual Cannes Film Festival, but as a traveler, you’ll enjoy a charming downtown, beaches, and other things to do. Don’t miss views from Eglise Notre Dame d’Esperance , enjoy the historic neighborhood of Le Suquet , and shop along Rue d’Antibes .

Another Côte d Azur gem, Antibes is another place to add to the itinerary. It’s home to the iconic Plage de Juan les Pins , which you’ve likely seen photos of. The old streets are full of art and boutiques and home to the Château Grimaldi , a 14th-century palace that was the former art studio of Picasso. You would need a proper day to see all the Antibes has.

Known for the Monte Carlo Casino , Monaco itself is worth a pitstop if you’re training along the coast. It could be a good addition to Menton, as it’s right along the way. Remember that Monaco is its own small city-state.

Saint Tropez

One place we didn’t make it to was the small beach town of Saint Tropez. After hearing from a few friends about their time at the beaches and in La Ponche, I wish we had carved out more time to visit.

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

Related Posts

Where to Stay in Paris: Best Areas For First-Timers (2024)

Your Ultimate Guide to the South of France with Toddlers

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Dordogne

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• South Dakota
• Washington DC
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• French Polynesia
• Travel Tips
• Family Travel
• Accommodations
• Packing Lists
• Photography Tips
• Northern California Guide
• San Francisco
• Lightroom Presets
• Rent Our Home For Photoshoots
• California Map

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

How tight is too tight for a layover? A guide to connecting flights.

How to pull off a short flight connection, and when to give yourself more time.

If you’ve ever shopped for airfare without a direct option, you’ve probably come across the connecting flight conundrum.

Do you roll the dice with the shortest layover possible? Or play it safe with more airport downtime? Can you trust whatever options your airline offers?

Some travelers make calculated decisions on their connections based on data, weighing an airline’s on-time statistics against airport terminal maps. Others make their own rules, like John Rose, chief risk and security officer of the travel agency Altour , who’s flown more than 3.5 million miles.

“I won’t do 90 minutes or less,” he said of his layover strategy. “I’m not a run-through-the-airport person.”

But that doesn’t mean a layover less than 90 minutes is doomed.

“Airlines add a lot of padding to their flight times,” said Scott Keyes, founder of the cheap-flights booking site Going . “By adding in that extra 30 minutes, if they push from the gate a few minutes late, if there’s some bad weather and they have to circle a bit, it still looks like it’s an on-time flight rather than a delayed flight.”

Not only does it help an airline’s on-time performance look better on paper, it means there’s some buffer in your schedule.

Does that mean you can always pick an airline’s closest call? Not quite. Here’s how to decide how much buffer time you need between flights in the United States.

When an hour layover could work

For domestic travel, “you can usually get by with a 30 [or] 40 minute connection,” Keyes said. “As long as your first flight is on time, you should be able to make the second flight just fine.”

Shorter connection times have a better shot if your next leg is taking off from the same part of the airport as your inbound flight, or if you’re passing through a smaller airport. They may have just enough time to power walk from one plane to the next, not stopping for food or bathroom breaks.

Experts say airlines won’t give you a short layover option unless they think you can actually make it; after all, it’s the airlines that set minimum connection times (a term they shorten to MCT), and they’re on the hook for rebooking you if you miss it. Airlines have the data to see how many people missed connecting flights, and they have calculated departure times accordingly.

“When an airline makes a decision to connect you with a flight that has a 45-minute connection, it probably has you in the same concourse, or a concourse over,” Steve Mayers, the former director of customer experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, previously told The Washington Post. “It knows that you will have enough time to get to your gate.”

Even if the airline is confident you’ll make a short connection, booking anything under an hour comes with risks. Even moderate delays — from bad weather, staffing issues or maintenance problems — could throw your travel day out of whack.

When in doubt, take two hours between flights

Choosing a longer layover factors in some room for error, or having to hop on a train to get to another terminal, or dealing with fellow travelers who dawdle while disembarking from your first flight.

If you have time-sensitive plans, like arriving on the day of your best friend’s wedding or embarking on a cruise, book a flight with at least two hours of time to make up for delays or canceled flights.

You’ll also want a safer buffer (at least two hours) if you’ve booked a “hacker fare” — when you fly with one carrier for the first leg of your trip, then switch to another for the second leg. That second airline will not rebook you or hold the plane if your first flight runs late.

Lean more cautious if you’re booking a connection if there won’t be many options for rebooking if disaster strikes. For example, if you’re flying with a smaller airline with a limited number of flights, missing one may mean having to wait a week to catch the next or missing your trip completely.

