During any planned travel, this may not seem like a big factor to consider but it’s useful when you’re planning your finances and budget for your trip. Thanks to TripAdvisor who share guidelines on Tips and Etiquette, they take the guesswork out for you.
According to a survey by TripAdvisor, Americans are the most generous tippers when on vacation, followed by the Germans and Brazilians.
Americans have an ingrained tipping culture throughout the country which is why most respondents of this survey expressed that they feel guilty if they do not leave a tip while on vacation.
Top Tippers by Country
Americans – 60%
Germans – 49%
Brazilians – 33%
Spanish – 30%
Russians – 28%
British – 26%
French – 15%
Italians – 11%
But an alarming number of respondents around the world leave tips because they think they have to and it is expected. We hope to shed some light on this.
Here are 18 countries that do not have a tipping culture, so keep the change
1. Malaysia. Tell your friends who are visiting that it is not customary to tip here in Malaysia. Now with GST and the additional 10% service charge, it’s already clumped into our bill to cover tipping and other fees. Tipping however, may help speed up a service for example at a petrol station – though not necessary.
2. Singapore. Not common and not necessary since all tips go to the restaurant owners anyway. If you’re thinking of tipping, hand it to the person who serviced you directly.
3. Australia. Australia must have one of the best hourly wages for those who work as servers/waiters, on average it is between $15 – $20 AUD. This probably explains their super efficient service and friendly staff. Tipping is entirely voluntary.
4. China. Some in China may even refused a tip even if you offer, it’s usually prohibited but you always offer if you feel your tour guide has done an exceptional job or someone has really helped you out
5. Japan. Be a little sensitive with tips here in Japan, as some may take offense to your tip and will refuse. If you really want to, put your tip in an envelope or wrap it in paper, but refrain from using the word “tip” = chippu, call it a gift perhaps.
6. New Zealand. Not customary to tip and some staff receive high wages. Only the part-time students might appreciate the extra tip because they don’t get paid as well – but it’s entirely your call.
7. South Korea. Don’t tip as it’s already included in the service fee, but taxi drives always appreciate keeping the spare change.
8. Vietnam. Feel free to tip the tour guides and hospitality staff as they would appreciate this, else not needed as the bills are usually charged an additional fee.
9. Belgium. Most service sectors include their service charge with the bill so it is not common to tip in Belgium.
10. Denmark. According to Danish law, it is required that any service charge including for waiters are to be included on the price in restaurants, so there’s no need to pay extra. Denmark, like Australia, pays high wages so it’s not customary to tip.
11. Estonia. Interesting to note that service charges and tips are not allowed to be included on the bill in Estonia, plus you don’t have to leave a tip if you don’t want to.
12. Finland. It’s included in the bills, no additional tipping is required.
13. France. Similarly in France, it’s absorbed into the price of restaurants, therefore no tipping is required.
14. Iceland. Service fees are included into the price of pretty much everything here, no tipping required.
15. Italy. Service fees can range between 1-3 Euros in Italy, no tipping required. However, it is appreciated to round up your bill to the next dollar.
16. Slovenia. Not obligatory but appreciated nonetheless.
17. Sweden. Not necessary and there’s already a 10% service fee on your bill.
18. Switzerland. Service staff get paid well and there is usually a service fee on your bill.
– Cover Image: babelque.com
