private tour guide tip

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

Road Scholar Debuts Special Trips for Retired Teachers

New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers

New Year Tour Sales: They’re Big and They’re Limited Time

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

Whale Photography Tips from an Expedition Cruise Photo Instructor

Taking great pics of whales is no easy task. Here are tips.

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

These tours celebrate Black joy through belonging, togetherness, and connection with nature.

Tours That Are Surprisingly Great for Teens and Their Families

Guided tours hit the sweet spot when it comes to traveling with teens.

The Scoop: What to Know About Collette

For more than a century, Collette has been leading award-winning tours.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

How Much To Tip A Private Tour Guide

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Andrei Cade

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Embarking on a private adventure tour is an exciting and luxurious way to explore the world. Whether you’re hiking through breathtaking landscapes, exploring ancient ruins, or discovering hidden gems in bustling cities, a private tour guide can enhance your experience by providing expert knowledge and personalized attention. But when it comes to tipping your tour guide, how much should you give? Tipping is an important aspect of many service industries, and adventure travel is no exception. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when tipping a private tour guide, customary tipping practices, and guidelines to help you navigate this aspect of your journey.

When determining the appropriate amount to tip your private tour guide, it’s crucial to take several factors into account. The level of service provided, the length and difficulty of the tour, and the destination are all key considerations. A knowledgeable and engaging guide who goes above and beyond to ensure your enjoyment and safety deserves recognition. On the other hand, a guide who falls short of expectations may not warrant the same level of appreciation.

Customs and tipping practices can also vary greatly from one country to another. It’s essential to educate yourself on the local customs to avoid inadvertently offending your guide. Some countries have a strong tipping culture, while others may have more modest expectations. By familiarizing yourself with the specific customs in your destination, you can show respect for the local culture and add an extra touch of appreciation for the exceptional service provided by your private tour guide.

Although there are no strict rules when it comes to tipping private tour guides, there are some general guidelines that can help you make an informed decision. It is customary to tip private tour guides between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the tour. However, this percentage can vary depending on factors such as the quality of service, your satisfaction, and your budget.

While tipping is customary and appreciated in most cases, there are situations where it may not be appropriate or expected. For example, if your tour guide is the owner of the company or if they have already included a substantial service charge in the tour price, tipping may not be necessary. Additionally, if you encounter a tour guide who provides poor service or behaves unprofessionally, it is within your rights to withhold a tip.

Tipping a private tour guide is a gesture of appreciation for their expertise, dedication, and the memorable experiences they provide. By taking into account the factors discussed and following the guidelines for tipping, you can show your gratitude while respecting local customs. Remember, the ultimate goal is to build a positive and mutually rewarding relationship with your private tour guide, ensuring that your adventure is truly unforgettable.

Factors to Consider when Tipping a Private Tour Guide

When deciding how much to tip your private tour guide, several factors should be taken into consideration. These factors can help you determine the appropriate amount to show appreciation for the service provided. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Quality of Service: The level of service provided by your tour guide is an important factor in determining the tip amount. Consider whether your guide went above and beyond to enhance your experience, provided insightful information, and ensured your safety and comfort throughout the tour.
• Length and Difficulty of the Tour: If your private tour was an all-day or multi-day adventure, or involved physically demanding activities, it is worth considering a higher tip amount. Guides who put in extra effort and energy to accommodate your needs and make the tour memorable deserve recognition.
• Destination: Tipping customs and expectations can vary from one destination to another. Research the local culture and tipping practices in the country you are visiting to ensure you adhere to their customs. Some countries may have a strong tipping culture, while others may have more modest expectations.
• Personal Satisfaction: Your personal satisfaction with the tour and the guide’s performance should also influence your tipping decision. If you were exceptionally pleased with the service provided and felt it greatly enhanced your experience, you may want to tip on the higher end of the customary range.
• Budget: While it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate your tour guide’s efforts, it’s equally important to consider your own budget. Tipping should be within your means and not put a strain on your finances. It’s perfectly acceptable to tip at the lower end of the customary range if that is what fits comfortably within your budget.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can arrive at an appropriate tipping amount that reflects the quality of service, the nature of the tour, and your personal satisfaction. It’s important to remember that tipping is a discretionary gesture of appreciation, and there are no strict rules or requirements. However, being mindful of these factors can help you make an informed decision and show your gratitude to your private tour guide.

Customary Tipping Practices for Private Tour Guides

Tipping practices for private tour guides can vary widely depending on the destination and cultural norms. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the customary tipping practices of the country you are visiting to ensure you show appropriate appreciation for your guide’s service. Here are some general guidelines for customary tipping practices when it comes to private tour guides:

• Research the Local Customs: Before embarking on your adventure tour, take the time to research the tipping customs of your destination. This will give you a better understanding of what is expected and help you avoid any cultural misunderstandings.
• Percentage of the Tour Cost: In many countries, it is customary to tip private tour guides between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the tour. This percentage can vary depending on factors such as the level of service, your satisfaction, and your budget. Consider the quality of service provided and your overall experience when determining the tip amount.
• Consider Group Size: If you’re traveling in a group, it’s important to consider whether the tip should be given individually or pooled together. Some countries have different customs for group tips, so it’s important to clarify with your tour guide or tour company how they prefer to handle tips for larger groups.
• Check if a Service Charge is Included: In some countries or with certain tour companies, a service charge may already be included in the total cost of the tour. This means that tipping may not be necessary or expected. However, if you received exceptional service, you may still choose to give an additional tip as a token of your appreciation.
• Show Appreciation in Local Currency: When tipping your private tour guide, it’s best to give the tip in the local currency to make it more convenient for them. Additionally, using the local currency shows respect for the local customs and demonstrates your understanding of the cultural norms.
• Consider Additional Support Staff: In some cases, your private tour may involve additional support staff, such as drivers, porters, or local guides. It is customary to also tip these individuals separately, as they provide essential services throughout your journey.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and it’s always a good idea to be flexible and adapt to the specific customs and expectations of the country you are visiting. By following these customary tipping practices, you can show your appreciation for the exceptional service provided by your private tour guide and ensure a positive and respectful interaction.

Guidelines for Tipping a Private Tour Guide

When it comes to tipping a private tour guide, it’s helpful to have some general guidelines to ensure you show your appreciation appropriately. While there are no hard and fast rules, the following guidelines can help you navigate the tipping process:

• Consider the Level of Service: Evaluate the level of service provided by your tour guide. Did they go above and beyond to make your experience memorable? Did they demonstrate extensive knowledge and expertise? Tipping should be reflective of the quality of service received.
• Tipping Range: Typically, tipping private tour guides ranges between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the tour. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the destination, the length and difficulty of the tour, and your personal satisfaction. Use this range as a starting point and adjust accordingly based on your own assessment.
• Be Mindful of Your Budget: While it’s important to show appreciation for exceptional service, it’s equally important to stay within your budget. Tipping should not place undue financial strain on you. If you’re not able to tip at the higher end of the range, tipping at the lower end is still a gesture of appreciation.
• Personalize Your Tip: If you had an exceptional experience with your tour guide, consider personalizing your tip. You could include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude for their efforts or a small gift that symbolizes your appreciation. Personal touches can make the tip more memorable and meaningful for your guide.
• Consider Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with the local customs and tipping practices of the country you are visiting. Some countries may have different expectations or customs when it comes to tipping. Being aware of and respecting these customs shows cultural sensitivity and appreciation for the local culture.
• Evaluate Additional Support Staff: If your private tour involves additional support staff, such as drivers or local guides, it’s customary to tip them separately. These individuals also contribute to your overall experience and should be acknowledged for their efforts.

Keep in mind that tipping is a discretionary gesture of appreciation and there are no hard and fast rules. The most important aspect is to recognize and express gratitude for the service provided by your private tour guide. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tip reflects the quality of service received while respecting the local customs and staying within your budget.

When Not to Tip a Private Tour Guide

While tipping is a customary practice for private tour guides, there are certain situations where it may not be appropriate or expected. Here are some instances where you might consider withholding a tip:

• Owner of the Tour Company: If your private tour guide is also the owner of the tour company, tipping may not be necessary. In this case, the guide already benefits from the profits of the tour, and an additional tip may not be expected. However, if the guide provided exceptional service, you may still choose to give a tip as a token of appreciation.
• Price Includes a Substantial Service Charge: Some private tours may already include a substantial service charge in the total cost. In such cases, tipping may not be necessary, as the service charge already compensates the guide for their services. However, if you were exceptionally pleased with the service or received personalized attention, you can still consider giving an additional tip.
• Poor Service or Unprofessional Behavior: If your tour guide provides poor service, behaves unprofessionally, or fails to meet your expectations, it is within your rights to withhold a tip. Tipping is meant to acknowledge and appreciate exceptional service, and if that service is lacking, you are not obligated to give a tip.
• Not Customary in the Local Culture: In some cultures or destinations, tipping may not be a customary practice for private tour guides. It’s important to research and respect the local customs when it comes to tipping. In these cases, showing appreciation through verbal praise or a thank-you note may be more appropriate.
• Tour is Inclusive of Tips: There may be instances where the tour package you booked already includes tips for the guide and other support staff. In these cases, it is not necessary to give an additional tip, as it has already been factored into the overall cost of the tour.

Remember, tipping is a personal decision based on the quality of service received and the specific circumstances of the tour. It is important to consider these factors and make an informed decision about whether or not to tip your private tour guide. However, it is always encouraged to acknowledge and express appreciation for exceptional service in some form, whether it be through a tip, a kind gesture, or a positive review.

Tipping a private tour guide is a way to show appreciation for their exceptional service, expertise, and dedication to making your adventure memorable. While there are no strict rules when it comes to tipping, considering factors such as the quality of service, the length and difficulty of the tour, the destination, and your personal satisfaction can help you determine an appropriate tip amount.

Researching the local customs and tipping practices of your destination is crucial to ensure you adhere to cultural norms. It demonstrates respect for the local culture and shows your understanding and appreciation for their customs. In some countries, tipping private tour guides between 10% and 20% of the total tour cost is customary, but this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. Ultimately, your tipping decision should be based on your own assessment and budget.

It’s important to remember that tipping is a discretionary gesture of gratitude. In some instances, such as when the guide is the owner of the tour company or if a service charge is already included in the price, tipping may not be necessary or expected. Similarly, if your tour guide provides poor service or behaves unprofessionally, you may choose to withhold a tip.

By following guidelines, being mindful of cultural customs, and evaluating the level of service and your own satisfaction, you can ensure that your tip is a genuine expression of appreciation for your private tour guide’s efforts. Always remember to show respect, use the local currency, and consider tipping additional support staff if applicable.

Tipping is just one way to express your gratitude. Verbal praise, a handwritten note, or a positive review can also go a long way in acknowledging and appreciating the outstanding service provided by your private tour guide. The ultimate goal is to foster a positive and mutually rewarding relationship, ensuring that your adventure travel experience is truly unforgettable.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

A Guide to Tipping for Travelers

Andersen Ross Photography Inc / Getty Images

Tipping correctly can save you time, embarrassment, and money. While traveling, many people will offer their services to help make life easier, but it can sometimes be hard to tell who's just doing their job and who expects a tip.

Tipping is payment for a service rendered, but tipping can also be an act of gratitude for someone who goes beyond the call of duty, like a concierge securing front-row seats to the hottest show in town. Choosing not to tip will send a clear message that you have been dissatisfied with the service you've received.

These tipping guidelines are for the United States only. Expectations (and tipping amounts) can vary quite a bit from country to country. Check the travel guide for the particular country you will be visiting for the proper tipping etiquette.