Rose has the same concern during busy travel periods (summer break, winter holidays). When planes are full and weather is unpredictable, it can be harder to find you a replacement flight.

“You could end up being delayed a day,” he said.

Add more time for assistance and luggage

As airports and airlines deal with a record number of travelers but struggle with staffing, people who have special needs or require wheelchair services don’t have the luxury of cutting connection times close. Delays while waiting for wheelchairs after flights are common .

Call your airline well in advance of your flight to request wheelchair service , but know there’s still a chance you may have to face delays. To be safe, plan three hours for your connection.

Keyes added that travelers checking bags should opt for longer layovers. “When you have a tight connection, your checked luggage might not make it onto the plane even if you do,” he said. “It’s not as though it’s necessarily lost permanently, but you do have a higher likelihood of a lost, misplaced [or] delayed bag.”

Caveats for international travel

Everything changes when you’re traveling internationally. Keyes said this is when you want the largest buffer between flights, at least two hours if not more.

Remember that for most flights coming to the United States from abroad, you have to pass through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and another security checkpoint after landing, plus recheck any luggage, before you head to your next flight.

You can speed up that customs process with the Mobile Passport Control app or enrolling in Global Entry . But don’t rely on the potential of a shorter line. Line-cutting services available to you once might not be in place the next time.

And all bets are off when you’re traveling overseas, where every airport and airline has its own set of rules. Research layover protocols thoroughly before booking your connecting flights abroad to make sure you get where you need to go smoothly — or at least smoother.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

The Insider’s Guide to Berlin

Five of the city’s culture movers—artists, curators, and designers—offer their best travel tips.

Ever wish you could text the most stylish people in the world to ask them for their lists of things to do in the places they know best? Here are insider travel tips for those who would never be caught dead in a tourist trap. Bon voyage!

There’s no shortage of romance and mythology surrounding Germany’s capital city. To cut through the noise, we spoke to five of Berlin’s most impactful tastemakers, all locals or longtime residents: Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik, the designers of Berlin-based label GmbH; Mumi Haiati, the founder of Reference Studios; artist Donna Huanca, known for her immersive installations and multisensory performances; and Nina Pohl, photographer and curator of the Schinkel Pavillon.

What to Bring

“Pack your G-string and leave behind any inhibitions,” says Huanca.

The truth is, you really don’t need much. The style of the city is laid-back and largely informal. When I first moved to Berlin (very spontaneously) in 2018, I lived out of a carry-on for five months before returning to New York to get my things. (I can’t imagine living this sparsely in Paris or London or so many other places, but here it is doable.)

Some essentials: Walkable shoes. Minimal sandals or a cool pair of sneakers are a must. Bring light layers if you’re planning on visiting in the summer or fall; it can get chilly at night. I might also suggest a pair of sturdy boots if you’re planning on clubbing. Nothing makes me feel safer on the dance floor than my seemingly impenetrable Docs.

I would also bring a good pair of denim, clothes that can easily go from day to night; the fanciest thing you’ll need would be a look you’d wear to a gallery opening. Don’t believe the rumors that this is a city of people wearing only black. Aesthetically, there’s room for fun and irony. Paloma Wool, ’90s Prada and Miu Miu, vintage sportswear, flea market finds, anything by Martine Rose, Kiko Kostadinov, neons, and of course Berlin’s locals like GmbH feel on the pulse. Consider also packing some detox supplies and a solid book to read in the park and in cafés—it’s a great city in which to be alone.

Finally, “bring swimwear,” says Huseby and Isik. Berlin is full of lakes and parks where you can picnic and take a dip throughout the summer months.

What to Leave Behind

Leave your heels at home. Moreover, if you’re swimming, your bikini is optional. “Simply leave it behind if you prefer the many ‘clothing optional’ (or FKK = ‘free body culture’) lakes and beaches,” Isik advises.

What to Keep in Mind

“Don’t say, ‘Berlin is so cheap,’” Huseby says. It’s worth being aware that Berlin is experiencing a housing crisis, with rents rising dramatically in recent years and wages remaining comparably low. What’s relatively inexpensive for you as a visitor may not be for the people creating the culture.

Moreover, “the biggest misconception is that Berlin is super liberal and free, just because the clubs and bars never seem to close,” Isik explains. “This is such an illusion that most foreigners don’t see past. Berlin is still in Germany, and has the same conservative laws and regulations for everything else. Take for instance gender equality and social mobility, which is way behind many comparable European countries.”

On a practical note, the city is easy to get around in. Jump on the train from the airport for a €4 trip into the city. The UBahn and SBahn are your friends.

