Summer travel days are wrapping up as aisles are lined with school supplies and hints of fall, from plaid to pumpkins. That means holiday travel isn\u2019t far behind, especially for those planning trips overseas. One of the most confusing topics when it comes to international travel is tipping. In the United States, tipping at a restaurant is standard, 18 to 20%, but what about other countries? Customs in each country are specific, so it\u2019s important to do your homework.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a few countries and discuss the different tipping protocols.\u00a0<\/p>\n
North America<\/strong><\/h2>\nU.S. <\/strong>\u2013 15 to 20% is standard, and a service fee is not necessarily a tip.\u00a0<\/p>\nCanada<\/strong> \u2013 Similar to the U.S., 15 to 20% tip is standard.<\/p>\nMexico<\/strong> \u2013 10 to 15% is expected. They are also aware of the U.S. tipping culture, so at all-inclusive hotels, leaving a \u201cfair\u201d amount at a meal is also expected.\u00a0<\/p>\nSouth America<\/strong><\/h2>\nBrazil<\/strong> \u2013 A 10% service fee is added to the bill. The service fee goes to the server and diners don\u2019t have to leave an additional tip.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nArgentina<\/strong> \u2013 10%, preferably in cash. It\u2019s not mandatory but a nice gesture.<\/p>\nEurope<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Street](\"https:\/\/dianegottsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/iStock-502198203.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nFrance<\/strong> \u2013 By law, France includes a service charge, but customers also leave an extra 5 to 10% for exceptional service as a gesture of appreciation. Even small change is appreciated.\u00a0<\/p>\nEngland<\/strong> \u2013 Most restaurants include a service charge of around 12.5%. If one is not included, add 10 to 12.5%.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nGermany \u2013 <\/strong>5 to 10%, typically by rounding up the bill and letting the server know the new total.\u00a0<\/p>\nItaly<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>5 to 10% is common, or round up the bill if a service fee is not included. U.S. size tips are not expected.<\/p>\nSpain<\/strong> \u2013 Service is usually included. You may wish to round up or leave a few euros for exceptional service, though it is not expected.\u00a0<\/p>\nAsia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"alley](\"https:\/\/dianegottsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/iStock-1345059895.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nJapan<\/strong> and Taiwan <\/strong>\u2013 No tip necessary. A service charge may be included, but no gratuity is necessary. Excellent service is part of the experience, and the server will be confused or notice you haven\u2019t done your homework.<\/p>\nAustralia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nAustralia <\/strong>\u2013 Tipping is not customary as service employees are paid higher wages, but a 10% tip for great service is appreciated.\u00a0<\/p>\nMiddle East<\/strong><\/h2>\nDubai and United Arab Emirates <\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>10 to 15% added service fee is generally on the bill.<\/p>\nCommonly Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
What does a service charge cover?<\/strong> <\/p>\nInternationally, it generally means a compensation that is shared among waiters, staff, and kitchen staff. It doesn\u2019t go completely to the server.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the U.S., a service charge and a tip are not the same. It might be used for other things, for example, operating costs, and generally doesn\u2019t go to the employee unless it says added gratuity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What about tipping at all-inclusive resorts?
<\/strong>
You may hear conflicting advice about tipping at an all-inclusive resort. The best approach is to check the property\u2019s policy. You may wish to leave modest cash tips for exceptional service.<\/p>\nWhat about spas at the all-inclusive hotel?<\/strong><\/p>\nCheck the tipping policy, but generally, you would tip fairly and generously at a restaurant and spa unless there is a \u201cno tipping\u201d policy.<\/p>\n
Gentle reminder:<\/strong> Tipping customs can change over time and may vary by region, restaurant, or hotel. Before traveling, check current local recommendations or ask your hotel concierge.<\/p>\nFor more information about working with Diane, America\u2019s \u201cGo To\u201d social and professional etiquette authority, please visit <\/em>The Protocol School of Texas<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nSee what Diane is up to by following her on <\/em>Instagram<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Facebook<\/em><\/a> and find etiquette inspiration on her <\/em>Pinterest<\/em><\/a> account. For more of Diane\u2019s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on <\/em>Inc.<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>HuffPost<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Canada<\/strong> \u2013 Similar to the U.S., 15 to 20% tip is standard.<\/p>\n Mexico<\/strong> \u2013 10 to 15% is expected. They are also aware of the U.S. tipping culture, so at all-inclusive hotels, leaving a \u201cfair\u201d amount at a meal is also expected.\u00a0<\/p>\n Brazil<\/strong> \u2013 A 10% service fee is added to the bill. The service fee goes to the server and diners don\u2019t have to leave an additional tip.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Argentina<\/strong> \u2013 10%, preferably in cash. It\u2019s not mandatory but a nice gesture.<\/p>\n France<\/strong> \u2013 By law, France includes a service charge, but customers also leave an extra 5 to 10% for exceptional service as a gesture of appreciation. Even small change is appreciated.\u00a0<\/p>\n England<\/strong> \u2013 Most restaurants include a service charge of around 12.5%. If one is not included, add 10 to 12.5%.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Germany \u2013 <\/strong>5 to 10%, typically by rounding up the bill and letting the server know the new total.\u00a0<\/p>\n Italy<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>5 to 10% is common, or round up the bill if a service fee is not included. U.S. size tips are not expected.<\/p>\n Spain<\/strong> \u2013 Service is usually included. You may wish to round up or leave a few euros for exceptional service, though it is not expected.\u00a0<\/p>\n Japan<\/strong> and Taiwan <\/strong>\u2013 No tip necessary. A service charge may be included, but no gratuity is necessary. Excellent service is part of the experience, and the server will be confused or notice you haven\u2019t done your homework.<\/p>\n Australia <\/strong>\u2013 Tipping is not customary as service employees are paid higher wages, but a 10% tip for great service is appreciated.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dubai and United Arab Emirates <\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>10 to 15% added service fee is generally on the bill.<\/p>\n What does a service charge cover?<\/strong> <\/p>\n Internationally, it generally means a compensation that is shared among waiters, staff, and kitchen staff. It doesn\u2019t go completely to the server.\u00a0<\/p>\n In the U.S., a service charge and a tip are not the same. It might be used for other things, for example, operating costs, and generally doesn\u2019t go to the employee unless it says added gratuity.\u00a0<\/p>\n What about tipping at all-inclusive resorts? What about spas at the all-inclusive hotel?<\/strong><\/p>\n Check the tipping policy, but generally, you would tip fairly and generously at a restaurant and spa unless there is a \u201cno tipping\u201d policy.<\/p>\n Gentle reminder:<\/strong> Tipping customs can change over time and may vary by region, restaurant, or hotel. Before traveling, check current local recommendations or ask your hotel concierge.<\/p>\n For more information about working with Diane, America\u2019s \u201cGo To\u201d social and professional etiquette authority, please visit <\/em>The Protocol School of Texas<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n See what Diane is up to by following her on <\/em>Instagram<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Facebook<\/em><\/a> and find etiquette inspiration on her <\/em>Pinterest<\/em><\/a> account. For more of Diane\u2019s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on <\/em>Inc.<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>HuffPost<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nSouth America<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Europe<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nAsia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nAustralia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Middle East<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Commonly Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
<\/strong>
You may hear conflicting advice about tipping at an all-inclusive resort. The best approach is to check the property\u2019s policy. You may wish to leave modest cash tips for exceptional service.<\/p>\n