Tipping around the world, roughly

Tipping is the part of a trip where kind people worry most. The good news is that it follows regions, and locals are forgiving of a visitor who gets it roughly right.

Where it is part of the wage

In the United States and Canada a restaurant tip is expected: 18 to 20 per cent at a table, a dollar or two per drink at a bar, a few dollars for the person who carries bags. Taxi and ride-app drivers expect 10 to 15 per cent. Leaving nothing is read as a complaint.

Where it is a gesture

Most of Europe, Australia and New Zealand pay staff a full wage. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 per cent for good service is appreciated, never required. Check the bill: in Italy, Spain, Portugal and France a service or cover charge is often already included. In Germany and Austria, say the rounded total out loud when you pay rather than leaving coins on the table.

Where it is not done

In Japan and South Korea tipping is not part of the culture and can cause an awkward moment; excellent service is the standard, not the exception. In much of China it is the same outside tourist hotels. Say thank you instead.

In between

In Mexico, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, India and much of South-East Asia a tip of around 10 per cent in restaurants is customary, and small notes for porters, guides and drivers are part of how things work. Carry small change for this; large notes get no change back.

The question that always works

Ask the hotel reception on the first day: "What do people usually tip here?" It is a normal question, the answer is local and current, and it costs nothing. Rules move, and cards have changed habits everywhere.

How Travlyo does it

Every city guide's Know before you go covers the money, the language and the guide's own tips for the city, so the first dinner is not a maths test.