With there being no specific rules or laws to tipping, it’s a controversial topic which can occasionally leave you feeling red-faced. To help you on your travels, we’ve created a general guide on how much will suffice for good service.

America

Tipping is customary in the USA, especially at sit down restaurants. Some states allow a ‘tip credit’ to be part of the minimum wage which means tipped employees can be paid as little as $2 an hour, plus tips. Here, we recommend you tip 15-20% of the total meal price.

The tipping expectations in America are tied to the minimum-wage levels being low. The general rule is to tip dependant on the service, and the quality of the service you have received. Keep in mind that many people are dependent on tips for their income and will generally be grateful for anything received, especially if they have offered excellent service.

Australia

Australia is like the UK and Europe when it comes to handing out tips in the sense that they are appreciated, like anywhere, but not required.

For taxi rides, you may like to give an extra $2 or round it up to the nearest $5, whilst at a restaurant, you may like to add on 10% if you have enjoyed your experience. There is no tipping expected within hotels.

Caribbean

Tipping is a standard practice amongst Caribbean islands, however, the majority of resorts add a service charge to the overall price of your stay. This doesn’t mean that you should not tip anymore but leaves you to decide if an occasion that calls for it.

Outside of the resort, we recommend 15-20% at restaurants and $1-$2 USD on top of taxi fares.

Egypt

In Egypt, you are expected to tip anyone who assists you during your stay, including staff in the all-inclusive resorts.

Here is a rough indication: Taxi driver: 10-20 LE / Bell boy: 3-5 LE / Housekeeper: 5-10 LE per night / Waiter: 5-10 LE per meal / Sightseeing guide for half day: 25-40 LE / Sightseeing guide for full day: 50-80 LE

Tipping in a restaurant is usually 10% of the bill if a service charge hasn't already been added. 

Please note: Some staff prefer to be paid in English pounds, yet others do not. So, if you have spare change and this is something you would like to do, please check beforehand.

Europe

While tips are common and appreciated, they are not as generous as in America.

When visiting a table service restaurant that does not include service charge, it is customary to tip 5-10% of the overall bill, but no more unless you wish to. When it comes to taxis, round the fare up to the next digit for a drive, but for longer journeys, people tend to round to the nearest 10. 

United Arab Emirates

Famous for its exceptional service, tipping in the UAE is generally down to personal preference. 

While a service charge is usually added to the bill in restaurants, it is popular amongst most dinners to also tip the waiter or waitress. This tends to be 10-15%, however, rounding the bill up to the nearest figure would also suffice.

When travelling in a taxi, a small tip of 5-10 AED is suggested, but most travellers will round the fare up to the nearest note.

Is there a country you are visiting soon which we have not included? Let us know in the comments and we can inform you on the tipping guidelines.