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Global Gratuities
Americans are known to be generous tippers, but with 196 countries( all with different tipping protocols), it’ s hard to know how much to leave. But don’ t let that stop you from showing your appreciation to the essential workers who may have brought a welcome smile along with your food. One standard applies wherever you are: Always try to tip in cash( not on your credit card— they may never see it), and in the local currency.
Argentina: If a tip is not added to your check, add 10-15 %.
Australia and New Zealand: Waitstaff here earn a livable wage and don’ t expect a tip. But they do appreciate them when received, so if your server has been super, round up the bill or leave a few extra dollars.
Brazil, Chile, and Costa Rica: Your bill may already include a 10 %“ sit-down” charge called a cubierto. But your server will surely appreciate it if you leave an additional 5 % or so. Similarly, in bars you are not expected to tip, but you can round up the bill if you want to show your thanks to the bartender.
Canada: Tip 18-20 % for table service, and about $ 1 per drink at the bar.
Cambodia: Tipping is not expected but appreciated; the equivalent of $ 1- $ 2 will do.
China: Tipping has not been prevalent in the People’ s Republic of China since the 1950s. In fact, it was seen as downright counter-revolutionary. So don’ t feel obliged to leave a gratuity anywhere. If you do tip, be discreet so the server will not be embarrassed to accept it.
Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia: Unless the service has been included on your bill, add 10 – 15 %.
Egypt: A 10 % service charge will normally appear on your bill. If not, leave the equivalent. And even if the tip has been included, a few extra Egyptian pounds will be greatly appreciated.
France: Waitstaff here earn a minimal wage so even though your bill will usually say“ servis compris”( service included), it’ s customary to round up your bill or leave a few extra Euros. The word for this is pourboire, meaning,“ for a drink.”
Germany: If your bill says“ Bedienung,” that means a tip has been included. Otherwise, you can tip 10 %, or round up to the nearest five if you’ ve only had drinks and snacks. Most Germans do not leave change on the table, but give the tip directly to the server.
Iceland and Scandinavia: Your server’ s compensation has been factored into the cost of your meal, so a tip is not necessary.
India: A service charge is generally not included in most established restaurants, so leave 5 – 10 %. In less formal places, leave a few coins or round up the bill. Bartenders would find 10 % generous.
Italy: Does your bill say“ coperto?” That means a cover charge has been added. But it won’ t necessarily go to your server. So leave a few extra Euros, but not more than 10 %.
Japan: You are pretty much guaranteed courteous service here, even though tipping is virtually nonexistent. In fact, your attempts to tip may even be politely refused.
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