Innovative Policies: The Countries That Prohibit Tipping

Peak travel seasons in July and August prompt questions about tipping etiquette among tourists. Tipping customs vary greatly, with the U.S. expecting 15-20%, while many European countries include service charges, making tips optional. In France and Ireland, rounding up is common. In Greece, a 10% tip is standard. Conversely, tipping in China and Japan is often discouraged or seen as offensive. Visitors may also find a small tip customary in tourist areas of Thailand and Vietnam.

Extraordinary Tipping Regulations: Where It’s Not Expected

The summer months of July and August are peak travel times, particularly for families and couples eager to explore new destinations during their holidays. As restaurants, bars, and cozy cafés fill with tourists eager to savor local flavors, many visitors ponder whether tipping is customary and, if so, what percentage is appropriate for their chosen vacation spot.

Tipping customs can vary widely across the globe. In the United States, gratuities make up a significant portion of service workers’ income, with a minimum wage hovering just above 6 euros. As a result, it is common for diners to leave tips ranging from 15 to 20 percent of their total bill. Tips are also customary for bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff, often given in cash.

However, the rules change significantly in other parts of the world. Let’s take a closer look at tipping practices in popular European and Asian travel destinations.

Traveling in Europe: Countries Where Tipping is Welcomed

In France, tipping is not a requirement. Most restaurant bills include a service charge of 15 percent, indicated by ‘Service compris’ at the bottom. If you feel particularly pleased with the service, leaving a small tip, known as ‘pourboire,’ is appreciated but not obligatory.

When visiting bars and street cafés, tipping is generally not expected. If you’re uncertain, rounding up the bill is a safe bet.

In Ireland, restaurant bills typically include a service fee of 10 to 15 percent, with a maximum of 10 percent as customary. When at a pub, patrons usually pay for their drinks upfront, and tipping is rare. Instead, it’s common to buy the bartender a drink, and in group outings, one person usually covers the total cost for everyone.

In Greece, tipping is more customary, with a minimum of 10 percent expected after dining out. It’s important to leave the tip in cash, even if you pay your bill with a card, and rounding up is acceptable in taverns.

Italy has specific tipping guidelines, and it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with them before your visit.

Understanding Tipping in Croatia, Spain, and Portugal

In many regions of Croatia, tipping is not a standard practice, but if you’d like to express gratitude, a tip of around 10 percent is appropriate. In tourist-heavy areas, tipping between 5 and 10 percent is more common.

In Spain, leaving a tip of 5 to 10 percent in cash after a meal is customary. It’s unusual to split the bill among friends, so one person may cover the total, with the rest settling up later using digital payment options. When it comes to taxis or bars, simply rounding up the fare is sufficient. Be mindful that tipping with small coins is considered impolite; opt for bills or one- and two-euro coins instead.

Portugal follows a similar trend, with around 10 percent being a standard tip in restaurants, while tipping in bars is less common.

Asian Tipping Etiquette: Key Points to Remember

In China, tipping is largely discouraged, with many establishments prohibiting service staff from accepting tips altogether. Your bill will typically cover all expenses, so there’s no need to leave extra.

Conversely, in Japan, while tipping is not illegal, it can be viewed as offensive. Providing excellent service is an ingrained cultural value, and additional compensation is not expected.

Tipping is not a widespread practice in Thailand and Vietnam either. However, in tourist areas of Thailand, leaving a small tip has become more common. In Vietnam, a service charge of 5 to 10 percent is often included in the price.

Enjoying Your Own Backyard: Grilling Tips for Home

If navigating the complex tipping customs of various countries feels overwhelming, consider enjoying a meal at home by firing up the grill. While grilling doesn’t come with exotic customs, there are still important tips to ensure a successful barbecue experience.