Hotels and Resorts

Occasionally, you might stay at a hotel or resort with a no-tipping policy. In this case, you might find that you are already paying for service by way of a resort fee or service charge added your final bill.

• When valeting your car, tip $1 to $2 to the attendant when he retrieves your car. You can also tip when dropping your car off, but this is optional.
• You don't need to tip the doorman when he opens the door for you, but if he hails you a cab, you should tip $1 to $2.
• Tip bellhops and luggage porters $1 to $2 for every bag they bring up to your room. At a luxury hotel, you might tip more, as much as $5 per bag.
• For housekeeping, leave a daily tip of $1 to $5 per day, depending on the type of hotel and the size of the mess you've made.
• If you order room service, you'll find most hotels already include a service charge on the bill. If there's no service charge, tip 15 percent.
• The hotel concierge exists to help guests, so it's not necessary to tip if they give you directions or make a restaurant recommendation. However, if the service has been especially valuable, such as getting reservations to a restaurant that claims to be totally booked, tipping $5 to $20 is reasonable.
• Be sure to check out our guide for tipping in Las Vegas as well.

In general, more and more cruise lines are moving away from traditional tipping and adding service charges, which will be split evenly among the crew. It varies from line to line, so make sure to ask about their tipping policy before you book your next cruise.

• If the cruise line automatically adds the service charge to your account, you may be able to adjust it lower or higher as you deem necessary. The recommended amount is $10 to $20 per passenger for every day of your cruise.
• Baggage handlers work for the port and not the cruise ship, so you should tip $1 to $2 per bag or $4 to $5 per party.
• Like at a hotel, you can leave $1 to $5 per day for housekeeping in your cabin.
• You will most likely have different servers every day, but if there is someone that stands out (like a bartender who remembers your drink order), feel free to hand them a small token of appreciation.
• Upon any delivery to your cabin, like room service or a special request, you should tip $1 to $3 per visit depending on how much you order.
• Tipping the head waiter isn't necessary, but you can give $5 to $10 if they accommodate a special request or go above and beyond.
• Onshore excursions, you should tip your guides based on the level of personalization from $2 to $10.
• For children's club counselors, tipping is not necessary.
• It's the ship captain's job to command the ship and, occasionally, socialize with guests. Tipping is not necessary and would most likely be refused.

Restaurants and Bars

Whether you're enjoying a night out on the town or just popping down to the hotel lounge for a nightcap, standard tipping practices still apply when you're traveling.

• Tip your server 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill based on the pre-tax total of the bill or more if you enjoyed the service. If a service charge has already been included, feel free to leave without tipping.
• Bartenders should be tipped $1 per drink served, even if they're just pouring beer or wine.
• Tip the sommelier 10 percent of your wine costs, even if it's a less expensive vintage.
• If there is a bathroom attendant, who doesn't just hand out towels but also keeps the bathroom clean, drop a few coins in the tip jar or tip $1 per visit.
• When collecting your things at the coat check, tip $1 per item checked.

Transportation

Depending on how you choose to get around when you travel, you might be expected to tip.

• It's customary to tip cab drivers 15 percent to 20 percent of the fare.
• If you use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, you're not obligated to tip the driver, but it's considerate to give $1 to $2 for a short trip or more for a long-haul ride.
• If you arrange an airport shuttle transfer, tip $1 for every bag handled.
• Tip limousine drivers 15 percent to 20 percent, unless a service charge is included.

How much you tip a tour guide varies depending on the tour's length, size, and overall quality. In most countries, tipping your guide at the end of a tour is standard practice and will be rarely turned down.

• For a tour that only lasts a few hours, tip your guide 10 percent to 20 percent the cost of the tour. How much you tip also depends on the size of your tour, so you should tip more for a more personalized experience.
• For a multi-day tour, you should tip your guide $5 to $10 per day on the last day.
• If there was a driver in addition to a guide, tip them $1 to $5 per day.
• For free tours, which are offered in many large cities , you should tip between $5 to $10, depending on the quality of the tour.

Spas and Salons

If you purchase an individualized service at a spa or salon, you'll be expected to leave a tip. Some spas might already include a service charge, so make sure to ask about this at the front desk when you go to pay.

• For a spa treatment like a massage or a facial, tip 15 percent to 20 percent if no service fee has been included. If you're getting the treatment at a discount, your tip should be based on the original price.
• There's no need to tip if you're visiting a spa with common facilities like saunas or hot springs without purchasing an extra treatment.
• Medical spas might have more complicated treatments, like botox injections. Usually, tipping is not allowed for these kinds of services.
• Hairstylists and manicurists should be tipped at 15 percent to 20 percent.
• If someone else washes your hair, you can give them a $1 to $5.

Golf Courses

If you decide to go for a round of golf on vacation, you might run into these tipping scenarios.

• On a golf course, the bag boy takes your clubs when you arrive and sets them up in a golf cart for you. He will also wipe them down before you leave, so tip $1 to $2 on arrival and $2 to $5 as you leave.
• If you arrive without a tee time and the starter fits you in, you can tip them $1 to $5.
• Caddies should be tipped 50 percent of the caddie fee, adjusted higher or lower for your satisfaction with their service.
• A forecaddie works for a group of golfers and should be tipped $20 to $25 per player.

A Guide to Tipping in New York City

A Guide to Tipping Hotel Employees

A Guide to Tipping in Germany

A Guide to Tipping in Portugal

A Guide to Tipping in India

How Much You Should Tip in Amsterdam

A Guide to Tipping in Chicago

A Guide to Tipping in Mexico

A Guide to Tipping in France

A Guide to Tipping in the United Kingdom

A Guide to Tipping in Ireland

A Guide to Tipping in Nepal

A Guide to Tipping in Peru

A Guide to Tipping in Asia

Guide to Tipping in Las Vegas

A Guide to Tipping in Canada

How Much To Tip a Tour Guide in the U.S. and Europe

Let’s face it. Tipping can be a delicate topic, and how much to tip a tour guide can seem especially ambiguous. What’s the right amount? When do you tip? Is gratuity ever included? Do you tip for kids, too? What if you had a bad experience? Does the amount you need to tip change based on how long the tour is?

Those are all valid questions. We’ve worked with hundreds of local tour guides to offer tours in over a dozen cities across the U.S. and Europe. With that experience, we have some tipping know-how for tours in top tourist destinations like Paris, New York, and Rome. This isn’t meant as a rule book. Tipping is always at the guest’s discretion, but whether you tour with us or someone else, we want to demystify tour guide gratuities for everyone.

Below, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about tipping tour guides (plus a few you hadn’t thought to ask). But first, let’s define what gratuities are.

Gratuities and tour guides: an introduction

A gratuity is an amount of money given voluntarily to certain service workers as a thank you for excellent service. 

It’s considerably less than the full cost of the service, often a percentage or a flat amount, and it really is a way to show appreciation. Gratuity comes from the Latin word gratus , meaning thankful, the same word that gives us “gratitude.” And you thought we wouldn’t be covering etymology in this blog post.

Gratuities are most common in the restaurant and hospitality industry. You often tip cab drivers, bartenders, hair stylists, bellhops, and valets but not other service professionals like your accountant or plumber. Tour guides — those fearless leaders who show us new places and take us on exciting travel experiences — are in the group of hospitality workers who frequently are tipped for good service.

Should I tip my tour guide?

Basic tipping etiquette says, yes, you should tip your tour guide. There are exceptions if your specific tour experience includes gratuities or you simply didn’t have a good time, but in general, tipping your guide at the end of the tour is customary in the U.S. and Europe, though it’s much more common in the States.

Is tipping on vacation different in the U.S. vs. Europe?

Tipping is much more prevalent in the United States than it is in Europe. In America, a traveler will tip for all kinds of hospitality services, from wait staff to the person who carries your bags to your room.

People don’t tip as much in Europe, so travelers don’t there as much either. For example, servers at restaurants are paid a normal wage and don’t rely on tips for part of their income.

When it comes to tipping tour guides, a tip isn’t required in either region, but it’s much more expected in U.S. culture. Tips, when given, aren’t typically as high in Europe. Tipping a few euros after an excellent walking tour of 1-2 hours is considered sufficient. For a longer tour or a tour with a higher price point because it includes tickets, you might tip more, around 5%-10% of the total tour cost for each person in your group.

Because of globalization, especially with many American tourists in Western European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, you don’t have to worry about gratuity being awkward or unwelcome. Most tour guides are familiar with the custom of tipping and will anticipate (and appreciate) this from their guests. But even more so than in the U.S., tipping is a sign of excellent service, so if you feel your guide did a fabulous job, a tip is a good way to show that.

How much should I tip my tour guide?

This is the harder question, but it’s probably why you’re here. So you had a good time. Your tour guide shared some local recommendations, made you smile, and overall added to your experience. How much is the right amount to tip?

It’s up to each guest — and at the end of the day, it’s optional — but here are some rules of thumb from our guides and tour operators on the ground.

• For a short guided tour in the U.S.: Tip $5-$10 (or more) per person if your tour is around two hours or less. This would be an appropriate amount for most walking tours, like our JFK Assassination Tour , as well as some attraction tours, like our express Statue of Liberty visit. For a slightly longer tour, like our Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour , you might increase the gratuity some.
• For a full-day guided tour in the U.S.: Tip $10-$20 per person if it’s a longer guided tour (think six hours or more). A family of four might tip $40 for our guided six-hour Getty Center and Griffith Observatory Tour .
• For a short guided tour in Europe: Tip €5-€10 per person for a neighborhood walking tour that’s under two hours. This would be a good fit for our 90-minute Le Marais Walking Tour in Paris. For something longer, you might add a few more euros.
• For a full-day guided tour in Europe: Tip €10-€20 per person — or about 5%-10% of the total tour price — for a full-day guided tour. If it’s a bus tour, like our Normandy beach tour from Paris , it’s customary to include a tip for the bus driver as well.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour

Those ranges above are averages, and tipping may end up being more or less, but they’re practical guideposts that any tour guide would feel good about receiving.

When do you tip your guide?

This one is easy. You tip most commonly at the end of the tour. As you’re saying your goodbyes to the guide, you can simply hand off the money. 

“A tip shows that I did an outstanding job, that I exceeded guests’ expectations, especially here in Europe where it’s less common that in the U.S.” Cristina Carrisi, Barcelona tour guide

We’ve seen many people like to do it in a “secret handshake” sort of way, slipping them the money as they shake hands. This works, but a simple hand-off is fine, too.

What if I don’t have cash?

More and more today, people don’t carry cash when they travel. Guides are aware of this, and most have other ways to accept payment, such as Venmo or Zelle. Some guides even have a QR code guests can scan. 

If you’re not sure, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask what kind of electronic payment methods they accept for gratuities. You’ll find most guides have a way to tip without cash. For example, most of our guides in the U.S. have Venmo accounts. In Europe, cash is king, so bring money if you plan to tip.

Do you tip the driver for a bus tour?

This varies by tour. It’s common for bus drivers to have a jar or box near the front where guests can drop a few bills on their way out.

For our U.S.-based bus tours at ExperienceFirst, tipping $5-$10 per guest is appropriate to cover both the guide and the driver. The guides split their tips with the driver, so giving your tip directly to the guide works best. In Europe, tipping the bus driver is customary. Around 5%-10% of the tour price is a good rule of thumb.

This rate matches about how much you’d tip for a traditional 90-minute walking tour. Even though bus tours are much longer, buses tend to be fuller than a walking tour, so this smaller tip amount is adequate. As always, tipping more is appreciated, and it’s a great way to tell your guide they did an outstanding job.

