Tipping Guidelines in 10 Famous Cities

Mastering local tipping customs will make you a courteous and sophisticated traveler.

From Asia, Africa to Europe or Australia, each has its own tipping rules. Below are some useful reference information for you.

London, UK

Tipping practices in the UK are not much different from the US. When dining at a fancy restaurant, tipping can range from 10 to 15% of the total bill. However, before leaving a tip on the table, always check the bill first. Some restaurants automatically add a 12.5% service charge to the bill, especially for larger parties.

Tipping at fast-food outlets, bars, or pubs is not mandatory. Tipping taxi drivers is also a nice gesture (usually 10 – 15% of the total bill). Londoners often round up the tip to £1 (around 35,000 VND). However, for longer journeys like from Heathrow Airport to Buckingham Palace, consider increasing the tip for the driver (around $8).

Barcelona, Spain

When dining at upscale restaurants in Barcelona and receiving attentive service, consider leaving a tip of 7 – 13% of the total bill. However, if the quality of food or service doesn't meet your expectations, feel free not to tip as a way to provide feedback to the restaurant.

Tipping in Spain reflects your satisfaction with the quality of products and services, unlike the mandatory practice in the US. However, tipping taxi drivers is customary. For short distances, the tip is usually 0.5 euro (approximately 15,000 VND), while for longer journeys, you can tip the driver according to your discretion.

Paris, France

Immerse yourself in the 'City of Lights' and enjoy life here like a true Parisian by savoring wine or admiring the Seine river in a café. But don't be overly generous when leaving a tip, as gratuity is automatically added to the bill when you pay (15% of the total bill).

Service charges are definitely included in the prices listed on the menu. However, if you're exceptionally pleased, you may add a few extra euros as a tip. Tipping taxi drivers in Paris ranges from 10 to 15% of the total bill.

Sydney, Australia

Remember, when tipping in Sydney, the magic number is 10 whether you're in a taxi or dining out. The 10% tipping norm may not apply to small bills. For smaller bills, you can simply let the change be your tip.

Prague, Czechia

At dining establishments in Czechia, it's customary for patrons to tip 10% of the total bill. Also, make sure to check if the bill includes the tip. When leaving a taxi, consider tipping the driver around 20 CZK (equivalent to approximately 21,000 VND) or 50 CZK (around 52,000 VND) for a more generous gesture.

Rome, Italy

Although Facebook's 'young CEO' Mark Zuckerberg didn't tip the servers during his honeymoon in Rome in 2012, it's still considered a courteous gesture. The general tipping rule: maximum 10% of the total bill. However, if you see 'servizio incluso' on the bill, there's no need to leave a tip as it means the tip is already included. For taxi rides, simply round up the bill and let the driver keep the change.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When tipping in Rio, it's advisable to do so discreetly. Brazilians are particularly modest when it comes to accepting tips. In restaurants, tipping isn't necessary as a 10% service charge is typically included in the bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up the bill by approximately 0.4 USD (8,000 VND) is sufficient.

Bangkok, Thailand

When enjoying dishes like Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Som Tum (spicy green papaya salad), or any other specialties at Bangkok restaurants, tipping is not obligatory. However, if you wish to express satisfaction with the food and service, leaving a small tip or up to 10% of the total bill for the service is appreciated. For taxi drivers, the custom is to round up the bill.

Istanbul, Turkey

When dining in Istanbul, try to tip with Turkish lira (1 Turkish lira is approximately 0.45 USD, equivalent to 10,000 VND). For mid-range restaurants, tipping ranges from 5 to 10% of the total bill. In upscale restaurants, tipping ranges from 10 to 15% of the total bill. For taxi drivers, a tip of around 50 kuru (1% of 1 Turkish lira) is sufficient. When using premium services such as relaxation at traditional Turkish baths (Hammam), you may tip from 10 to 20% for the staff who have served you.

Cape Town, South Africa

In Africa, generosity is highly appreciated. In Cape Town, tipping at restaurants ranges from 10 to 15% of the total bill (some places include it directly in the bill). Taxi drivers also appreciate tips of 10% of the total bill. If you're coming from Cape Town International Airport (CPT), drivers often assist with luggage. You can tip them from 20 to 30 South African rand (ZAR), equivalent to about 38,000 – 57,000 VND. If you're renting a self-drive car, leaving a tip of 1.3 to 1.8 USD (17,000 – 38,000 VND) when returning the car is customary.

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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – Via Vnexpress