How much should you tip in major cities around the world: approximate amounts are given
From London to Sydney, the amount of tips advisable to leave varies. Tourists often don't know how much money to add to a cafe bill or leave for a hotel maid so as not to offend the staff but also not to be left without money in their pockets.
That's why Condé Nast Traveler has revealed how much tips are usually left in major cities around the world. This article will definitely help travelers visiting them for the first time.
London
Recommended tipping: 10 to 15 percent
Unlike most cities in the world, tipping is not mandatory in London. However, the general advice is to leave between 10 and 15 percent of the bill, especially when dining at a full-service restaurant. The key is to always check your receipt properly - some establishments will automatically add a standard 12.5 percent service charge to the bill, while others will add a note stating that "service not included." In formal dining establishments, tipping is not expected but recommended. If it is not possible to add a tip to the card payment, there is usually a tip jar in which you can put any extra coins.
Madrid
Recommended tip: 5 to 10 percent
In Madrid, tipping is not expected. In the past, hospitality staff did not expect to receive anything extra. However, this culture seems to be changing. "There's no doubt that tipping is gradually becoming more common in Spanish culture," says David Moralejo, head of content at Condé Nast Traveler Spain. "It is becoming more and more common to tip if the service is excellent or the team is particularly friendly to the customer. The Spanish customer can be very demanding when it comes to food, so we would appreciate rewarding waiters for their friendly service." A service charge will rarely be included in the bill, so for most restaurants it is recommended to pay 5 to 10 percent of the total bill, but check to see if it hasn't already been added. Tipping is not required for bars and casual eateries, but it is always nice to receive.
New York
Recommended tipping: 20 to 25 percent
New Yorkers love to tip. It's an important part of life here - most hospitality workers are overworked, and companies often use tips as a guaranteed way to subsidize staff salaries, meaning that many rely on decent tips. A rule of thumb is to provide 20 to 25 percent. In most restaurants, anything less than 20 percent is considered stingy, and about 22 percent is the standard.
In bars, it is recommended to leave one to two dollars per drink depending on the price. For valets, porters, concierges, or cleaning services in hotels, it depends on the service. As a rule of thumb, a few dollars never hurt.
Beijing
It is recommended not to tip
Tipping is not a common part of Chinese culture. In most of the country, it has historically been considered rude - the service is expected to be worthy of the price set by the employer, not the client. But because China is such a large country, the rules can vary, especially in larger cities that are more accustomed to tourists. Since Beijing is a large metropolitan city, customs there are different, so tipping should be decided on a case-by-case basis. In general, if you consider tipping to be an acceptable practice, we recommend that you do so discreetly. In upscale restaurants and hotels, check the bill as a service charge of 10-15 percent may already be added.
Tokyo
It is recommended not to tip
Tokyo has a completely different tipping culture than most other capitals. "In Japanese culture, it is not customary to tip; it is more important that you show respect for the restaurant, chefs, and staff," says Tokyo Halfie, a travel and food writer who lives in the city. "Ordering from the drink menu here is equivalent to tipping - don't ask for tap water. The standard approach is to order at least one drink for each guest; in higher-end restaurants, you can ask for a dish or order a bottle for the equivalent of a tip."
Paris
Recommended tipping: 5 to 10 percent
Unlike New York City, most hospitality workers in Paris are paid a living wage with benefits and vacation time, and a 15 percent service charge is often included in the price of a restaurant, bar, or hotel. Nevertheless, it is still a nice gesture to let the waiter know that you appreciated his service with a friendly tip.
Rome
Recommended tip: 5 to 10 percent
In Rome, tipping is generally not expected. Tipping acts as a bonus to your salary. That doesn't mean it isn't appreciated - part of the job is to provide great service, so tipping goes a long way to letting employees know that their efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Giving 5 to 10 percent of the final bill is a nice gesture. However, check the bill - restaurants may have already added a small service charge.
Sydney
Recommended tipping: 10 percent
How much to tip in Australia is a tricky question. As a rule, most locals do not necessarily tip because the salary is designed to cover the cost of living. But, if the service is good and the food or drink is excellent, the standard in Sydney will be around 10 percent of the total bill - somewhat similar to the tipping culture in London.