Ancient Rome Walking Tour

How much do you tip a private tour guide?

Everything works pretty much the same for a private tour. On private tours, people are sometimes less likely to tip, but unless gratuity has been included in the tour cost, it’s a nice gesture to thank your guide for their time, especially if they went above and beyond to make it a special experience for your group.

When people do tip for private tours, they typically tip more since gratuity is usually a percentage of the total service cost, and prices are higher for private tours. Private tours are also often longer and frequently involve private transportation. For a longer private driving tour, for example, such as a private Los Angeles tour , $50-$100 in tips is common, but for a larger group of, say, eight people, that’s only around $10 per person.

Do you tip for free tours?

What about those “free” walking tours? Are they really free? In short, no. Locals who offer free walking tours expect gratuities nearly always, so you should factor this into your costs when you plan.

There are a few exceptions. Sometimes a tour will say “no tips accepted” or something similar. Perhaps it’s being put on by the local convention and visitors bureau or other tourism organization. In this case, take them at their word. The walking tour really is free. Here’s one such example of a genuinely free walking tour in Bath, England.

Is gratuity included with your tour ticket?

Generally, gratuity isn’t included in the tour price because it’s optional. A few tour operators may include gratuities, particularly for multi-day excursions that also include room and board, but this is typically listed under inclusions. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask before or after booking. 

Good tour operators will make it clear if gratuities are included or not. After all, the last thing we want is for people to be surprised or feel unprepared.

Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour With Alcatraz Ticket

Do you tip if you didn’t like the tour?

If you didn’t enjoy the tour, it’s acceptable not to tip. A gratuity really is a sign that you had a great time and want to show the guide your appreciation.

That said, not giving a tip sends the message that you didn’t enjoy the tour. You can view the tip as a way to communicate your feelings about the tour. 

Do you tip for every person in your group, including kids?

Does the tip amount change if you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or traveling with friends or kids in tow? It’s a good question. Tips are generally per person. While your guide probably isn’t expecting gratuity to cover an infant in arms, kids often require the guide’s attention as well as adults, so they’re typically factored into the tipping amount.

However, if you’re a larger family, it’s understandable to consider a sliding scale that you feel comfortable with to cover your group. A family with six kids might tip the same amount as one with five. As always with tipping, do what you feel is right for you.

What if you don’t know if tipping is appropriate?

After reading this article, hopefully you understand when and how much to tip guides. But you might be in a situation where you’re still not sure for some reason. Maybe it’s not even for a tour.

But there’s one hack you can always use — just ask. Even the famed Emily Post Institute, which provides etiquette training to businesses and individuals around the world, says it’s OK to simply ask in advance if you’re not sure about tipping protocols for the experience or country you’ll be in. Calling or emailing in advance with your questions can help settle any concerns you might have, and it’s better to know before you go, so you can come prepared and decide what you’d like to do.

What tips mean for tour guides

As we mentioned above, a tip shows appreciation. Tipping vs. not tipping lets the guide know if you did or didn’t have a good time. We asked a couple of our guides what tipping means to them. Here’s what they said.

“It is very appreciated when we receive tips,” said Jonathan Mannato, a tour guide in NYC. “For example, there was a tour I gave in pouring rain. We give tours rain or shine, but this obstacle can be hard to keep the guests happy and engaged. We work extra hard because of this. A family of four at the end generously tipped me for my work, and it made me as a guide feel valued. While we know tipping is not required, it is very helpful with our income in this role.”

Eiffel Tower Guided Climb

“A tip shows that I did an outstanding job, that I exceeded guests’ expectations, especially here in Europe where it’s less common that in the U.S.,” said Cristina Carrisi, a tour guide in Barcelona. “I remember one time as I was giving a tour, a 5 year old accidentally broke a small statue inside a shop. Her mother had stepped away to look for the rest of the family. I patiently took care of the child while still giving the tour. The tip her family gave me at the end of the tour showed me how well I had handled the situation.”

Demystifying tour guide tipping

I hope we helped demystify how, when, and how much to tip your tour guide. Not knowing the cultural norms or expectations around tipping can make guests feel nervous, which is the last thing any tour guide or operator wants. You’re on this trip to explore and have fun, not worry.

Now that you know how to tip your tour guide, tell a friend what you learned or join the conversation on Facebook if you have more questions. We’d love to hear from you.

12 Attractions You Must Not Miss in NYC

So you’re ready to explore New York! Whether you’re planning for a weekend or you’ve been here for years, there’s so much to…

Experience the Eiffel Tower With Climbing, Dining, and Views

Many say that the Eiffel Tower offers the best views in Paris — and who could really argue? But there is so much…

How Fisherman’s Wharf Became Famous — And What To See Today

Every major city has a designated “tourist zone” that visitors love but locals tend to avoid, and in San Francisco, it’s Fisherman’s Wharf…

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

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

Tipping Etiquette: A Guide for Travelers

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Even the most experienced traveler can sometimes be tripped up by tipping etiquette. Sure, you know you’re supposed to tip your tour guide something — but how much? When you’re calculating the tip for your dinner, do you need to include taxes and that pricey bottle of wine? And is it ever acceptable to withhold a tip for poor service?

For help, we turned our tipping questions over to an etiquette expert. Lizzie Post is an author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute , an organization that promotes etiquette in the U.S. and around the world. Lizzie, who is the great-great-granddaughter of the famous manners maven, shares secrets for tipping right every time (and reveals why bribing the maitre d’ won’t get you the best seat in the house).

Q: What’s the most common tipping mistake? A: To not tip. That’s probably the worst tipping mistake. Usually if you know to tip, you’re tipping around 15 – 20 percent so you know you’ve tipped something, and that’s great. But not tipping at all is probably the worst mistake.

Q: If you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received, is it ever okay not to tip, or is there a better way to handle it? A: No. You should never let your money talk for you. If you get good service, in addition to leaving a good tip, you would want to thank your server, bellboy, etc. When it goes the other way, you still should leave the customary 15 percent. If you had horrendous service and it was the service provider’s fault, some people might go as low as 10 percent. But we suggest that you leave 15 percent and then immediately speak to a manager to express your dissatisfaction. Say that you’re unhappy with how you were treated and that you’re reluctant to return after such an experience. That will speak volumes to a manager.

Q: Whom should we never tip? A: Never tip your doctor! We tip waiters and waitresses because they don’t make a livable wage. Our tips are helping to subsidize substandard wages. Try to avoid tipping those who aren’t in the service industry — doctors, dentists, therapists. You also don’t tip your dry cleaner. You’ve purchased their service and it’s one that traditionally doesn’t have a tip associated with it.

In a foreign country, different rules often apply. We recommend that you visit country-specific websites to find out what the local customs are.

Editor’s Note: Guidebooks and visitors bureaus are also great sources for country-specific tipping information. See Tips for Tipping Abroad for more advice on how to tip overseas.

Q: Is there such a thing as overtipping? Could you offend someone by doing so? A: I don’t think anyone would be too offended by overtipping, but they might think you’re a little stupid. (I always wonder if that happens with celebrities — you hear about them leaving an $800 tip on a $2,000 bill. The waitress must be thinking, “Do you know how many hundreds you just dropped?”)

However, the manner in which you give a tip could be insulting. The classic is trying to get the maitre d’ to give you a better table. A lot of people think that by flashing a $10, $20 or $50 bill, they’re going to get that kind of service, but the waitstaff we’ve talked to say they find that insulting; they’re not going to change the way the restaurant is run just because you’re waving a few bills. You don’t want to bribe for good service. You want to tip afterward to reward good service.

Q: When is it okay to tip in anything besides the local currency? A: If the choice is that or nothing, then leave the foreign currency. But otherwise, try your best to leave a tip in the currency of that country. Run out and grab some change on your lunch break, or visit an ATM . By leaving a tip in a non-local currency, you’re giving your service person work to do, and they’ll likely have to pay a fee to change it into their own currency. So you should only leave a tip in your own currency if you don’t have time to get something else.

Q: At restaurants, should you base the tip on the total bill (including tax, alcohol, etc.) or just the cost of the meal? A: You shouldn’t tip on the tax because who wants to tip on what the government gets? But yes, you do tip on the cost of your meal and any alcohol. If I order a bottle of wine from a sommelier, then I would tip him or her directly. But if I order the bottle from my server, that’s the person I tip. And if I have a few cocktails before dinner, I make sure to tip the bartender specifically before I go to my table.

Q: Do different rules apply to tipping at hotels vs. bed and breakfasts? For example, at a small B&B where you’re not sure if there’s a housekeeping staff and you think that the owner may be the person to clean your room, do you still leave a housekeeping tip? A: If you don’t know, leave a tip on the side of the bed. There very well could be a maid who comes in for a couple of hours a day, an off-site person that does the housekeeping so the owner can handle the bookkeeping or other responsibilities. Even if it is the owner [who does the cleaning], he or she is doing the work — so I don’t think you would be insulting anyone if you did leave a tip.

Q: What’s a good rule of thumb for tipping tour guides (and drivers)? A: On a short bus tour (several hours or less), tip your guide 10 – 20 percent of the cost of the tour. Give it to him or her when you say goodbye. Charter and sightseeing bus drivers are also tipped in certain cases: when drivers double as guides, $1 per person per day. When the driver has been particularly amiable, the person in charge of a private charter sometimes asks each passenger to contribute $1 or more to a tip pool. On a longer tour with no built-in gratuity, each passenger should give $5 – $10 to the guide and another $5 – $10 to the driver.

You should not tip tour guides at national parks or other government sites.

Q: Should you always tip the driver of the airport car rental shuttle? How much? A: Yes. Especially if the driver helps me with my bags, I’ll leave a dollar or two (typically a dollar per bag). It’s also nice to tip if the driver has held the shuttle for you. Similar rules apply to drivers of airport parking lot shuttles.

Q: If you give a bellman your bags for storage at the front desk, do you tip when he takes the bags away, when he returns them to you later or both times? And how much? A: Tip when the bellman brings the bags back — again, because we’re not bribing for service. I’d recommend $1 or $2 per bag.

Q: If you could only offer one tidbit of tipping advice, what would it be? A: Remember to tip! Beyond that, my advice would be to keep one- and five-dollar bills on you [or the local equivalent]. Whenever you leave for a trip, go to a bank or convenience store to get change so you always have it on hand.

Check out more travel interviews !

You May Also Like The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas 10 Things You Shouldn’t Wear When Traveling Abroad How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

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

Porto to Lisbon: 7-Nt, Small-Group Portugal...

Indus Travels

Greenland: Luxe, All-Incl. 11-Nt Exploration Small-Ship...

Swan Hellenic

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

• Tipping Guide
• Free Tip Calculator
• Free Tip Chart
• Free Split the Bill Calculator

How Much to Tip a Tour Guide? (Read This First!)

When you’re on vacation, one of the best ways to get a feel for the local culture is to take a guided tour.

And when you take a guided tour, it’s customary to tip your tour guide. But how much should you tip?

And why should you tip at all?

In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about tipping tour guides!

Table of Contents

What is a tour guide, and what do they do?

A tour guide is a person who leads a group of people through an area, pointing out landmarks and giving information about the history and culture of the place.

A tour guide might work for a company that provides tours, or they might be self-employed.

Tour guides usually have a lot of knowledge about the area they’re showing you, and they’re also good at keeping people entertained!

Why should you tip your tour guide?

Tour guides work hard to give you a good experience, and they don’t always get paid very well.

