There is nothing more embarrassing than eating at a restaurant or getting out of a cab in a foreign country and not knowing whether you should give a tip. Generally, tipping in America is much more generous than it is in foreign countries.
Generally, tipping is customary in Europe. Although in many cases restaurants and bars will add a service charge of around 10 to 15 percent to your bill, it is still normal to leave a little something extra for your server. Don't feel obliged to leave a big tip. In France, according to Fodor's, restaurants will tack on a 15 percent% service charge, but it is customary to leave a euro or two in addition. This is the case in most countries in Europe. The only exception is in Scandinavia, where you are not expected to leave an additional tip. In most cases, if there is no service charge on your bill, you should leave a tip of around 10 to 15 percent, not the 20 percent we are accustomed to in the United States. Taxi drivers do not expect tips in Europe, but you should give a euro or two to hotel staff that assist you with your luggage.
There are no general rules for tipping in the Middle East, as it varies greatly by country. When in doubt, leave a little something if there is no service charge already included on your bill in a restaurant. It is customary to offer a very small tip to someone who gives you good service in Egypt, including hotel staff, bathroom attendants or porters. Tipping is common in India for restaurant servers and hotel workers. Taxi drivers will not expect a tip. You can leave approximately 10 percent at restaurants in India and Pakistan.
Tipping is not customary in most Asian countries. Usually a service charge will be added to your bill at a restaurant and you are not expected to leave anything additional. Tourist restaurants in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand will usually tack on a service charge. Tipping is definitely not expected in Japan, where it can be considered rude. Hotel staff and taxi drivers will also not expect tips.
As in in other countries, service charges will usually be added in Africa if they are required at restaurants. If no service charge is added, only small tips are given in restaurants. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, except in South Africa where they are accustomed to a 10 percent tip, according to Savvy Traveller.
In Mexico and many countries in South America, tipping is generally the same as it is in the United States. Tips are encouraged and expected for restaurant staff, bartenders, hotel bellhops and other service staff throughout South America. Ten percent is usually adequate. Tipping in Canada is generally similar to in the United States as well.
In Russia and throughout Eastern Europe, you should leave a tip of around 10 to 15% if there is no service charge on your bill. It is also customary to leave hotel workers, coat check attendants, drivers and hotel housekeeping staff a little tip, although nothing extravagant is required.
In general, if you are in a foreign country and don't know whether or not to tip at a restaurant, it is probably best to err on the side of caution and leave 10 percent, especially if there is no service charge. However, in Asia and Scandinavia it is best not to tip if you are unsure, since you may risk offending your restaurant staff.
