Holiday season
Travel etiquette for vacationers: Where do I tip how much?
Different countries, different tips
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When traveling abroad, tipping is an art in itself: It is not just a question of the amount, in some places a tip is also perceived as an insult.
If the taxi driver was helpful and the service in the restaurant was pleasant, vacationers like to show their appreciation with a tip. While five to ten percent of the invoice amount is common in Germany, other countries also have different practices for tips. In some places, the service staff even perceive a tip as an affront.
What is common in which country – an overview:
Egypt
As in other North African countries, a maximum of ten percent is normal in restaurants. Rounds up in the taxi. Housekeeping, porters and other service providers are happy to receive a small tip of up to one euro.
China and Japan
In China and Japan, tipping has no tradition and is often seen as an insult far away from international hotels. In China’s tourist centers, service staff like to take ten percent, housekeeping two to three yuan and tour guides one dollar. In Japan, good service is recognized with small gifts or a dollar or two.
France
Ten to 15 percent is given in a restaurant or café. “Le pourboire”, as the French say, is left on the table. The obolus is not compulsory in the hotel. The taxi driver receives ten percent.
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Greece
The usual rate in a restaurant is around ten percent, and a maximum of one euro in a taverna. A small tip should be given to the maid personally on the day of departure. Rounds up in the taxi.
Great Britain and Ireland
In restaurants there is a “tip” of ten to 15 percent, in Ireland a maximum of ten percent. If a “service charge” is already listed on the invoice, it may be less. Tips are not given at the bar in the pub. If you want to reward the bartender, offer him a drink. For porters, the guest should lose a pound and round up in the taxi.
Italy
Tipping is not common in gastronomy. Often a “coperto” appears on the bill, a kind of basic fee for the place setting and the bread. Those who were particularly satisfied can leave one or two euros behind. There are plates or piggy banks in espresso bars. In the hotel, the maid receives five euros per week. Rounding up is fine in a taxi.
Austria
As in Germany, five to ten percent “Schmattes” or “Schmatt” are appropriate in restaurants and taxis. In the hotel, the porter receives one euro per piece of luggage, the housekeeper one to two euros per day. The money will be handed over directly before departure.
Portugal and Spain
In the catering industry, tips of ten to fifteen percent are left behind. Small amounts such as two or five cent pieces are considered grossly impolite. Rounds up in the taxi.
Scandinavia
In Norway, Denmark and Finland, the service in the restaurant and hotel itself is included in the bill, but the amount can also be rounded up here: a plus of around five percent is usual for good service. In Sweden, a 10 percent tip is considered appropriate.
Thailand
It’s already very western here. Ten percent is appropriate in the restaurant. Less than ten baths is considered an insult.
Turkey
Ten percent “baksheesh” is common in gastronomy, and giving nothing is impolite. For small favors you should offer a cigarette or something similar. Housekeeping or porters are also happy to receive the equivalent of 50 cents or an extra euro. Rounds up in the taxi.
USA and Canada
The “tip” of 15 to 20 percent is a must in restaurants and for pizza service, as wages are usually very low. The porter receives one Canadian or one to two US dollars per baggage, the housekeeper one to two dollars per night. 15 percent is given in a taxi.
Also read:
– Travel tips USA, part 1: No departure if the number is wrong
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– From Kamasutra to binge drinking: This is how hotel guests gossip about animation programs