Tipping is a way of showing your appreciation for their work.

How much should you tip your tour guide?

10% and 20% of what the tour cost.

For example, if the tour cost $100 per person, you should tip $20.

But there are other things to consider when deciding how much to tip.

If the tour was especially long or difficult, you might want to give a larger tip.

And if the tour guide went above and beyond to make sure you had a good time, you might also want to give a larger tip.

When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of giving too much rather than too little.

What if you can’t afford to tip?

If you can’t afford to tip, that’s okay!

You can still show your appreciation by saying thank you.

Remember, tipping is just a way of showing your appreciation – it’s not required.

If you can, leave a review on TripAdvisor or Google Maps so other people can see what a great job your tour guide did!

What are some other ways to show appreciation to your tour guide?

In addition to tipping, there are other ways to show your appreciation for your tour guide.

You could write a positive review on TripAdvisor or Google Maps, or you could recommend the tour to your friends and family.

You could also send a thank-you note to the tour company – they’ll be sure to pass it on to your tour guide!

Tipping tour guides is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work.

Should You Tip Tour Guides?

Yes, you should tip tour guides!

Tipping is a way of showing your appreciation for their work, and it’s customary to tip tour guides.

Tour guides usually work for a company or they might be self-employed, and they work hard to give you a good experience.

What Is the Standard for Tipping Tour Guides?

In general, the standard for tipping tour guides is 10-20% of what the tour cost.

For example, if the tour cost $100 per person, you should tip between $20.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding how much to tip:

• The length of the tour
• The difficulty of the tour
• If the guide went above and beyond
• What the tour cost

In general, it’s always better to give a little more than you planned on giving.

How to Tip Tour Guide?

At the end of the tour, you can hand the guide cash or you could leave it in an envelope with a note.

If you’re leaving a tip in an envelope, you can put the money in first and then write a note saying thank you and how much you appreciated the tour.

Your guide may make a quick joke about now is the time you tip me, or they may some way to get your attention to tipping.

If that is the case, they will tell you how to Venmo or PayPal them the tip.

They may also pass around a hat, which means this is where you can put the cash for tip-in.

How Much Do You Tip a Private Tour Guide?

A private tour guide is someone who works independently and not for any particular tour company.

The standard for tipping a private tour guide is also 20% of the total cost.

For example, if your tour cost $500 for the day, you should tip $100.

As with any other type of tour guide, you can always give more or less depending on how happy you were with the tour.

Some people prefer to tip private guides in cash, but you could also Venmo or PayPal them the tip.

How Much Do You Tip a Tour Guide and Driver?

A tour guide and driver are two different people.

Your tour guide is the person who walks with you, telling you about the sights.

The driver is the person who drives the vehicle between destinations.

There are no hard and fast rules for how much to tip a tour guide and driver , but a good rule of thumb is to tip them each for about $20 per day.

Do You Tip Museum Tour Guides?

Museum tour guides do not need to be tipped.

Museums do not allow their employees to accept tips because it could be seen as a conflict of interest.

Keep in mind that this is not expected or required, and most museum guides will be happy with a simple thank you.

Do You Tip Ghost Tour Guides?

Ghost tour guides are no different than regular tour guides, and you should tip them the same amount – about 20% of the cost of the tour.

These tours can be a lot of fun, and your guide will appreciate your appreciation!

Ghost tours average around $20 dollars, so your tip should be around $5 dollars per person.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to tipping your tour guide, there are no hard and fast rules.

However, the general guideline is to tip between 10-20% of what the tour cost.

This percentage usually depends on how pleased you were with the tour.

It’s always a good idea to give more than you planned on giving, especially if your guide went above and beyond.

The bottom line is this: if you had a good time and learned something, show your appreciation with a tip!

Do you have any questions about tipping tour guides?

Let us know!

And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more travel tips and tricks!

Related posts:

John Goldsmith

How much should I tip when I travel?

Editor's Note

Even the most seasoned travelers may find tipping while traveling to be complicated and stressful.

After all, most of us want to thank the right people for great service and don't want to stiff underpaid employees who might be depending on gratuities. At the same time, we don't want to double-pay service charges already included in our bills or inadvertently insult someone in a foreign country.

So, who deserves a tip, and when and where should you give it? Also, how much should you tip?

Tipping customs vary based on your destination and what sort of travel you are doing. For hotels, tipping can depend on the room rate, the level of service and the details of your stay. (Did you refuse housekeeping for the duration of your trip? Or, did you trash the room with a massive all-night party?)

The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the world of tipping. Housekeepers, for example, may have much more extensive cleaning regimens even though they might not touch your room during your stay. Also, short-staffed hotels may add more responsibilities for already overworked employees.

To help you decide how much you should tip during specific travel situations, from tours to hotels to all-inclusive vacations, here's what to know.

Tipping tour guides

Let's start with how much to tip tour guides. Not unlike when you dine at a restaurant, there's a general consensus to tip tour guides based on the level of service you receive.

For tour guides, we recommend tipping 10% to 20% of the overall tour's cost. Of course, you're always welcome (and encouraged) to tip more for exceptional service if you feel inclined.

Whom to tip at hotels

When many hotels eliminated housekeeping services during the COVID-19 pandemic, I got out of the habit of traveling with the cash I used to carry specifically for tipping housekeeping.

But if there's anyone within hotels you should tip, it's housekeeping. Many experts agree that you should tip housekeeping $3 to $5 per day, depending on the length of your stay, your room rate and the level of service.

"These are the hardest-working people in the hotel and the least recognized," Tom Waithe, general manager of the Alexis Hotel Seattle, previously told TPG.

You should, however, be on the lookout for hidden housekeeping fees that some hotels have been adding to room charges — sometimes up to $40 per day. In these cases, a gratuity is not expected, though it's still possible that those hotels are not sharing these fees with staff.

A rule of thumb states that luggage attendants who help you with your bags at hotels (and airports) should receive $1 to $5 per bag. Round up for large groups of bags or if the attendant must take multiple trips or handle fragile or special-request items.

For car valets, a couple of dollars is typically appropriate; you may want to tip more if the valet delivers on a rush request. If you're staying at a hotel for a while and expect to use your car often, start the valet out with a larger tip of about $10 dollars, and explain your situation. You'll likely get your car parked closer and delivered ahead of other people's cars daily.

Butlers and concierges, especially at luxury hotels, should also be tipped an amount determined by what services they've delivered for you. Tipping the head door person at a hotel can also be a way to get improved service during a longer visit.

Who doesn't need a tip at a hotel, then? The people delivering room service meals where a (usually hefty) service charge has already been added to the tab do not necessitate a tip. Of course, you can still feel free to tip them. In the rare cases when gratuity isn't included or if you've asked the staff for some out-of-the-ordinary services, those circumstances would warrant tipping.

Related: Innovations in hotel stays: How to give guests the next-level experience

Tipping around the world

If you've ever traveled outside the U.S., you may have received mixed messages about tipping or confused faces from non-Americans when discussing tipping culture in this country.

In some countries — such as Australia, Japan and China — tipping is not common. It's actually frowned upon in Japan.

"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, co-founder of the luxury travel company Black Tomato, told TPG. In Australia, where tipping is "not a common transaction," it can even make recipients a bit uncomfortable.

Otherwise, you should distribute tips as you do in the U.S. when visiting most of Europe, touristy areas of Mexico, the Caribbean (excluding all-inclusive resorts ) and Canada. Tipping is also customary in India and the Middle East.

In Central and South America, leaving small amounts of change in the local currency is greatly appreciated. If you're traveling to Africa, expect more intricacies, depending on whether or not you're on safari or staying at an urban property in a major city.

If you're unsure what's customary in a specific destination, feel free to ask around or err on the side of being overly generous.

Related: The ultimate guide to tipping in Europe

When to tip on an all-inclusive vacation

Speaking of all-inclusive resorts, know that daily service charges are typically included in your bill if you're on a cruise or staying at an all-inclusive resort. However, be sure to double-check your folio carefully or inquire with the front desk upon check-in. Also, be sure to verify what's included in a property's resort fees, even for non-inclusive properties.

According to Lindsey Epperly Sulek — founder of Jetset World Travel and a Caribbean travel expert — most traditional all-inclusive resorts, like Sandals in the Caribbean, include gratuity.

If gratuities are not included, you can follow the previously mentioned hotel guidelines : $1 to $5 per bag for the bellhop, $5 per day for housekeeping (left every day), nothing extra for room service (if included on the bill) and a sliding scale for concierges, depending on the task's difficulty.

If you're taking a tour from an all-inclusive resort — such as for a safari — tip your guides and the driver.

Related: The 17 best all-inclusive resorts in the US for a spectacular vacation

Tipping staff during a cruise

Whether they're called service charges or gratuities, the automatic fees cruise lines charge daily to passengers' onboard accounts — sometimes as much as $25.50 per person, per day — are designed to replace cash tipping. It's a policy that was put in place so cruisers won't feel obligated to tip or worry about when and where to present gratuities.

In addition to passenger-facing crew members, such as waitstaff and cabin stewards, many other crew members see a portion of service fees. This includes people who wash dishes and work in cruise ship laundry rooms. You can pay these fees in advance or have them added to your onboard bill. You can adjust the gratuity amount up or down by visiting the guest services desk during your sailing.

If you want to provide an extra boost to a crew member who has gone above and beyond, mention them in your post-cruise survey so they can receive higher-level recognition. This is something that could come with more long-term benefits than a tip.

If you find yourself on a sailing that doesn't charge daily gratuities or you want to tip extra for stellar service, be sure to bring cash. There might also be a tip box by the reception desk.

Have a favorite bartender or waiter on your sailing? An extra gratuity paid early during your trip will go a long way to ensure that above-average service continues throughout your vacation. Keep in mind that most cruise bar purchases and spa treatments automatically include gratuities ranging from about 15% to 18%. There's no need to tip extra unless you want to.

Related: Can I remove prepaid gratuities on a cruise?

Tipping flight attendants and airport employees

Generally, airline employees like flight attendants are not allowed to accept any tips on the job. However, airport staff members are permitted to do so.

One notable exception is Frontier Airlines, which has an inflight tipping program.

Airline employee unions have fought against allowing flight attendants to accept tips, which may seem counterintuitive. However, labor laws allow employers to pay sub-minimum wages if the employees are assumed to be receiving gratuities on a regular basis. Don't be insulted if flight attendants refuse your tip offers — they're doing so to protect their salaries.

Many airlines provide ways passengers can recognize services provided by flight attendants and other employees. For example, Southwest Airlines has its Commend an Employee program that lets you leave positive comments online. This may have a more positive impact than the dollar tip you offered for your gin and tonic.

Should you want to show your appreciation for a particularly friendly or helpful flight attendant, note that gifts such as snacks or coffee shop gift cards are OK.

Bottom line

Tipping is often customary when traveling, depending on where you go, what service you receive and the level of service provided.

Bookmark this guide for your next international trip.

Related reading:

• 8 lessons I learned from my 1st all-inclusive vacation
• 10 times you do not need to tip on a cruise
• Mobile tipping comes to hotels: Will housekeepers really benefit
• We asked a flight attendant for their top insider tips on flying like a pro

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

How Much (and Why) Should I Tip My Guide?

Ask yourself these six questions, plus four pieces of guide-tipping etiquette

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Guides are the unsung heroes of the travel business. They are storytellers, teachers, and, often, skilled athletes with a true passion for sharing what they love. In many instances, we put our lives in their hands; in turn, they put theirs at risk for us. At the end of a trip, then, why are we often so baffled about what to tip the guide? In the United States, tipping your server 15 to 20 percent on a restaurant bill is a no-brainer, but how much to tip the wrangler of your daylong horseback ride can be puzzling.