Where to Stay

Huseby and Isik recommend Mitte, Berlin’s most central neighborhood, for first-time visitors. It’s easily connected to the rest of the city, and full of cafés, buzzy restaurants, green spaces, and wine bars. The best place to stay is “ SoHo House ,” says Huanca, admitting, “Sorry, it’s true.”

Chateau Royal is also a great option, with each room featuring original works by a different artist. The hotel collaborated with the KW Institute for Contemporary Art to collect pieces from over 100 international and local artists, including Anne Imhof and Jeremy Shaw. Another classic is the traditional five-star Hotel de Rome , which Pohl calls out for its rather ideal location on Museum Island—right next to Schinkel Pavillon .

If you’re staying on the west side, Haiati recommends the stately SO/ Berlin Das Stue and Regent , an opulent boutique property with old-school luxury appeal. (Try the afternoon tea.)

S/O Berlin Das Stue

Where to Start the Day

Everyone has their own favorite neighborhood café, but for an excellent cinnamon bun, traditional Northern European handmade bread, and the best cold brew, head to Sofi in Mitte .

Another outstanding option is Albatross Bakery in Neukolln . Go “for their Queen A pastry (a version of a kouign amann) pastry,” says Isik. “But not for their coffee.”

Pohl recommends the beautifully minimal Julius , the little brother to Michelin-starred Ernst . Come for freshly baked pastries and Japanese-influenced small plates.

A brunch favorite is Annelies . Enjoy mimosas and fluffy buttermilk pancakes before grabbing to-go drinks and people-watching in Görlitzer park.

Where to Eat

The food scene in Berlin is increasingly diverse, with plenty of Turkish and Vietnamese options, an array of hand-pulled Chinese noodle spots, and innovative takes on German-influenced, farm-to-table cuisine. Haiati recommends “ Borchardt for the best schnitzel in town and Baba Angora for Turkish brunch,” adding, “To go back in time to the golden days of West Berlin, head to Paris Bar . Grill Royal is the ultimate classic, as is the mysterious China Club—if you know a member—for a luxurious, high-end Chinese food experience.” (David Bowie and Rainer Werner Fassbinder were Paris Bar regulars during their Berlin eras, and the French brasserie is still a place to find interesting characters.)

Grill Royal

Huanca, meanwhile, suggests a visit to Dong Xuan Center , the largest Asian market in the city with food vendors especially from Vietnam but also representing China, Pakistan, and India. “It’s entering another dimension and you find authentic flavor there,” she notes.

“We love the Yemeni restaurant on Sonnenallee,” add Isik and Huseby. “Casual, busy and affordable, but great traditional Yemeni food.”

For a truly special experience, book a table at Coda , a two-star Michelin dessert-only restaurant in a small industrial space in Neukolln that pushes the boundaries of pastry-making. Think a pecan and Jerusalem artichoke popsicle coated in caviar or a paper-light waffle filled with Raclette cheese. Go with an open mind and you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Shop

Berlin is full of markets, and is increasingly a top destination for sourcing vintage, especially ’90s and Y2K grails.

“I love to search at Sunday flea markets in Charlottenburg, Neukölln, Arkonaplatz,” Huanca says. “When I’m feeling like quiet luxury, I go to Manufactum for a true German experience.”

For high-end vintage, go to Pineapple Factory in Mitte , suggests Isik, Huseby, and Huanca. Haiati also recommends Townes for archival finds. Wsiura , a favorite of Huanca’s, gets its name from the Polish word for a poorly dressed woman; come here for vintage Mugler, Jil Sander, and a sex swing in the basement. A unique Berlin experience is BLESS , adds Haiati. The apartment-store in Prenzlauer Berg explores apparel and home objects through a playful, deconstructionist lens. For instance, the brand collaborated with Margiela in creating the fur wig seen in the fall 1997 ad campaign.

For those looking for ready-to-wear, Alex Eagle’s The Store has great stuff (and it’s a perfect “work-from-home” café—try the date smoothie with a shot of espresso), as does Voo store , which can not be missed. Andreas Murkudis is also a local institution. Head West to Charlottenburg for “KadeWe, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta,” Pohl suggests.

Where to Look at Art

Berlin has been the center of the conceptual art world for many years, and its fine art scene is a reason in and of itself to visit.

Book a tour (in advance) at Boros Collection , the private collection housed in a former WWII bunker-turned-GDR-era-banana-storage-facility, and later, hardcore techno club. Beyond its incredible Brutalist structure and a history that untangles the city’s, the collection itself—contemporary work making use of the space—is well worth engaging with. The James Turrell Chapel , located in the historic Dorotheenstädtischer Cemetery, is a truly meditative experience, and also requires a reservation.

