Knowing when and how much to tip is one of the trickiest things to get right as a traveler. Tipping too little can be offensive, and tipping too much can leave you heavily out of pocket. But knowing the right amount to leave is no mean feat between speedy exchanges in busy restaurants, language barriers, and the pressure of doing mental math when a waiter is watching. Below, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to tipping around the globe: the general rules, etiquette, and insider pointers for each city, from London to Sydney to Tokyo.
How much to tip in London
Recommended tip: 10 to 15 percent
Unlike most cities worldwide, tipping in London is not expected or essential. However, the general advice is to leave between 10 to 15 percent of the bill, particularly when dining at a full-service restaurant. The key is to always check the receipt properly—some venues will automatically add a standard service charge of 12.5 percent to the bill, while others will add a note letting you know that “service is not included.” At pubs, bars, or less formal dining venues, tipping is not expected in the same way but is recommended. If there is no option to add gratuity to a card payment, there’s usually a tip jar you can pop any spare change into.
How much to tip in Madrid
Recommended tip: 5 to 10 percent
Tipping is not expected in Madrid. In the past, hospitality staff wouldn’t have anticipated getting anything extra. However, that culture seems to be changing. “Tipping is gradually becoming more common in Spanish culture, without a doubt,” says David Moralejo, head of content at Condé Nast Traveler Spain. “It’s becoming more usual to tip if the service is excellent or the team is especially nice to the customer. The Spanish customer can be very exacting regarding food, so making sure you reward waiters offering friendly service will be appreciated.” Service charge will rarely be included on the bill, so for most sit-down restaurants, it’s good practice to give between 5 to 10 percent of the overall bill—but check it hasn’t already been added. Tipping isn’t necessary for bars and casual tapas places, but it’s always nice to round up.