“How to be fair and appropriate when tipping is one of the toughest challenges in the industry,” says Kevin Callaghan, president of Mountain Travel Sobek . While some guides get paid a livable base salary, many survive on tips. Since most companies don’t advertise what they pay their guides, and because it can be considered tactless to straight-up ask your guide, travelers are often left dumbfounded.

After learning how little money most guides make, Daniel Yaffe was inspired to launch AnyGuide , a website that acts as a platform to help guides throughout 100 countries run their businesses—like turning their phones into tip-receiving credit card machines that can suggest pricing.  “I paid $2,000 for a guide to trek Mount Kilimanjaro. The guide told jokes in Swahili, he had summited Kili 200 times, and he knew shortcuts through the mountains,” Yaffe says. Despite being the most valuable asset to the trip, the guide was paid just $5 to $10 a day. “Most of my $2,000 was going to the company, which suggested I tip my guide $20 to $40 per day.”

It’s easy to factor in the time spent on the trail or river, but many of us forget to factor in all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into guiding. Michelle Duffy, director of marketing for DuVine Cycling and Adventure Co. , says that when the guides are exceptional, the work looks effortless. “But these are just some of the hats they wear: bartender, translator, photographer, historian, porter, host, mechanic, chef, driver, and conflict resolution specialist.” 

The “how much” factor can vary widely. For example, Rocky Canon, lead guide manager at the Experience Center at Turtle Bay on Oahu’s North Shore says surf school operators spend a lot on equipment and insurance, which leaves guides to rely heavily on gratuities. “Surf and SUP guides really take your life into their hands. A show of appreciation usually comes as $20 for a half- or full-day session,” he says. “A $50 tip for spectacular service.”  Stephen Oddo , co-founder of Walks of New York, Walks of Italy, and Walks of Turkey, is a former guide himself and says the established tipping average is about 10 to 20 percent of the total tour price. If the group size is smaller, tip on the higher end. Leigh Barnes, marketing director of Intrepid Travel , says tips on a standard Inca Trail trek consist of $2 to $3 per day for a group leader and $6 to $7 to per day to be split amongst porters, assistants, and cooks. For an Everest-region trek, Intrepid suggests $3 to $5 per person per day for a group leader, $2 to $3 per porter per day, and $2 to $3 for the local guide. Confused? Check with the outfitter in advance so you come prepared and can factor tips into the overall price. 

Consider These Questions Before Tipping 

• Did the guide take interest in me as a person?
• Did my guide go out of his or her way to make sure I had a great time? 
• Were they skilled in what they did? 
• Did they have good knowledge of the area’s natural and cultural resources, and did they share it with the group? 
• Did they have a strong service ethic? 
• Was it clear that their actions were focused on guests having a superb experience rather than the guide’s personal motivations?

4 Never-Break Tipping Rules 

• If an envelope isn’t available, find your guide, shake hands, and say thanks. Then, place the cash in the palm of your guide’s hand and let him or her know who it is from (the individual, family, entire group).
• If you aren’t tipping at all or tipping less than recommended amount, explain your reasoning. Why? It may make for an awkward moment, but there’s one invaluable word any working stiff can relate to: feedback. 
• If you forget to tip or run out of money, ask management about using a credit card or tipping after the fact. But remember, guides prefer cash.
• If you’re in a foreign country, tipping with the dollar is usually okay, but avoid handing over disheveled or $1 bills. Local banks will often refuse to exchange crinkled or smaller bills.

Popular on Outside Online

Enjoy coverage of racing, history, food, culture, travel, and tech with access to unlimited digital content from Outside Network's iconic brands.

Healthy Living

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

UponArriving

Should You Tip US Tour Guides? (Simple Formula)

Figuring out what to tip a tour guide is not always so straightforward.

But there are some ways to break down your travel experience that can help you intelligently decide on a number to tip (or not to tip).

Below is a breakdown that may help you arrive had a good tipping number for tour guides. (This will be mostly applicable in the US since tipping is not so customary in other countries.)

Table of Contents

General tour guide tipping formula

I would generally recommend to tip your tour guides between 5% to 15% depending on the range of relevant factors that I discuss below.

What is the actual cost of your tour?

Sometimes, you might be turned off by the suggested tip amount when you look at the percentage of your total tour cost.

In these cases, it can really help to break down the different components of your tour so that you can properly assess the right tipping percentage.

The idea is just to tip based on the value of work that the tour guide actually did.

For example, if you booked a bear viewing tour in Alaska that cost $1,000 but $600 of that was just covering airfare then the effective value of your tour guide’s service is $400.

It would make more sense to base your tip on $400 which might make tipping 10% to 15% much more doable for you .

Typically, you would subtract items from your total for things like: meals, entrance fees/permits, transportation, and lodging.

Once you have figured out the actual cost of your tour, then you can decide on if you want to tip based on a percentage or a flat rate.

Tour guide tipping formula

This simple formula will help you come up with appropriate tips for your tour guides.

I’ll explain how it works in detail below but essentially you assume a baseline tip of 5% and then add an additional % based on what the tour guide had to offer.

There are five factors I consider:

Safety (+2%)

Education (+2%).

• Entertainment (+2%)

Length (+2%)

• Over and beyond (+2% or more)

The idea is that you just quickly tally up what factors apply to your tour and then that gives you the percentage number to go with. You can then round up or down to make things easy.

Note that I have placed 2% by each of these factors but you can come up with a percentage that makes sense for you and your budget.

I’ll show you a quick example so you can see how this formula works out.

Let’s say I’m going on a tour in a glow worm cave in New Zealand.

The tour guide is competent and safely navigates us one hour through the cave while educating us on the local ecosystems and some of the natural scenery surrounding us.

The guide is not particularly entertaining and I don’t really get the sense that he is going above and beyond for us in any capacity.

I’m probably going to give him the baseline 5% plus extra points for safety and education. That means that I’d be looking to tip out about 10% with a tendency to round down.

The percentages can help you determine how much to tip but sometimes those percentages can add up to a pretty huge chunk if you were doing a particularly expensive tour.

For that reason, you may want to just offer a flat rate tip.

Let’s say that your total tour was $1,000.

If you apply the above formula and came out to a 15% tip, maybe $150 is a little bit too expensive of a tip for you. So in this case you simply place the ceiling on the tip at maybe $50 or $100.

If you are tipping at a flat rate I would try to keep your tip to at least at or above 5% of your actual tour cost.

Breaking down the tipping formula

Baseline (5%).

A good baseline tip for tour guides of all types is 5% of the total cost.

If the tour was very cheap then try to just tip at minimum of $2 since $1 tips don’t always go over well.

I like to add an additional 2% whenever my safety is in the hands of a tour guide. This would be the case on things like a boat tour, helicopter tour, scuba dive, etc.

If my life could be in jeopardy due to a poor performance by the operator then that means I’m adding 2% to the formula.

At the same time, if your safety is at stake and the tour guide shows a lack of regard for it, that could be a reason for completely removing a tip.

For example, you might be on a scuba dive and having equipment issues but your dive instructor does not seem to have a regard for your safety or maybe they are nowhere to be found.

If the tour guide provides a quality educational experience then I add an additional 2% to the tip formula.

This is often the case on walking tours, food tours, historic site tours, gardens, etc.

If you feel like your knowledge has been enriched after a tour that is a good sign that you should add 2% for the education bonus.

Sometimes I do a lot of research before visiting a location and I don’t necessarily learn a lot but I recognize that the guide was pouring out interesting knowledge left and right and so I will still add the bonus.

Entertaining (+2%)

Some tour guides are more charismatic than others and provide for a more entertaining experience. These tour guides create good vibes and the time can just fly when they are doing what they do.

If your tour guide has you constantly cracking up throughout the tour or just really interested in what he or she is saying, then that’s a good reason to reward them with an extra 2% and consider more for going above and beyond.

I’ll usually add on a couple of percentage points if the tour guide is offering his or her services for an extended period of time.

This is especially true if the tour guide has to be “on” at pretty much all times.

We once did an airboat tour in the Everglades and we had an excellent tour guide who took us through all sorts of different areas. The tour only lasted a couple of hours but he had to be on point during that entire time so that we didn’t crash and end up as gator soup.

That type of focus can be taxing so I like to reward it whenever I can.

Over and beyond (+?%)

When a tour guide goes over and beyond, I believe you should reward them with some additional points.

These situations arise whenever a tour guide is doing whatever they can to help you out even if that means doing things that don’t fall within their job description.

I’ll give some examples of these below to give you an idea what I’m talking about but this is usually something pretty easy to spot.

Bad experience (-?%)

Every now and again you may have a very bad experience on a tour which would justify reducing your tip or even completely avoiding giving a tip.

The biggest reasons why I would decide to NOT leave a tip for a tour guide as if:

• They were rude
• incompetent/negligent
• company made some type of misrepresentation

Rude or inconsiderate

I try to be fair when it comes to tour guides because it can be a pretty difficult job when dealing with lots of people. But some tour guides can get pretty inconsiderate when herding groups of tourists around.

Incompetent/negligent

As mentioned above, when you feel like your safety is at risk because the tour guide is incompetent, that’s a good sign that you should not tip.

In fact, you should report them to management so that you can reduce the risk of something happening to other travelers in the future.

Misrepresentations

Sometimes the tour company misrepresents what they are going to offer you.

For example, I have called ahead to book tours and asked if we would be able to access certain sites only for tour companies to exaggerate what they can do or fail to take the time to verify things. This has led to some pretty big disappointments.

In those situations, I may choose not to tip if I feel like the tour guide could fix the problem but decides not to. Otherwise, I might still leave a tip but will definitely voice a complaint with the company.

(Unfortunately, when running a travel blog you run into this type of thing way too frequently.)

Different tipping scenarios

Now let’s apply this formula to different tour scenarios.

I’ll give you some different scenarios and list out some factors that you’ll want to think about when trying to decide on how much to tip.

A walking tour

A walking tour is usually about learning about all of the history and stories of different sites in a given city or neighborhood, so you’ll be adding points for the education and then perhaps more if they provide the entertainment.

A good walking tour guide will take the time to answer any questions raised and ideally know what they are talking about when answering.

If you’re going through a rough area such as through favelas or some other type of region like that then consider adding an additional 2% for taking care of your safety.

If you are doing a free walking tour then obviously you don’t have a percentage to go on. In that case, you might want to just throw them something like $5 or just match what you see other people giving them.

Your safety is definitely at risk whenever you head into the water on a boat tour or some other type of activity like a kayak tour, canoe tour, etc.

You might also be learning about some of the wildlife or even spotting things like whales, sea turtles, dolphins, etc., so there is potential for getting that knowledge enrichment.

When it comes to wildlife, sometimes guides will go out of their way to help you get good views and photographs to make sure that you don’t miss anything. That can make a good opportunity to add that additional % for going above and beyond.

One example that comes to mind is when we were on a whale shark diving tour and I knocked my GoPro off my head and into the deep ocean. They made us wear lifejackets so with one of those on, there was no way for me to dive beneath the water to save the GoPro.

But without hesitation our guide dove off the boat and rescued the GoPro. That definitely scored him some above and beyond points!

Guides on kayak tours can be really helpful by showing you the best technique and ensuring that you get in and out of your kayak without too much trouble. It’s all about them taking that extra step to make sure you have a good experience.

For a boat tour that goes well, I’m usually looking to tip 15%.

