Tipping in Foreign Countries

Tipping is a serious point of contention with me. I think it’s just plain wrong to to tip service workers based on some arbitrary mathematical formula and I refuse to feel obligated to do so. On the other hand I can appreciate the work that someone does and feel even that all but the most inept waitperson deserves at least a little something for trying and I will reward excellent service with a fat tip. When traveling the world tipping can become extremely complicated. In many parts of Asia, tipping can be seen as an insult – as if you were saying to the service provider that they showed such inadequacy that you are taking pity upon them. In some countries, New Zealand for example, tipping isn’t expected at all and the base price for meals directly reflects that. So how do you know how much to tip in Bora Bora? What is considered customary and appropriate in Timbuktu? Following is a general guideline for some popular regions and countries. This list is only meant to serve as general tipping while traveling advice, your own discretion should play a bigger part in how much you tip.

Regions:
Asia/Pacific

In many parts of Asia tipping may be seen as an insult. Exercise caution if you’re not sure. It may be best to leave no tip at all. Observe what the locals are doing and follow their lead. India is most assuredly an exception. In India cab drivers, wait staff and porters/bellhops will be more than happy to suggest a tip amount.

Europe:

Generally speaking, service charges are added to room bills and restaurant tabs. Pay attention to the bill you’re presented with and if no fee is added – tip at your discretion and 10% is customary. Speaking from experience in Greece you should definitely not tip or otherwise encourage the way customers are treated in bars and restaurants. Your mileage, of course, may vary.

Africa/Middle-East

Usually tipping is unnecessary but the expectations and customs will vary from country to country. Observe the locals if you are unsure.

Central/South America

Follow the same guidelines as you would for Europe. Oftentimes service fees are added to the restaurant or hotel bill. 10% is customary if the fee isn’t already added to the meal charge.

Some “no tip” countries:
China
New Zealand
Brunei
Denmark
Fiji
Japan
Malaysia
Oman
Samoa
Singapore
South Korea
U.A.E
Viet Nam

Hopefully this will serve to help clear up confusion about tipping while traveling in foreign countries, but probably the best advice is to simply ask a local. Have I missed anything important or gotten something terribly wrong? Let me know in the comments.