Tipping remains one of the most confusing aspects of international travel, with customs varying so dramatically that what earns gratitude in one country can cause offence in another. In Japan and Vietnam, tips are often unnecessary and can even be considered rude. But in many of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, failing to tip can land you in an uncomfortable or even volatile situation.
The confusion is compounded by a growing backlash against tipping culture in the country most associated with it. A recent Popmenu survey of 1,000 Americans found that 78 per cent believe tipping culture has become “ridiculous,” with 44 per cent tipping less this year than in 2025 and 35 per cent having cut back specifically when dining out. Yet for travellers heading abroad, the expectation to tip in many destinations remains firmly in place — and in some cases, workers depend on gratuities to make up the vast majority of their income.
Here are nine countries where tipping is expected, and how much to leave.
United States
The most tip-reliant country in the world. Restaurant servers can legally earn as little as $2.13 per hour before gratuities, meaning a tip of 20 to 25 per cent at sit-down restaurants is effectively part of the bill. Bars expect around $1 per drink or 20 per cent on cocktails. Even self-service kiosks at airports and cafés now display digital prompts requesting tips of up to 20 per cent.
Canada
Canadian tipping culture mirrors that of the US, with 15 to 20 per cent standard at restaurants across the country. In Quebec, leaving without tipping is considered particularly rude. Bartenders receive around $1 per drink, and gratuities for hotel staff, taxi drivers and hairdressers are also expected.
Mexico
Many Mexican service workers earn between $5 and $15 per day before tips. In tourist-heavy areas such as Cancun, Tulum and Cabo San Lucas, 15 to 20 per cent at restaurants is the norm. Hotel staff, tour guides and drivers also commonly receive small gratuities.
Croatia
Ten per cent is considered the minimum for good service at Croatian restaurants, where service charges are rarely included in the bill. In bars and cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount in cash is the standard approach.
Albania
Known locally as “bakshish,” tipping has become increasingly expected as tourism has grown. Around 10 per cent is customary in restaurants, with porters, guides, drivers and hotel staff also expecting gratuities. Some visitors offer duty-free alcohol, though this risks causing offence given that 59 per cent of the population is Muslim.
Egypt
In Egypt, tipping — or “backsheesh” — is expected for a wide range of services. Restaurant bills may already include a 12 per cent service charge, but leaving an additional 10 per cent is still considered polite.
Morocco
Ten per cent is the norm in higher-end Moroccan restaurants, with smaller amounts acceptable in cafés and local eateries. Rounding up to the nearest whole number and leaving it directly with the server is also a common practice. Hotel staff, drivers and guides expect gratuities too.
South Africa
Tipping is standard across South Africa in restaurants, hotels and on safari. Some establishments automatically add a 10 per cent service charge, so it is worth checking the bill before paying. Diners otherwise leave between 10 and 20 per cent depending on the quality of service, while safari guides and trackers are also commonly tipped.
United Arab Emirates
Despite service charges now appearing on many restaurant bills in the UAE, tipping remains widely expected. Between 10 and 15 per cent for good service is standard, with hotel staff, taxi drivers and valet attendants also routinely receiving small gratuities. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi particularly, tipping culture is well established and largely taken for granted.