Van drivers

If you’re getting driven around in a van, the van driver may deserve a good tip. For one, safety is a factor especially during certain types of tours like one van trip I did through narrow mountain roads in Mexico.

We once did a northern lights tour and our driver was taking us around on icy roads and in the snow so his driving skills were definitely a major factor to keeping us safe. Plus, he had to keep this up for many hours so it required a lot of focus.

Sometimes during the van ride you might get some inside information from the driver and in those cases you want to add some pints.

Also, because there are typically not many passengers in the van the driver can be attentive to your comfort needs and help out with things like regulating the temperature, volume level of the music, etc.

Bus drivers

If you’re taking a bus tour it’s less likely that you will have interactions with the driver than you would with a smaller van.

Also, because buses require more awareness than a van the bus driver may not be participating in the tour in terms of pointing things out to you.

For those type of tours you may want to only tip 5% to the driver and in other cases you may not necessarily be expected to tip the bus driver anything.

I should also point out that sometimes the van or bus driver will share tips with other guides who are able to be more engaging. If you are dealing with multiple drivers or guides on a tour then consider just applying the formula to the overall experience.

ATV/Jeep tours

If you’re headed off road especially on serious technical off-road routes, you don’t want to take the driving skills of your driver for granted. One major mistake could jeopardize your safety or leave you stranded so you want to take that into consideration.

These tours are usually pretty entertaining as well so that’s a chance for another couple of points. Tips for these usually range from 10 to 15% for me.

Helicopter tours

Helicopter tours are a prime example of when your life is in the hands of a guide/pilot — safety is obviously a big thing.

The pilots also have the ability to talk to you over the headset and provide you with really good information about all of the sites that you’ll be seeing which will likely be an overwhelming amount.

A good pilot will point out all sorts of interesting tidbits especially in places like Hawaii or Alaska where you’ll find dramatic scenery at seemingly every corner.

A nice sense of humor is also a great way to keep your nerves at ease if you are a little bit anxious up in the air.

I’ve now done several helicopter tours and some pilots have gone above and beyond while others have not.

Those that stick out are the ones who really want to cater the experience to your needs. They will be constantly asking you if you want to go higher/lower or get another look at a certain site. For those type of pilots, I definitely add on points and usually end up tipping around 15%.

Snorkel/scuba diving

A good diving instructor will keep a constant eye on all of the divers and never venture too far.

Also, if you have an issue whether it is with your equipment or you are just a mental basket case, they will do whatever they can to help you out. Talented scuba instructors can also help point out wildlife and even assist with taking photographs or video for you.

A lot of diving instructors are also a bit goofy and don’t take life too seriously which helps you to have a good time and not get overly anxious about heading into the ocean. I’m usually tipping 15% for dives.

Private tour

For private tours, I think the factors above apply but I would also add another factor which would apply to individual attention.

I wouldn’t necessarily add points for getting individual attention because that is what you are paying for with the private tour but I would certainly take away points if that doesn’t happen.

When you book a private tour you’re doing so for a specific reason.

You want to avoid the hassle of crowds and get individualized attention, possibly for your specific needs. For example, maybe there are a couple of sites along the tour where you wanted to spend a little bit of extra time.

The best way to get the most out of a private tour is to communicate all of your specific needs beforehand and get verification that the company will be able to meet those needs. The tour guide should then strive to make those things happen barring any unexpected circumstances.

On occasion, I’ve done a private tour where my prior outreach efforts did not seem to have an effect on the tour guide and that was always disappointing which led me to tipping a lot less.

I like breaking down my tips like this because it helps me to feel like I’m giving a tip based on performance which is what tips should usually be based on.

This usually results in me giving a 10% tip except for those scenarios where a tour guide really goes above and beyond. In those situations, there really is no ceiling on the tip and it sort of depends on how much money I’ve already spent on my trip!

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

I like your formula approach, and how you explain each tier. Helpful stuff, thanks.

Thanks for the useful guide. As a New Zealander, I’d like to tell readers that tipping is not the norm in New Zealand and staff do not need to top up their wages with tips in order to earn a living wage. Therefore, the NZ glow worm tour example is not a good one. New Zealanders would not tip the guides and would get good cheerful service regardless.

I just asked Siri what a good tip for a tour guide is. Half the time she says 15-20%. The other half, she quotes your article by saying that 5% is good. She doesn’t read any of the points about adding 2%. She just tells people 5%. As a tour guide who works hard to provide an excellent experience for all my guests, it’s a bit disconcerting that Apple phones will tell half of their users that 5% is adequate.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

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

The 7 best places to go on a..., 5 reasons to visit sri lanka in the..., why 2024 is the best year to see..., yellowstone vs yosemite: which national park to visit, 6 unique experiences you can have in el..., from delhi to udaipur, here are the five..., cinque terre vs amalfi coast: which destination to..., love at first bite: 10 famous sandwiches from..., galapagos or madagascar which unique destination should be..., central vs south america: how to plan your..., 4 reasons you should take a road trip....

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• Day Tours in Europe
• How to tip $$$ a ...

How to tip $$$ a tour guide

I appreciate your help in advance. We are traveling to Athens and the islands. We wish to tip our tour guides along the way. Do they accept Venmo, Apple pay, Zelle or other $$$ apps for tips? Or do we need to bring adequate Euros?

Bring Euros. Some might accept online payments, others won't. The only way to know is to ask.

Remember, in order to "win" your tip, tour guides can't just show up, they have to bring it.

We hired a guide for a walking tour of Athens and gave Euros as a tip. Yes, best to ask what they accept. Enjoy your stay!

What is an appropriate amount or percentage?

Depends on a few things.

If the guide is independent and works for themselves, I would only add a few euros if they were outstanding.

If they are an employee of a tour company, I would tip no more than 3-5 euros per hour. Again, depends on performance.

Depends on the size of the group as well. If the guide is a personal guide to your party only and gives a very good performance, I would tip 5 euros per hour. If you are part of a large group, 3 euros per hour is plenty.

Euros cash. It's done discreetly hand to hand.

Different country, but a common experience: we typically tipped a château guide in France 50 centimes for a tour. But these were typically château guardians, and the 50centimes was their only pay for the tour. The clue comes at the end of the tour when the guide says " don't forget your guide." If they don't say it, we know that a tip is not expected. With twenty people, he'd earn 10€ for the turn around the château.

For a group tour where you are being charged and the guide is salaried or the owner, I'd give no more than 2€ per person for an hour or so; you have an expected set price; a tip is icing. A private tour with a private guide, no tip is expected. You've negotiated the price and you pay the expected high price. If you really want to tip, it could be welcome or some professionals could be insulted (museum employees).

If you are on a "free" tour, tip 10-15 per person.

I will be doing several day tours with 9-17 other people in Spain and Portugal in December during a cruise. The guides and drivers are all employees. I might (depending on the situation) slip the guide an envelope with a 5-Euro bill for half day, 10 for whole day, but say it's for their children or grandchildren. Some people feel funny accepting tips until you say it's for the family.

Whatever amount, Euros cash for sure.

I pay always in Euros. We tend to pay a lot more than what is being discussed here. Our private guides in Crete and South of France in 2021 and 2022were outstanding, we wanted to thanked them.

Guided tours I've been on in France and Potsdam, I always give the tip (3-5 Euro depending on the duration) in cash, ie Euro coins, the one and two Euro coins, which I check to have on me prior to the tour.

Indeed. Mostly our European tour guides have been amazing but we did have one in Assisi (recommended by RS) who was on her phone several times with her son while she was showing us around. She brought us into a store to “shop” and we felt as though we were expected to purchase something (we didn’t). The store clerk gave her an envelope with cash as we left. It felt like a lazy tour … she took several breaks to rest and didn’t talk much while we rested.. some of the “color” she provided was around dating Italian men vs. Americans. I don’t think we even hit the full three hours she promised. I am sure we tipped her because we were inexperienced travelers at the time and didn’t know what to expect from a guide.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

The ultimate guide to tipping around the world

Oct 28, 2019 • 19 min read

If you’ve ever found yourself nervously flicking through a stack of notes at the end of a meal when on the road, or fumbling for loose change in the back of a taxi in an unfamiliar city, you’ll understand. Tipping is an elusive custom that seems to change its rules the world over – what is deemed a generous token of appreciation in some countries, can offend the subtle cultural sensibilities of others.

To help steer you through the quagmire of uncertainty and doubt that gratuities can throw up, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to tipping around the world. Whilst it’s important to acknowledge that tipping customs are always morphing and developing – particularly under the influence of mass tourism – this guide will shed at least some light on your travel tipping quandaries and monetary confusion, from restaurants and bars to hotels and taxis. And if after reading you’re still in doubt, there’s no need to worry – you’ll find detailed notes on the tipping conventions of your specific destination in the back of your Lonely Planet guidebook  (hint, hint).

Restaurants and bars Restaurant tipping in Europe is often misunderstood by non-European visitors, with US tourists in particular applying their own generous tipping culture where it isn’t necessarily appropriate. Many countries within the EU have laws that accommodate and standardise gratuity, and larger tips left after even the heartiest of meals, i.e. 15% and upwards, aren’t necessary.

Generally speaking, most European countries, including France , Germany , Spain , Czech Republic , Hungary , Ireland , Portugal and the UK , will add a service charge to a bill but, if not, leave between 5% and 10% (in local currency cash) unless the service and/or food has been poor. Certain other countries including Italy , Austria and Russia won’t always add service charge or expect a tip, but it is common to round up the bill, as wages in the hospitality industry tend to be lower. If eating in a restaurant in Italy , you may see the word ‘ corperto ’ on your bill – this is ‘cover charge’, but won’t necessarily go to the wait staff, so if you’re keen to tip, do it with cash and give it to your server.

Renowned for being eye-wateringly expensive, you’ll be relieved to note that restaurant tipping in Scandinavia and Iceland isn’t expected, and is usually covered in the overall price of the meal.

Adding tips in European bars isn’t expected, but if you’re feeling a bit generous (read: tipsy) after a few drinks, feel free to round up the bill. Tipping in London pubs (and indeed, pubs in the rest of the UK ) is a bit of a head-scratcher for tourists, but it isn’t commonly done. If you find yourself riding high on the general bonhomie that the traditional British pub is known for, do offer to buy the bartender a drink using the phrase “and one for yourself” (with or without your best attempt at a cockney “guv’nor” following it).

Hotel staff Hotel tipping etiquette for many European countries is fairly similar – note that tipping housekeeping staff here is generally less common than in the USA. In the UK , France , Spain , Italy , Germany , Czech Republic and Hungary , if you feel you want to tip, giving €1 to €2 per bag to porters and around €2 to €5 to housekeeping staff is a good rule. Slightly smaller amounts are required in Balkan and Eastern European countries.

In Russia , hotel staff are used to larger tips – between 200 and 250 rubles for porters and 100 to 200 rubles for housekeeping staff.

In pricey Scandinavia and Iceland , hotel staff do not expect tips as service charges are already included in their wages. The same is true for Switzerland , but here handing the housekeeping staff a small amount (roughly 5 to 10 francs) at the end of your stay will be greatly appreciated, even if not expected.

Tour guides Tour guides and drivers in almost all countries in Europe are tipped separately. In Central and Eastern European countries and Italy , tip both about 10 to 20% per day of the tour depending on how much you enjoyed it. In most Western European countries, including France , Germany , Spain and the UK , a tip of around €25 to €40 (or local currency equivalent) a day for the guide, and €10 to €15 for the driver is fair. Russian guides and drivers may expect slightly more – around 3000 rubles for guides and 2,000 for drivers.

