What To Tip | Travel + Leisure
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What To Tip

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There's no doubt that Americans' peripatetic ways have contributed to tipping inflation in all corners of the globe. Although practices abroad are becoming more uniform, there's still a lot of variety. This chart is a general consensus on what you should tip—but to be sure, check with your hotel.

Regions U.S. and Canada
Hotels Individual tips are expected (see text for more info), even if the hotel has a service charge.
Spa Services 15% to 20% of treatment cost in the U.S.; 10% and up in Canada.
Restaurants 15% to 20% (Most U.S. restaurants charge a 15% service fee for parties of six or more).

Regions The Caribbean and the Bahamas
Hotels Individual tips are expected, even if the hotel has a service charge (most do).
Spa Services 10% of treatment cost.
Restaurants 10% to 15% (for good service).

Regions Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
Hotels Tips are expected, and are welcome at the few hotels that have service charges.
Spa Services Ranges from 5% in Uruguay to 20% in Argentina. If you're in doubt, 10% is a good rule of thumb.
Restaurants In Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, expect a 10% service compris.

Regions Most of western Europe
Hotels Individual tips are expected, even at upscale hotels that also have service charges.
Spa Services 10% of treatment cost.
Restaurants Most restaurants include a 10% to 15% service charge. Where service is not included, add 10%.

Regions Eastern Europe
Hotels Tipping is welcome, even at the increasing number of hotels that tack on service fees.
Spa Services 10% of treatment cost. (Tip in cash, since therapists won't get credit card tips.)
Restaurants Service compris is catching on; if there is no stated service fee, tip waiters 10% in cash.

Regions Dubai, Egypt, Israel, Kenya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa
Hotels Individual tips are expected, even when a hotel has a service charge (increasingly common).
Spa Services Tipping is not common; however, at luxury hotels, check with the front desk in advance.
Restaurants Varies from country to country. In South Africa, tip 10%.

Regions China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand
Hotels Tips are not expected at small hotels. They are welcome at high-end hotels, even when there is a service fee.
Spa Services Varies widely. In Singapore, hotels often levy a 10% spa charge.
Restaurants 10% is generally added to the bill; no need to tip extra.

Regions Australia and New Zealand
Hotels Tips are not expected, even for porters. Service fees are rare.
Spa Services Not necessary.
Restaurants 5% to 10% of the bill.

Copyright © 2008, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.