Bunny Rogers at Boros Collection

As far as other institutions go, Haiati recommends Neue Nationalgalerie “under the direction of Klaus Biesenbach, plus Hamburger Bahnhof and Sprüth Magers & Buchholz for being some of the most directional galleries.”

“[The best art day] depends on the neighborhood, and I will go anywhere for a good show,” Huanca adds. “My favorites are: Number One Main Road , Peres Projects , Isabella Bortolozzi , Esther Schipper , Julia Stoschek , [and] Heidi Heidi Heidi .”

An installation view of Christophe de Rohan Chabot’s Untitled (Kim Kardashian) , 2022, at Heidi Heidi Heidi.

Where to Unwind

Wellness goes hand in hand with club culture in a city with plenty of offerings in both arenas. Try the Susanne Kaufmann spa at Das Stue Hotel, suggests Pohl. Another luxurious pick is the 111Skin Spa at Hotel Adlon Kempinski, complete with several restorative facials for serious skin revival. Save a day for Vabali , a sprawling, deeply calming spa full of steam rooms, saunas, and pools. (Just be aware that you have to be nude on the premises).

Susanne Kaufmann Spa

As for exercise, Haiati highly recommends booking a session with trainer Lesley Moon . BeCycle —with locations in Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Kreutzberg—has excellent spinning, yoga, and pilates classes. Three Boons Yoga is also a local favorite.

Where to Get Some Fresh Air

One of the best parts of summer in Berlin is experiencing the city’s lakes and parks. Head to “Tempelhof, lying in the grass or get out of the city to one of the lakes,” suggest Isik and Huseby.

Haiati recommends The Botanical Gardens, Grunewald —a beautiful forest near Charlottenburg—and Peacock Island, located in the lake of Wannsee in the west for inspiration. If you are a runner, Tiergarten park is lovely.

The Botanical Gardens

Where to Have a Drink

The relaxed culture of the city comes out in the bar scene. “Take drinks with you and sit in Tempelhof field (the abandoned airfield) on a sunny day,” says Huseby.

Depending on the neighborhood you start in, I would recommend grabbing a bottle of natural wine from The Rad , Rocket Wine (the staff is incredibly knowledgeable), or Nomi Wine Bar , which features female winemakers. Or stop by one of Berlin’s many spätis for a beer or lemonade.

Nomi Wine Bar

For cocktails, both Pohl and Haiati call out Victoria Bar , the Art Deco-style Schoneberg hub known for its crowd of artists and gallerists. Wax On in Neukolln has beautifully refined, stripped-down takes on classic cocktails. Kink Bar & Restaurant , next to Olafur Eliasson’s studio in Mitte, is an excellent option for more experimental drinks.

Victoria Bar

Where to Stay Up Late

“Berghain,” says Pohl. Little explanation is needed. “I love the sound system,” muses Huanca. “It can be a very bodily experience.”

Beyond the obvious, Huanca adds, “I love dancing at Roses , but will dance anywhere a good DJ is.”

Isik and Huseby, whose label was born in the club scene, share, “Currently the best parties in Berlin are MP3 , Nothing Special , and Floorgasm . They all happen quite irregularly and change venues from time to time.”

They also recommend Trauma Bar & Kino for live music.

“For classical music, Philharmonie ,” Pohl suggests. There’s a thriving live arts scene in the city that extends beyond electronic music, encompassing theater, opera, and dance. (Berlin has seven symphony orchestras and three opera houses; be sure to check openings.)

The Philharmonie Berlin

“[Come] late April for Gallery Weekend until Art Week and Atonal in September. After that it gets cold and gray,” Haiati says. The days also get shorter. Berlin is at its emotional and sensory peak in the warmer months.

Although the city has changed over the past decades, some constants remain. “[I love] the sentiment of the free spirit. Its vastness,” Haiati says. “The most common misconception is that of Berlin as a pure party city—it has much more cultural offerings. Walk around the Turkish market on Maybachufer on Saturdays. Go and see the Turkish and Arabic neighborhoods, and the Asian restaurants on Kantstraße.”

Huanca echoes this feeling. “For me, Berlin has been an energetic center of freedom, without the fussiness and transactional vibe of other big cities,” she shares. “It has real seasons, so when the weather changes, so does your mood. In the summertime, Berlin turns into a very sexy place, full of wild green spaces.”

• My Products / Subscriptions
• Solutions for:

TARGETED SECURITY SOLUTIONS

How to travel safely

Going on vacation? We’ve compiled a traveler’s guide to help you have an enjoyable safe time and completely get away from the routine.