Private car drivers in Turkey will expect significant tips of around 200 to 300 lira per day, whilst group tour guides are usually tipped around 60 to 100 lira, and closer to 450 lira for private tour guides.

In Scandinavian countries and Iceland , tips for tour guides and drivers are not expected, but if you feel your experience warrants it, tipping 10% to both guide and driver is a nice gesture. Alternatively, you can offer to buy them both some lunch.

Taxi drivers Taxi tipping in Europe is straightforward – pretty much across the continent drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up the fare is customary, even as more and more taxis are being fitted with card machines. The only exceptions to this rule are France , Russia and Switzerland , whereby taxi drivers often expect a 10 to 15% tip at the end of a ride, and Scandinavia and Iceland , where tipping taxi drivers, even by rounding up the fare, is not expected at all.

The Americas

Restaurants and bars For restaurants in the USA and Canada , service charge isn’t always added into the bill, and so tipping is pretty much a foregone conclusion – around 15 to 20% is the norm, unless the meal was truly inedible and/or the waitstaff were obnoxious (then it’s more like 5%...). In bars, tipping around $1 per drink, or 15 to 20% of the total bill is customary.

In Central and South American countries, including Mexico , Nicaragua , Argentina and Peru , service charge is more commonly added, but if you want to tip your waitstaff personally, between 10 to 15% (in local currency or US dollars) is a good amount. In others like Brazil , Chile and Costa Rica , restaurants will often include a 10% ‘sit-down’ charge (‘ cubierto ’ in Chile), meaning that a tip is not expected, but around 5% will still be appreciated if you’d like to give it. Tipping in bars here isn’t the norm, but feel free to round up the overall bill.

If you’re dining in the Caribbean (outside of a fancy resort), check the bill to see if the gratuity has been included already. If not, tip around 15 to 20% in restaurants, or round up the bill at a bar.

Hotel staff Leaving tips for hotel staff in the USA and Canada , particularly housekeeping staff, is common practice. Around $3 to $5 a day for housekeeping staff is a good amount, and $1 per bag for porters. 

Tipping slightly less in Central and South American hotels is fine. US dollars are usually accepted (although local currency is preferred). For porters in countries including Costa Rica , Mexico , Nicaragua , Brazil , Chile , Peru and Colombia , go with the local currency equivalent of $1 per bag for porters and $1 to $2  a day for housekeeping staff. Particularly in South America, rural haciendas are popular accommodation options. These are usually tended by a family of staff who will cook, clean and maintain the gardens, so leaving a pooled tip at the end of your stay of around $10 to $15 (or the local currency equivalent) per guest is appreciated.

Tour guides When embarking upon an organised tour in the USA , Canada or Colombia , you can expect similar tipping etiquette – about $10 to $20 in local currency for a tour guide per day, and around $5 to $10 for a driver. As in Europe, both guides and drivers are tipped separately. 

In most Central and South American countries, tour guides are tipped around $5 to $10 (or local currency equivalent) for a day’s work, whilst drivers are accustomed to receiving half that. Note that slightly different rules apply for Andes Trek and Inca Trail porters – this is covered in the last section.

The exception to the general South America tipping rule (aside from Colombia), is Brazil . Here, tourism industry professionals rely heavily on tips, and more generous amounts are appreciated. Think around 100 to 200 reals for a tour guide per day, and slightly less for drivers. It’s also worth noting that Brazilians are very discreet when it comes to business transactions, so don’t make your generous tipping too obvious!

Caribbean bus tours are a popular way to see different parts of whichever island you’re staying on and, if you choose to hop aboard one, tipping the driver a few US dollars is customary. For private tour guides, tip about $20 a day and for drivers around $10.

Taxi drivers  In the USA , Canada and the Caribbean , tipping taxi drivers about 10 to 15% of your fare is the norm, or a couple of dollar bills will suffice for short journeys. 

Taxi rides in Central and South America fall into two camps when it comes to tipping expectations. If you’ve pre-negotiated (or haggled) the fare before getting into the taxi, don’t worry about tipping unless you formed a particularly strong bond with the driver. If the fare is fixed, feel free to round it up at the end of the journey.

Restaurants and bars China , Myanmar , Singapore and Taiwan do not have a strong tipping culture, and 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. The same ever-increasing numbers of tourists in much of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia , Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia and Malaysia are becoming more and more accustomed to receiving tips, but they still aren’t expected and not leaving one is fine.

In India , service staff have become used to tips from tourists, despite tipping not traditionally being part of Indian culture. In more established restaurants (where service charge is not included), leave 5 to 10% if you really enjoyed the meal, and in smaller, less formal places, either leave a few coins or round up the bill. You can also tip bartenders up to 10% if they’ve really put in the hours serving you.

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, and so tipping the porter about 50 rupees per bag, and the housekeeping staff 250 rupees a day 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 check out, and so tips are not expected, although it isn’t uncommon to tip porters the local currency equivalent of $1 per bag. Tipping housekeeping staff is less common but, if you feel you want to, the local currency equivalent of a couple of US dollars per night is fine.

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 organised 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 between 300 to 500 rupees a day for guides and 100 to 200 rupees for drivers.

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. Other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand , Vietnam , Malaysia , Cambodia and Indonesia observe a convention of tipping around $10 to $20 (in local currency) for a tour guide per day, and half of that amount for the driver. It’s customary to give the total tipping amount to the guide, who will then siphon off some for the driver.

Taxi drivers No tips are expected by taxi drivers in China or South Korea , 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 Cambodia and Thailand , the local currency equivalent of $1 is a good tip for taxi and tuk tuk drivers, whilst in Indonesia , the Philippines and Malaysia , a 10% tip for fixed-fare rides is standard. In Singapore and Vietnam , simply round up the fare or offer the driver to keep the change.

The Middle East

Restaurants and bars In the UAE , Qatar , Jordan and Saudi Arabia , servers in restaurants will expect a 10 to 15% tip at the end of a meal. Even in Dubai , where the government mandates 10% being added to bills at restaurants, hotels and bars, waitstaff will still expect a tip of up to 15%, or even 20%.

Restaurants in Israel will often add a 10% service charge to bills in restaurants and bars, so always check before you start counting out your notes to avoid unnecessary double tipping.

Hotel staff Dubai ’s government-mandated 10% service charge at hotels means that tipping is primarily reserved for those who are feeling particularly flash. In the rest of the UAE , concierges expect a tip for significant requests, like securing a table at a popular restaurant or organising a tour – between 100 and 120 dirhams should suffice. Tip porters around 7 dirhams per bag, and housekeeping staff around 10 to 11 dirhams per day.

In other popular Middle Eastern holiday destinations including Jordan and Israel , tip the local currency equivalent of $1.50 per bag for porters, the same per day for housekeeping, and around $2 to the concierge for small favours if you require them.

Tour guides In Dubai , the rest of the UAE and Qatar , tipping a tour guide the local currency equivalent of around $10 to $15, and a private driver half that amount is a good way to go. After an excursion in other popular tourist countries in the Middle East, including Israel and Jordan , a slightly larger tip of between $25 to $35 (in local currency) for guides and $35 to $45 for driver guides is appropriate.

Taxi drivers Dubai taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but round up the fare if you’re feeling generous. In most other Middle Eastern countries, including the rest of the UAE , Israel , Jordan , Qatar and Saudi Arabia , tip taxi drivers around 10 to 15% of the overall fare.

Restaurants and bars Popular restaurants and bars in holiday hotspots like Egypt , Morocco and South Africa will add a 10% service charge to the bill. If there isn’t one, it’s common to leave a tip of around 10 to 15% if you were happy with your meal.

Throughout the rest of Africa , for the most part, leaving 10 to 15% is a normal tip for good service in restaurants, as is rounding up the bill in bars. Waitstaff and bar staff across much of Africa often earn a very basic living wage, therefore tips are a hugely welcome supplement.

Hotel staff In certain northern African destinations like Egypt and Morocco , hotel concierges are powerful forces. Tip them generously (around the local currency equivalent of $15 to $20) at the start of your stay to ensure good service for the duration. Housekeeping staff should be tipped about $3 to $5 a day in local currency, and porters $1 per bag. 

Throughout Africa’s popular tourist destinations, including South Africa , Kenya and Tanzania , hotels will expect small tips of $1 in local currency to the porter for each bag, and to housekeeping staff each day. Concierges can be useful for pulling strings in these countries, so feel free to tip them around $3 to $5 in local currency for any favours they do for you. Luxury safari camps will often provide a general tipping box at the front desk, and anything placed into this box should be spread evenly among the camp’s staff. If you wish to tip a certain member of staff specifically, make sure you hand it to them in person.

Tour guides When taking tours in North African countries, $20 a day (in local currency) is a good amount to tip guides and driver guides, while drivers can be tipped a bit less. In Morocco particularly, tipping of this nature is best done discreetly.

In other African countries where you might embark on an excursion, tipping about 10% of the overall cost to tour guides and drivers is appreciated. On safari drives, the general idea is to tip your guide the local currency equivalent of $10, and your tracker $5 per day, but give these as cumulative tips at the end of the safari.

Taxi drivers Throughout most of the African continent, the norm when it comes to tipping taxi drivers is to round up the final fare, or tell the driver to keep the change. In countries more accustomed to mass tourism, like Egypt and South Africa , drivers will usually expect a 10% tip at the end of a journey.

Restaurants and bars As staff in the hospitality industry are generally assumed to earn a decent wage in Australia and New Zealand , tipping in restaurants and bars here is not expected, but a standard 10 to 15% is appreciated if you feel the experience warrants it.

On the South Pacific Islands , tipping in restaurants and bars is even less of a concern, as the practice is not part of the indigenous cultures. That said, if you visit a particularly swanky restaurant and have your mind blown with incredible food and service, do feel free to add on 10% to the overall bill, as much as it won’t be expected.

Hotel staff Australia and New Zealand ’s hotel staff are used to fairly standard tips – think around $1 (in either Australian or NZ dollars) per bag for porters and $3 to $5 a day for housekeeping staff.

The South Pacific Islands take a more hospitable stance – when you initially check into your hotel you are considered an honoured guest, and if you stay a second time, family. Suffice it to say, neither of these are expected to tip. If you do feel you want to reward particular staff members financially however, do it face-to-face, otherwise it won’t be taken. This is particularly true of housekeeping staff.

Tour guides Tour guides and private drivers in Australia and New Zealand should be tipped between $20 and $50 (in local currency) per day, whilst bus tour operators can be given around a $5 to $10 tip for a day’s work. 

If you’ve been given a particularly good tour guide or private driver in the South Pacific Islands , showing your appreciation with a tip is acceptable, if not expected. The amount is up to you, but always tip in local currency, as US dollars are hard to trade.

Taxi drivers Similarly, drivers in Australia , New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands will not expect you to tip at the end of a taxi ride, but rounding up the fare to the nearest $1 to $5 is common practice. 

Other top troublesome tipping questions:

How much should you tip for ‘free’ walking tours? A sightseeing option in many major cities worldwide, free walking tours are offered by various companies, but are united in their ‘pay what you want’ approach. Often led by locals, the tours are generally a couple of hours long, consisting of a predetermined, walking route that takes in specific city sites. Attendees are then asked at the end of the tour to leave tips of an unspecified amount if they feel inclined. Theoretically these tours are free, in that you are not obligated to leave any money at all at the end. However, it is generally expected that if you have stayed for the duration of the tour, you should leave the guide with something. A good rule of thumb is to tip the local currency equivalent of around $5 to $10 per person, but you are, of course, welcome to leave more.

