Tipping in restaurants and hotels varies across different countries. Let's explore the custom of tipping around the world. Stay with Saed News.
Tipping in different countries is a form of gratitude and appreciation for services provided, in exchange for a small amount of money. The tradition of tipping in dining halls is relatively new, having first emerged in England and the United States. The practice is believed to have originated as a voluntary expression of thanks for special and unexpected services. In fact, the French were the first to make tipping mandatory. In 1955, a new law was enacted in France allowing restaurants and dining halls to add a service charge to the bill, which became a general practice applied to all restaurants, regardless of their level or grade. People welcomed this law as it clearly defined how much tip should be given, and it brought uniformity to the practice.
United States Tipping is very common in the U.S. and occurs in places like restaurants, hair salons, cafes, and more. Americans even tip drivers when traveling, as well as for luggage handling and placing bags in cars. Many other professions, such as laundries, trainers, and even teachers, also receive tips. The tip amount varies based on the service provided, and during certain times like Christmas, it may increase. Since many employers consider tips part of their employees' wages, tipping in the U.S. is considered very important and obligatory.
South Africa In South Africa, tipping in restaurants ranges from 10% to 20%, provided that the service charge is not already included in the bill. If you use public restrooms and find them clean, make sure to tip the staff. Group tour guides should receive 10 to 15 rands per person for a daily tour, while private guides generally receive 50 rands for a half-day tour and 100 rands for a full-day tour. Consider tipping hotel porters about 50 rands and 5 rands per suitcase to the bellman. Taxi drivers also receive about 10% of the fare.
France Tipping is not very common in France, and in fact, no one expects it. Service charges are already included in the bill, and tipping is considered part of that. Therefore, the French usually do not leave any additional tip unless they are completely satisfied with the service. In that case, about 5% of the bill amount is given as a tip. Taxi drivers typically receive one or two euros as a tip, and porters who carry luggage should receive one euro per suitcase.
Australia No one expects a tip in Australia, but waitstaff may appreciate a 10% to 15% tip, especially in budget restaurants. The only person you should tip is the porter who handles your luggage, and you should give one dollar per suitcase. Tipping is not necessary in Australia because staff are paid well and do not need to rely on tips. However, travelers from countries like the U.S. and Melbourne may still follow the custom of tipping.
Italy In Italy, as in many other European countries, tipping is not widely practiced. Service staff do not expect tips. In Italian restaurants, the service charge is included in the bill, and this amount serves as the tip. If you're satisfied with the service, you may leave about 5% of the bill as a tip on the table. Tipping taxi drivers, porters, or room service attendants is done out of courtesy, and it is not mandatory.
Germany In Eastern European countries, including Germany, tipping is more common than in Western Europe. If you visit Germany and dine in a restaurant, make sure to tip the waiter separately from the bill. Even if you pay with a credit card, the tip must be given in cash directly to the waiter. Germans consider leaving a tip on the table disrespectful and may be upset by such behavior. Taxi drivers receive 5% to 10% as a tip, bellboys get one euro per suitcase, and one or two euros per day should be given to the room attendant.
Mexico and the Caribbean In these countries, a tip of 15% is usually given, except when dining in very small restaurants. Before tipping, make sure to check the bill, as it may already include the tip. U.S. tipping standards have had a significant influence on these countries, especially in hotels and resorts. In most restaurants, a large portion of a server's income comes from tips. However, don't expect extra services: in North American restaurants, waitstaff frequently checks on you, while in these countries, you usually have to call the waiter if you need anything.
Central and South America In countries where service charges are not automatically added, like Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, the tipping custom requires you to add 10% to 15%, depending on the level of the restaurant. In Costa Rica, Brazil, and Peru, a 10% service charge is automatically added to the bill, and you can simply add a few coins as a thank you. In Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, you might see an additional fee on your receipt. The definition of good service in these countries is different from the U.S. For example, in most Latin American countries, if you ask the customer if they want their receipt, it is considered disrespectful, and waitstaff should wait until the customer either calls for them or finishes their meal.
Restaurants in Asia Tipping customs in Asian countries vary greatly. In places like Thailand, Singapore, and China, tipping is generally not required (although some restaurants may include a 10% service charge). In Hong Kong, it's customary to leave a 5% tip for the services provided, except in noodle shops and small eateries where tipping is unnecessary. In India, service charges vary from region to region. Generally, no tip is expected in India, unless you're in a very fancy restaurant, where tipping may occur. However, some rickshaw drivers and motorized tricycle drivers (auto-rickshaws) may request a tip.
Although tipping was not widely known in Asia in the past, it has become more common today. In China, tipping in restaurants used to be considered socially inappropriate, but it is now normal, and you can tip if you wish. However, tipping is still considered somewhat unconventional in Japan, and in some cases, the server may return the tip to you. In Japan, people consider tipping an insult, and providing extra service to customers is considered part of their rights.
But have you ever tipped in hotels in Iran? In Iran, there are no specific rules or guidelines for tipping in hotels, and it is generally left to the discretion of the people. In fact, it is up to you to decide whether or not to tip based on the situation. Sometimes, the staff’s friendly and warm attitude will encourage you to tip voluntarily, and sometimes not. In any case, it is recommended to tip in hotels. The amount you tip in Iranian hotels is entirely up to you. However, the respect you show when tipping and at other times toward hotel staff is more important than the amount of the tip. This respect should naturally be mutual.