Kaspersky Team

August 13, 2024

Holiday season is a wonderful time — one when all the usual worries take a back seat. On vacation we focus on sights and local culture, and try in every possible way to remove ourselves from our usual routines. But being away from home brings with it some travel concerns to keep in mind; for example, how should one properly use transportation in another country so as not to fall for local scammers’ tricks; also: who should one call in an emergency?

Kaspersky experts have compiled answers to these and many other related questions. In our guide (in convenient PDF format) we’ve collected together some tips and recommendations for you on how to make traveling safe, easy and enjoyable.

Transportation

As to transportation arrangements, above all, learn how to obtain a local bus pass, avoid traveling during rush hours, and don’t take large amounts of cash with you when using public transport. If these tips are obvious to you, here are some other, not-so-typical vacation safety tips:

• Use a navigation app popular in the location. Local apps often provide better guidance than more common options like Google Maps. Remember: you should only download new applications from official stores, but malware may lurk there too — so be sure to keep strong protection .
• Observe local driving laws. At a minimum, make sure you know whether they drive on the right or the left of the road in the country you’re visiting. This is especially important if you plan to rent a car, bicycle, or any other transportation.
• Download transportation schemes and offline maps to your smartphone. It’s safer than connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots every time.

Accommodation

Choosing the right hotel, apartment, or even room is one of the key parts of a great trip. It’s important to choose accommodation based on needs and possibilities to find the golden mean:

• seek out newly opened hotels to save money;
• choose a corner room to get a better view;
• let staff know about special occasions;
• book business-oriented hotels during weekends;
• monitor rates even after you book;
• consider room upgrades;
• download the hotel’s mobile app, if available.

And most importantly, when looking for accommodation, use specialized services rather than clicking on suspicious links in email . If you want to ensure maximum protection, use the top anti-phishing solution .

Entertainment

Can you imagine how frustrating it’d be to spend money on a vacation organized around a concert of your favorite artist, only find out at the entrance that your ticket is fake? To prevent this from happening to you, follow our advice.

• Buy tickets from official websites. Believe me, scammers have “tickets” to any event: to the theater or to an exhibition, to the Burning Man festival , soccer tournaments , and even to the Olympics .
• Look for discounts, but wisely. Students can get an ISIC — ultimate student discount and travel card — while everyone else should look for packages and hot deals. The key is not to fall for the typical scam tricks ; attackers love discount fans.
• Find local activities. Tourist attractions are good, of course, but how fun would it be to dig into local forums and interest groups to find like-minded people in another city, country, or even continent?
• Set your VPN to your destination’s location. Use a VPN  set to the location you plan to visit. This makes your searches more local, showing you events that are popular among the residents rather than those tailored for tourists.

Remember not to share photos of tickets, including boarding passes , on social media — scammers or just haters can use this information against you.

We’ve already written many times about how to safely get acquainted with people in dating apps , so here we’ve collected the very best recommendations, which together with reliable protection  will help you get the most out of holiday romances:

• choose reputable dating apps ;
• use the built-on messenger function of dating platforms; don’t go straight to Telegram or any other messenger;
• don’t share personal information with unfamiliar people;
• use unique photos and make your profile as private as possible ;
• meet in public settings;
• keep a contact informed;
• don’t feel obligated to stay at a meet-up; if you feel uncomfortable with a person, end it as soon as possible.

Offline shopping is, of course, much more straightforward than online shopping , but they do have a few similarities when it comes to security.

• Use a separate bank card for traveling with a set limit, and don’t keep large sums of money on a card.
• Use secure ATMs that are located at a bank branch. This way you will be safer withdrawing money, and most likely you’ll avoid skimmers .

Studying local trading patterns is often worth it. In some countries haggling is the norm; in others — drinking tea during negotiations is. Whatever the case, bone-up on local laws and customs beforehand to avoid possible misunderstandings.

Keep all receipts — this will help with customs or tax declarations when you go home, and will also come in handy when returning or exchanging goods.

Taking the kids on vacation

Children spice things up. But whether it’s a pleasant spiciness or a scorching vindaloo curry is up to you:

• choose family-oriented accommodation;
• plan lighter travel days;
• take snacks, water, extra clothes, and entertainment for your child on the road;
• seek out child discounts;
• take a first-aid kit and keep a list of nearby medical facilities on your smartphone.

And don’t forget the house rules that should apply on vacation too — monitor the screen time of your child's devices, and track their location  even when they’re away from home.

Other safe-travel tips and advice can be found in our full PDF guide . Save it to your device and use it as a guide for every trip. Bon voyage!

