Where in the World should you not tip - Exoticca Blog (2024)

FAQs

Where in the World should you not tip - Exoticca Blog? ›

Japan. Unlike Spain, Japan is a country where you should not tip at all; it's actually offensive. In the majority of Japanese restaurants a bill is not brought to the table.

While tips are appreciated no matter where you travel, tipping in Europe isn't as automatic nor as generous as it is in the US, and in many countries, tips aren't expected at all. The proper amount depends not only on the country you're in, but also on your resources, tipping philosophy, and the circ*mstances.

No, tipping isn't considered rude in Italy. While not expected, a small tip shows appreciation for exceptional service and is generally well-received. Just remember that overtipping might be seen as unusual or unnecessary.

Like most European countries, French service industry workers are paid a living wage and do not rely on tips to earn a fair income. One of the ways France supports its café, restaurant, and bar servers is by including a service fee equivalent to 15 percent of the bill. This is called service compris.

Tipping Culture in Japan

Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.

Tipping is a common practice in many countries, including Greece, to show appreciation for excellent service provided by tour guides. While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary and considered a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge the guide's efforts and expertise.

Basic tipping etiquette says, yes, you should tip your tour guide. There are exceptions if your specific tour experience includes gratuities or you simply didn't have a good time, but in general, tipping your guide at the end of the tour is customary in the U.S. and Europe, though it's much more common in the States.

Japan. Unlike Spain, Japan is a country where you should not tip at all; it's actually offensive. In the majority of Japanese restaurants a bill is not brought to the table. Instead, payment is accepted at the bar, so even trying to leave a tip for the waiter can be tricky.

But there's actually a legitimate reason why Americans continue to tip more than Europeans. In the 1960s, the U.S. Congress decided to a so-called “tipping credit,” which meant that the employer could pay the employee under the minimum wage if they earn tips.

If you're traveling to Spain, you may be trying to figure out if and when tipping is expected. The good news is that there is no established tipping culture or minimum in Spain. While it is possible to tip, it's not expected and it isn't considered rude not to leave a tip.

Do you tip geishas? ›

Tipping geishas and at ryokans

Currently, the custom is to give around $20 (3,000 yen) per person. This money should be in an envelope and handed to the geisha with both hands and a dip of your head.

Not finishing one's meal is not considered impolite in Japan, but rather is taken as a signal to the host that one wishes to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more.

At the end of the Civil War, America's labor force "was flooded" with formerly enslaved people and immigrants, says Zagor. Employers took advantage of this class of "low-educated, low-income" workers, he says, and hired them for jobs that paid very little, encouraging patrons to tip as a supplement to wages.

The average tip amount for an outdoor or backcountry guide is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person. For example, if the tour price was $1,000 per person, then the acceptable tip should be between $100 and $200 per person depending on the level of service provided by the guide.

On shore excursions, it's expected that passengers tip tour guides and bus drivers. How much you tip on cruise excursions is entirely up to you, but a suggested starting price is $5 per person for a half-day tour and $10 per person for a full-day tour for the guide and $2 for the bus driver.

Tours and excursions in France are where the tipping rules deviate a little from the norm. It's considered good etiquette to tip tour guides. Expect to tip 2 to 5 euros per day for a multi-day tour guide. If a driver is involved, factor in another 1 to 2 euros per day.

In general, leave a tip in Euros. Exceptions to this rule: Tip in local currency in Russia, Switzerland, and The United Kingdom.