Destinations across the world will have services of hotel porters, restaurant and bar staff, and taxi drivers. In most countries, it is customary to leave a tip if you have received good service, but how much you should leave varies from country to country, and in many cases, how satisfied you were.
The tipping culture of a destination ensures you know when a ‘cover/ service charge’ includes a tip in your bill, and a discretionary tip when dealing with things like restaurant bills. It also helps you to understand which cultures expect a tip as standard.
Spain is similar to the UK, as a service charge is not included in the bill and 10% of your total is recommended. A tip is not expected by taxi drivers and hotel porters, so it’s your choice.
Turkey 10% is recommended for restaurant, bar and hotel staff including porters, housekeeping and at reception. Again no tip is expected by taxi drivers.
Croatia With hotel, restaurant and taxi drivers a tip is expected. 10% is recommended, and with taxi drivers it is acceptable to round up the bill.
Cuba Tipping is part of Cuban culture due to low wages and locals may rely on tips to live. Musicians are typically not paid to perform. Tip whatever you can to anyone providing you with a service, such as toilet attendants.
India Although tipping is up to you in India, it is normal for tourists to. Recommendations vary – hotel porters and restaurant staff around INR 50-100, coach drivers INR 150 per person per day, and tour managers INR 250 per person per day. INR 50 = around 55p.
South Africa is similar to India – hotel porters and restaurant staff around £3-4 per person, safari lodge staff £2-3 per room per day (put in a central tip box), safari guides £5-8 per person per day, and mobile safari camp staff share out tips of around £7 per person per day.
USA Tipping is high in the USA, around 18-20%. But for this you can expect a high standard of service with staff.
Japan Tipping is not expected in Japan and is safer not to tip to avoid offending people with the wrong amount. It is completely acceptable to be polite and thank staff verbally.
China Like Japan, tips are not expected in China. However with local guides you can tip what you want.
Israel Tipping between 10-12% is usually expected for hotel, restaurant and other tourism staff. A tip is not expected by taxi drivers.