Automated phishing

Telegram bot sells subscriptions to phishing tools to hack Microsoft 365 accounts, including 2FA bypass.

Setting up Shortcuts and Siri in Kaspersky for iOS

The updated VPN & Antivirus by Kaspersky for iOS now supports Apple Shortcuts and Siri. We explain what you can do with this feature, and how to set it up.

Don’t forget about Recall, because Recall won’t forget about you

The new AI function in Microsoft Windows has already been dubbed a “security nightmare” on the internet. What risks does it carry, and how to stay safe?

Setting up both security and privacy in WhatsApp

We discuss key aspects of WhatsApp’s security and privacy, and how to configure this messenger to enhance protection.

The incognito myth: how private browsing really works

How to use private browsing mode, what it doesn’t protect against, and why Google is deleting five billion dollars’ worth of user data.

Sign up to receive our headlines in your inbox

Home products.

• Kaspersky Standard
• Kaspersky Plus
• Kaspersky Premium
• All Products

Small Business Products

• Kaspersky Small Office Security
• Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud

Medium Business Products

• Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Select
• Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced

Enterprise Solutions

• Cybersecurity Services
• Threat Management and Defense
• Endpoint Security
• Hybrid Cloud Security
• Cybersecurity Training
• Threat Intelligence
• All Solutions
• México
• United States
• South Africa
• Middle East
• الشرق الأوسط
• Western Europe
• Deutschland & Schweiz
• France & Suisse
• Italia & Svizzera
• Nederland & België
• United Kingdom
• Eastern Europe
• Türkiye
• Россия (Russia)
• Asia & Pacific
• For all other countries

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Flight + Hotel
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

[3% OFF] Europe Train Guide: Train Types, Seats, Facilities & Tips

August 13, 2024

Source: Wikipedia

Planning to travel to Europe? Europe's extensive rail network allows travelers to explore the continent's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty at their own pace. This article offers a detailed guide to Europe train types, seats, facilities, and tips to ride European trains.

🔥Exclusive Europe Train Coupon: Get 3% OFF Now!

Book European train tickets as a new user on Trip.com App and enjoy a special 3% Off 🎁! Use our exclusive coupon to save big on your first trip in Europe!!👀

Europe Train Types

Europe rail has diverse train networks that connect various countries and cities. Here is the overview of the types of Europe Trains:

• High-Speed Trains : These are modern, fast trains that connect major cities across Europe. They can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) or more. Examples include the French TGV, German ICE, Italian Frecciarossa, Spanish AVE, and the Eurostar .
• Regional Trains : Also known as local trains, these provide s ervices within a particular region and stop at many smaller stations along the way. They are slower than intercity trains and are used for short-distance travel.
• Night Trains : These are long-distance trains allows passengers to travel overnight between cities or countries. Examples include the Nightjet operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the Thello night train between France and Italy.
• International Trains : These are trains that cross international borders , connecting different European countries. They can be high-speed, intercity, or night trains. The Eurostar and Thalys are well-known examples of international trains.
• Scenic Trains : Some trains are specifically designed to provide passengers with breathtaking views of the European landscape . Examples include the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express in Switzerland.

Europe Rail Country by Country

Trains in different European countries like France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Spain have their own unique features. Here's a simple overview of the differences among their train services:

Popular Europe Train Routes

*The price varies depending on the exchange rate and date.

💖If you're curious about how to buy Europe train tickets and Eurail pass, check out the following articles:

Europe Train Seats

Source: Eurial Official Website/ICE interior

When traveling by train in Europe, the seating classes can vary depending on the country, the train operator, and the type of train service. Here are some general points about train seats in Europe:

Source: Eurial Official Website/Sleepers

Source: Eurial Official Website/Couchette

National Europe Rail Companies Country by Country

Here are several Europe rail companies of major European countries:

European Train Apps

• Rail Planner : This app provides schedules for most trains in Europe, including high-speed, regional, and international services. It can be used offline, which is convenient for travelers without a data connection. It also offers features like a trip planner, station information, and the ability to save your itinerary.
• Trip.com: It's an all-in-one International travel app that offers 24/7 customer service in multiple languages. It provides various booking services, including trains, flights, hotels, and tours. With 3+ booking, visitors can enjoy a free airport lounge , earn more Trip coins , save more on hotel booking, reduce refund fees for trains, etc.

Guide to How to Ride European Trains

Riding a train in Europe is generally a straightforward process, but there are some steps and documents you'll need to prepare before your journey. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Plan Your Route

• Decide on your destinations and check the train routes available. You can use various websites and apps like Trip.com, or Eurail/Interrail for planning purposes.