Should you tip gondoliers in Venice? Contrary to popular opinion, tipping gondoliers in Venice isn’t really customary, but by all means leave a few euros if you’re feeling flush.

How much should you leave when visiting a mosque or a temple? There isn’t really a hard-and-fast rule here, but try leaving the local currency equivalent of $1 to the person handing out robes and scarves to women, and 50 cents to the person who minds the shoes if there is one.

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

How much should you tip Inca Trail porters? The wages of brawny local porters who lug your bags and camping equipment along hiking routes such as the Inca Trail , are often included in a guided tour, but their truly invaluable work shouldn’t go untipped – around 15 to 20 nuevo soles per person, per day, is a good amount to give. 

When should you give baksheesh? When travelling in the Middle East and South Asia, you will often be asked for ‘baksheesh’. The term often 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, and 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 – is not mandatory, whatever you may be lead to believe. 

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Apr 12, 2024 • 7 min read

Canada abounds with pleasures – which, unfortunately, don’t come cheap. Here are a few ways to explore the country without breaking the bank.

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 17, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 8, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read

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

776 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3126 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1171 Edited Articles

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

Where Can I Use U.S. Dollars Abroad?

Benin tipping guide, burkina faso, central african republic, côte d’ivoire, democratic republic of congo (drc), equatorial guinea, guinea-bissau, são tomé and principe, sierra leone, south africa, swaziland (eswatini), the gambia , antigua and barbuda, cayman islands, dominican republic, el salvador, puerto rico, st. kitts and nevis, st. vincent and the grenadines, the bahamas, trinidad and tobago, united states of america, afghanistan, hong kong sar, china, macao sar, china, marshall islands, new caledonia, new zealand, papua new guinea, philippines, solomon islands, south korea, timor-leste, turkmenistan, bosnia and herzegovina, czech republic, liechtenstein, netherlands, switzerland, united kingdom, saudi arabia, united arab emirates, other tipping guide resources.

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.

Tipping Etiquette & Guide for Africa

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Tipping Etiquette & Guide for the Americas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Tipping Etiquette & Guide for Asia-Pacific

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Tipping Etiquette & Guide for Europe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Tipping Etiquette & Guide for the Middle East

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.

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.

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

• 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.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

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.

• Trip Planner
• Private Tours
• Small Group Tours
• Two Capitals
• City Breaks
• Trans-Siberian
• River Cruises
• Russia & Beyond

4-star edition of the private 9-day tour of the Russian capitals

5-star edition fo the private 9-day tour of Moscow & St. Petersburg

13-day in-depth discovery of Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg

7-day tour designed to harness the best of the Venice of the North

11-day private discovery of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring

Your Russia Getaway

Fill out the short trip survey to receive a personalized itinerary from a destination expert.

• Travel guide
• Before you go
• What to see

Russia Trip Planner

Learn about the dos and the don'ts for your amazing trip to Russia

• Our Partners
• Reservation Policies

Rated 9/10 on the Trustpilot review platform

• My itineraries
• Chat with us
• Trip survey

Groups & Agents

• For Suppliers

+1 (888) 744-6056

• North America : +1 (888) 744-6056
• Oceania and Australia : +61261888118

You are here

Moscow escorted tours.

• Tips & Highlights

Tour Reviews

• Other Destinations
• Related Posts

• Reset filters

Moscow Vacation Packages

Moscow vacations are always a great idea when it comes to traveling in Russia. Plan your trip to Moscow with a leading tour operator for Russia and enjoy the ease and pleasure that comes from it. You will stay at the centrally-located hotels, enjoy guided tours to Moscow's best sights with charming local guides, and, most importantly, feel relaxed and immersed in the Russian culture at all times. Wondering what the ideal way to see the best of Moscow is? Well, with a private tour to Moscow, of course! We will listen to your travel preferences and prepare a custom Moscow itinerary just for you. Let's start talking about your upcoming vacation to the gorgeous capital city of Russia.

Moscow Tour Highlights

Explore the capital of the largest country in the world, Russia.

Learn about the most visited sights in Moscow that are worth adding to your Russian itinerary. Create a fantastic tour to Moscow with a destination, choosing your wished activities.

• Moscow walking tour
• The Red Square
• St Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow Subway ride
• Tretyakov Gallery
• The Red Square in Moscow
• The Bolshoi Theater
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Moscow's Kremlin exploration
• 'Seven Sisters' Skyscrapers

Tips for Moscow Travel

Take a look at the good-to-know tips before visiting Moscow and have a fantastic time in the capital.

What to pack

Make sure to check the weather prognosis before your trip and pack accordingly.

When to travel

Moscow is beautiful all around the year. Choose traveling time according to preferred activities.

We suggest to always have some cash with you. You will need Rubles (RUB) for Russia.

How much to tip

Tipping is not required in Russia, but it's considered good etiquette, tip 10%-15% of your bill.

The average summer temperature is approx 18°C (64°F), and winter is around -6°C (22°F).

Some of the most popular souvenirs from Moscow are caviar, Krasnaya Moska perfume.

Best Moscow Sights

One of the highest points in Moscow and one of its most breathtaking places - the Sparrow Hills.

See the 344-feet Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

Enjoy masterpieces of Russian opera and ballet in Moscow's legendary Bolshoi Theater.

Being the most recognizable symbol of Russia in the world, Red Square is an absolute must see when in Moscow. 

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

I am very satisfied.

I have been using the Firebirds (Travel All Russia) services for a while. I am very satisfied.

WOW. From the choice of hotels to...

WOW. From the choice of hotels, an itinerary that ran to plan, the amazing Guides and drivers, and of course the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for entry to museums, churches, and palaces.  I would gladly recommend using Firebird Tours (Travel All Russia) to anyone.

THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

I must say from the day I started to book my tip till the day I got home I had one GREAT trip and experience I always felt safe and cared for help was seconds away not that I needed any I will defiantly highly recommend your company to any traveler to Russia WELL DONE to the Whole team THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

We enjoyed the whole trip a lot

Overall we enjoyed the whole trip a lot. Moscow is beautiful and clean. Thank you very much for your patience and excellent organization of this tour. Everything ran very smoothly and according to schedule. The guides met us on time at hotels or at our train carriage on arrival. They all spoke good English, had a good local knowledge and were very kind and helpful.

The tour lived up to all expectations

I’m most pleased with Travel All Russia in arranging our ‘Volga Dream’ Russia tour, I would recommend using your services again as every aspect of our tour went off without a hitch. The communication between our tour representative was excellent as we required additional days on both ends of our tour. The visa process and the logistics were flawlessly implemented.

We had a great time in Moscow!

Everything was perfect and we are very satisfied with services and accommodations.

Loved my time in Russia

The trip was great. Especially want to mention the guides I had on the extra days were exceptional. Both guides and drivers worked out well. Thanks again for all your help and attention. Loved my time in Russia, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

Exploring Magnificent Russian Capitals, June 2017

Just want to say that our guide in St Petersburg was really outstanding. You really felt like someone was looking after you. Very observant - knowledgeable. We really enjoyed time spent with her.

Exploring Vibrant Moscow, June 2017

The experience was great!!! We had an excellent guide. The hotel was fabulous.

Thank you for your help !!! was an unforgettable trip.

Related destinations

More about moscow.

• Call us now
• Request a call
• Chat on WhatsApp
• Start Live chat
• Contact via email

Moscow & St. Petersburg Small Group Tours Private Tour Packages Trans-Siberian Trips Russian River Cruises Moscow Tour Packages St. Petersburg Tours All Russia Tours

Why Travel to Russia Best Time to Visit Russia Russian Visa Information Tips Before Traveling Tips on Arrival Russian Currency Moscow Travel Guide Read More in Our Blog

Hermitage Museum Church of the Savior on Blood The Kremlin Sergiev Posad, Golden Ring Kizhi Island The Red Square Siberia Lake Baikal

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39939 All Rights Reserved © 2024 About Us | Testimonials  | Our Blog  |  Terms of Service  | Privacy Policy  

Explore the world with tourHQ

• Destinations
• I am a Guide
• I am a Traveller
• Online Experiences
• Currency (USD)

The epicenter of modern Russia, Moscow booms with shiny new skyscrapers, the bulbous onion domes of the tsars and politically-rich Red Square. Explore the metropolis with a tourHQ guide.

Search Cities in Russia

Moscow Tour Guides

Jorge De Reval

I am a happy, enthusiastic, amusing Spanish guy. Lively and hyperactive. Recently became qualified ...

Tanya Neyman

I became a local tour guide 6 years ago in Moscow and now we are a team of passionate guides ...

Ekaterina Smirnova

Please note: I'm away from Moscow June 11-26, 2021. I am a native Muscovite but traveled ...

Vasil Valiev

Occupation: Senior guide-translator. Guiding since 2012 in Altai mountains, North of Russia ...

Marina Spasskaya

Hi there! My name is Marina and I'm a licensed Moscow city guide.Moscow is like ...

Greetings from Saint Petersburg. This is your private tour guide Ali in Saint Petersburg. I was ...

Maria Deulina

Dear friends,My name is Maria, I am a licensed guide about Moscow. Being a native Muscovite I have ...

Ashraf Rabei

My name is Ashraf ...I'm graduated from faculty of tourism and hotel guidance department, in Egypt ...

Hengameh Ghanavati

My name is Hengameh Ghanavati. Im a licenced international tour guide since 2014 and I have ...

Todd Passey

We are a cooperative of highly experienced, certified, professional guides. Each guide takes ...

Tim Brinley

Young at heart, adventurous, organized, good people skills, a good speaker, entertaining, ...

Nikolay Borkovoy

Hace 32 años nací en la ciudad de Moscú. Tengo experiencia trabajando como guía turístico en ...

Anika Socotra-International

Our mission is to provide you with the kind of holiday you want: where you can relax in wonderful ...

Al'bina Andreeva

Moscow guide&photo! Feel Putin vibes and explore the enigmatic Russian soul through history ...

The sprawling, mind-boggling metropolis of Russian Moscow has long been one of the theatrical stages on which the great dramas of Europe and Asia have been played out in grand style. Burned by Napoleon in 1812, immortalised by Tolstoy, utilised by the Bolsheviks and championed as a bastion of heroic defiance by the post-war communists, it’s almost hard to believe just how defining the historical events that found their home on Moscow’s streets have been. Moscow tour guides will easily be able to mark the major must-see landmarks on the map, from the onion-domed orthodox Saint Basil's Cathedral, to the political powerhouse of Red Square just next door, while others will be quick to recommend a ride on Moscow’s famous subterranean metro system, or a visit to the UNESCO-attested Novodevichy Convent on the city’s southern side. But Moscow is a city also in the throes of a cultural wrangling between the old and the new. Creative energies abound here: Boho bars and pumping super clubs now occupy the iconic mega structures of the old USSR; high-fashion outlets, trendy shopping malls and luxurious residential districts stand as testimony to a city that’s now the undisputed playground of the world’s super-rich, while sprawling modern art museums dominate the cultural offering of the downtown districts north of the Moskva River.  

Tell us your destination, date, and group size.

Our team of travel experts and guides will design a tailored itinerary just for you., enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of..

Say Goodbye to Travel Stress

Choose Currency Close modal

• USD US, dollar
• GBP British Pounds

Cookie icon We use cookies!

We, and third parties, use cookies for technical and analytical purposes, for marketing purposes and for integration with social media. For more information, refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Consent.

By clicking on 'I agree', you consent to the use of these cookies.