Tipping is less expected in Asia and can actually be considered rude in some countries. In most African countries, it is customary to tip 10-15% of the restaurant bill. In Europe, it varies from country to country, but generally visitors do not need to tip heavily.
Whether to tip or not, and how much to tip, are questions on the minds of many American travelers heading abroad this summer.
While the US is known around the world for its strong tipping culture, the standard — as much as 20% of the bill in some cities — doesn't necessarily transfer to other places. In fact, tipping can even be considered rude in some places, according to Justin Chapman, a travel expert who specializes in safaris at Go2Africa.
Here are his rules of thumb depending on where you're visiting this summer.
How much to tip in Europe
It varies from country to country, but generally, most European countries do not expect visitors to give large tips. In some countries, it is becoming more common for restaurants and other places to include a 10% to 15% service charge on the bill, while in others, it is left to the visitor's discretion.
Chapman said that in Europe, if you're not sure what to do, a good rule of thumb is to save some coins and round up your bill to the nearest euro. The same goes for taxis, bars, and coffee shops.
How much to tip in Africa
Chapman said that in most African countries, it is customary to tip 10 to 15 percent of the restaurant bill, as well as the equivalent of $10 to $20 per day for hotel staff and tour guides working with them.
Tipping Amounts in Latin America
While a 10 to 15 percent tip is typical in most Latin American restaurants, it's much more important for tour guides, whose income depends heavily on them, Chapman said. In Colombia, $10 to $20 a day is reasonable for a guide, while $5 to $10 is fine in most other countries in the region. Chapman said it's especially important to tip guides generously in Brazil.
Taxi drivers in this area do not necessarily expect tips, but they will often be pleased if you round up to the nearest currency.
How much to tip in Asia
Tipping is less expected in Asia and can be considered rude in some countries, particularly China and Japan. Tipping is becoming more common in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, where a tip of around 10% is generally considered an acceptable amount.
In general, in Asia, it's often best not to tip if you're unsure, to avoid inadvertently offending the other person, Chapman said.
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Tipping amounts in Australia and New Zealand
Tipping is not generally expected in Oceania, but Chapman said a tip of 5% to 10%, or rounded up to the nearest Australian or New Zealand dollar, would be appreciated, especially in fine dining restaurants.
Travel tipping advice
For those who are thinking about tipping but aren't sure about the proper etiquette, Chapman said there are some important points to keep in mind:
Give tips in cash whenever possible. Consider the cost of living – tips tend to be higher in expensive or touristy areas. If you're unsure of local customs, ask a local.
Zach Wichter is a New York-based travel writer for USA TODAY. He can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.