2. Purchase Europe Train Tickets

• You can buy tickets on Trip.com , or at train station ticket counters. If you're planning to travel extensively by train, consider purchasing a rail pass like Eurail (for non-European residents) or Interrail (for European residents), which can offer unlimited travel within a certain period.

3. Required Documents

• Passport/ID : Always carry your passport or national ID card if you're an EU citizen. You'll need it for international travel and may be required to show it when traveling domestically as well.
• Visa : If you're traveling to or through countries for which you require a visa, make sure to have it before your journey.
• Train Ticket or Europass : Have a printed copy or digital version of your ticket or Europass. Some train companies require you to print out tickets, so check their policy beforehand.
• Seat Reservation : On some trains, especially high-speed or overnight services, seat reservations are mandatory. Your ticket may include a reservation, or you might need to book it separately.
• Travel Insurance : While not mandatory, it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies.

4. Before Departure

• Arrive Early. Especially in larger stations, give yourself enough time to find the right platform and board the train without rushing.
• Validate Your Ticket : In some countries, you need to validate (stamp) your ticket before boarding, using machines on the platforms or at the entrance to the tracks.

5. Boarding the Train

• Find Your Seat : If you have a reservation, look for your carriage and seat number indicated on the ticket. If you don't have a reservation, find an unreserved seat.
• Stow Your Luggage : Place your luggage in the designated areas, which are usually at the end of the carriage or above the seats
• Be Ready to Get Off : Trains can stop for a short time at stations, so be ready to leave the train promptly, especially if it's a large station where it might take time to exit the platform and find your way out.

Europe Train Facilities

Train facilities in Europe can vary significantly depending on the country, train operator, and type of service. However, many European trains offer a range of amenities designed to make the journey comfortable and convenient for passengers. Here are some common facilities you might find on European trains:

• Seating : Trains usually offer a variety of seating options, including standard class and first class. Seats can be reclining and often come with a fold-down table, power sockets, and reading lights .
• Dining : Many long-distance and high-speed trains have a dining car or bistro , where you can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages. On some services, meals may be included in the price of a first-class ticket.
• Restrooms : Trains are equipped with restrooms, which may include facilities for people with reduced mobility . On newer trains, restrooms are more likely to be spacious and well-maintained.
• Luggage storage : Overhead racks , luggage areas at the end of carriages , or designated spaces between seats are provided for storing luggage.
• Wi-Fi and Entertainment : Free Wi-Fi is becoming more common on European trains, particularly on high-speed and international services. Some trains also offer entertainment systems with movies, TV shows, music, and games.
• Air conditioning and heating : Trains are generally equipped with climate control systems to ensure a comfortable temperature throughout the journey.
• Family facilities : Some trains offer family compartments, baby changing facilities, and play areas for children .
• Quiet zones : Certain trains have designated quiet carriages where passengers are asked to keep noise to a minimum, which is ideal for those who wish to work or relax.
• Sleeper services : Overnight trains may offer sleeping compartments with beds or berths , allowing passengers to travel long distances without losing a day.
• Bike storage : Some regional and intercity trains provide spaces for bicycles, although you may need to reserve a spot in advance.

Europe Train Etiquettes

Traveling by train is one of the most popular and efficient ways to get around in Europe. Here are some general train etiquettes to keep in mind when traveling by rail in Europe:

FAQs about Europe Train

How do i purchase europe train tickets, do i need to reserve a seat on european trains, what is the difference between first and second class, can i travel with a eurail or interrail pass.

Europe Train

• 1. Europe Train Types
• 2. Europe Train Seats
• 3. National Europe Rail Companies Country by Country
• 4. Guide to How to Ride European Trains
• 5. Europe Train Facilities
• 6. Europe Train Etiquettes

<h3>Trending Searches</h3>

More about China Trains

• London to Edinburgh
• Hangzhou Train Station
• China Train Ticket Price
• China Train Station
• Gyeongju to Busan
• China Bullet Train
• Beijing Train Station
• London to Paris
• Eurail Pass
• Shanghai Train Station
• Seoul to Busan
• Hong Kong Station
• China High Speed Rail Shanghai to Guangzhou
• China Train Ticket
• China Train Booking
• Cheap Train Tickets China
• Xian Train Station
• Busan to Seoul
• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List Your Property
• Become a Supplier

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Nicholas Kristof

My Travel Tips for Seeing the World’s Best Places

By Nicholas Kristof

Opinion Columnist

’Tis the season for vacations, so let me make my pitch that the best travel is not lounging at a beach resort but rather journeying into a different world. We all need relaxation at times, but nothing beats the thrill of a trip of discovery and the education that comes with it.

Mark Twain once observed that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” In that spirit, I’ve long urged young Americans to take gap years before college or junior years abroad . (One high school reader of such an essay, Spencer Cohen , ended up taking a gap year partly in Japan, became an Asia hand and is now a colleague at The Times.)

Still, there are risks, less of violence (the U.S. has more guns than other countries) than of having your passport and credit cards stolen. So I preach both travel and prudence, and on a recent book tour , I found myself often asked about travel advice I had mentioned in my memoir. So let me share a few tips for the vacation season:

1. The most memorable travel often involves encountering something unfamiliar, so consider escaping the herds parading through Paris. Indonesia, Ghana, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Morocco and Bolivia are generally safe, far cheaper than Europe and offer indelible experiences. I’ll never forget venturing deep into the Potosí silver mines in Bolivia, exploring a grim slave castle in Ghana that dispatched prisoners to slavery in America, learning how to use a blowgun while staying with families in their longhouse in Indonesia’s Borneo rainforest. The world awaits us!

2. Some of the places that you find most culturally distant may be right here in the United States. A teenager from an affluent family in the New York or Boston areas would step into a different world by taking a ranch job in Wyoming. And this is the kind of travel that is not only affordable but actually pays for the experience.

3. Be spontaneous. As a law student in 1982, I spent five weeks backpacking through the Middle East and met a couple of Palestinian students on a West Bank bus; I jumped off at their stop and spent a memorable day with them in their refugee camp hearing about their frustrations and dreams (I wrote about reuniting with them last fall). And while on a bus in the Sahara, I accepted an Algerian man’s invitation to visit his village — which turned out to be a warren of underground burrows to protect families from the extreme heat, the most unusual residential architecture I’ve ever seen. In each case, I was with a couple of friends, which made it seem safer to put myself in the company of people I’d just met, and obviously one should be as judicious as one is spontaneous.

4. One occasionally hears that adventurous travel is just for men, but some of the most accomplished foreign correspondents and overseas photographers are women, as are a majority of Peace Corps volunteers. As a man, I don’t face the same risks that women face, but I have seen female travelers — disproportionately from Australia and New Zealand — thriving as they backpack through the most remote places. Some have suggested the purchase of a cheap wedding ring; a $20 band and a fabricated husband can help keep pests away.

5. Carry a decoy wallet. If pickpockets grab it, let them run off — only to discover that it contains just a bit of cash for street purchases, a day pass for the subway and an expired credit card. But do remember to let the pickpockets escape. Years ago, in Lima, Peru, I instinctively jumped a pickpocket who was trying to grab my friend’s decoy wallet, forgetting that he had nothing much in it; next thing I knew we had a melee and a gun was being fired.

6. Carry your passport and valid credit cards and cash in a pouch that loops on your belt and is tucked inside your pants. Travelers often carry travel pouches round their necks under their shirts, but these are visible and sometimes get stolen. While I’ve had bandits make me take off my shoes and socks while searching for cash, nobody has found my pouch in my pants (I dare mention this only because I assume robbers are not big readers of my column).

7. Carry a small cable lock (those for skis are perfect) to lock your bags together so one doesn’t run off while you’re sleeping in a train or on a bench at the train station.

8. Never check a bag for a flight because then it will get lost. That means packing light and taking quick-dry clothes suitable for washing in a hotel sink. I’m fond of travel clothing from a company called Clothing Arts , and I also rely on ultralight backpacking gear such as a tiny Black Diamond or Petzl headlamp that is invaluable when the power goes out.

9. If you’re getting into a taxi or other car in a location that seems at all dubious, use your phone to photograph the license plate before you get in. The driver may wonder if you’ve texted it to a friend. And women can look for female drivers if they exist.

10. My editor doesn’t want me to say anything that might encourage readers to try something dangerous, so I won’t suggest that there is nothing like the view while riding on the top of a train in Sudan . (That was in my dissolute youth, and today I definitely disapprove of riding on top of trains.)

11. People worry about terrorists, but the most likely serious risk is probably a vehicle accident. Motorcycle taxis common in low-income countries can be perilous, while buses and trains are safer (inside trains only!).

12. Now forget all the fears this article has conjured. Go have fun. Travel should be as enjoyable as it is eye-opening. If you take precautions it will be.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

Nicholas Kristof became a columnist for The Times Opinion desk in 2001 and has won two Pulitzer Prizes. His new memoir is “ Chasing Hope: A Reporter's Life .” @ NickKristof