Sixty percent of Americans say they tip for service, but that's mostly because it's practiced in the States. Most service staff in countries around the world don't expect to be tipped for their service, because they are well-paid compared to those in the US.
For example, the average wage for a waiter in Australia is $15 per hour along with benefits, according to PayScale. In the US, only a wage of at least $2.13 per hour, and at least $30 per month in tips is required, so service staff are essentially relying on these tips to make a living.
Other times, the line between opting to leave a tip or just a simple "thank you" is blurred. With help from TripAdvisor, we've listed countries where tipping isn't standard. However, in nearly all cases, you can tip a person directly if you feel their service was extraordinary.
Australia
There is usually a service charge tacked on your bill, and any extra tipping is entirely voluntary. The average wage for servers in Australia is $15.38 per hour, and waiters get benefits as part of their job.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Belgium.
Belgium
According to TripAdvisor, tipping in Belgium is not common. Most service sectors include their service charge with the bill — at restaurants, salons, and taxis.
Great Wall of China, China.
China
Tipping can be a bit confusing in China, but normally no one tips. It's usually prohibited (it's illegal to tip taxi drivers, for example) and is considered impolite. But, because of the booming tourism industry, more tour guides are relying on tips for their income. Feel free to tip your tour guide, or anyone who really went above and beyond to help you — just be prepared for them to refuse.
Copenhagen, Denmark.
Denmark
According to Danish law, it is required that any service charge (including tips for waiters) to be included on the price in restaurants. Wages in Denmark are high, so it's not customary to tip.
Kadriorg Palace, Estonia.
Estonia
Service charges and tips are not allowed to be included on the bill in Estonia. Regardless, you don't have to leave a tip if you don't want to.
Sibelius monument in Finland.
Finland
Service is always included on bills, so no tipping is required or expected in Finland.
Paris, France.
FranceIn France, there will always be a service charge on your bill. Restaurants are required to include it into their prices, so you're not obligated to leave a tip at all.
Iceland.
Iceland
Service fees are attached to almost everything in Iceland, including restaurants, cafes, and taxis, so you are not expected to leave any extra tip.
Positano, Italy.
ItalyA one-to-three euro charge is usually added to the bills for service in Italy, so you don't have to leave any extra. It is also appreciated if you round your bill up to the next dollar as a matter of convenience.
Tokyo, Japan.
JapanIn
Japan, some natives might take an offense to your tip and will refuse even if you give it. It is also advised to refrain from using the word "tip" (chippu) in Japan. Don't tip in most circumstances, but if you want to, put it in an envelope or wrap it in paper.
Sarawak, Malaysia.
Malaysia
It is not customary to tip in restaurants in Malaysia. A 10% service charge will already be added to your bill and is meant to cover tipping and other fees. In clubs, bars, and lounges, however, most people do give the waiter or waitress a dollar or two. If you want things to go to your liking or to speed up a service, tipping might help you — do it at your own discretion.
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Tongariro National Park, New Zealand.
New Zealand
Tipping is not customary in New Zealand. Most locals do not tip because the wait staff gets paid well. However, according to TripAdvisor, most hospitality and service staff in New Zealand are part-time students who don't get paid well. So, they might appreciate the tip. Tip if you feel the service was extraordinary at restaurants, and leave a tip in an envelope with a manager for hospitality services, if you'd like.
Singapore.
Singapore
Tipping in Singapore is not common and would not make a difference to the staff, since the restaurant usually keeps what's left on the table. There is usually a 10% service fee tacked on your bill, but that doesn't go to the staff, either. Don't tip unless you can hand it to the person who serviced you directly.
Lake Bled region, Slovenia.
Slovenia
It is not an obligation to tip in Slovenia, but it will be appreciated.
Seongsan, South Korea.
South Korea
Tipping is not expected nor required in South Korea. There is usually a service charge on your bill already. However, it will be appreciated if you tell a taxi driver to keep the change. Don't tip in most circumstances.
Helsingborg Waterfront, Sweden.
Sweden
Tipping is not mandatory, and there is usually a 10% charge already tacked on your bill in Sweden.
Mount Pilatus, Switzerland.
Switzerland
You don't need to tip in Switzerland because the service staff gets paid fairly well. There is usually also a service charge on your bill, so you don't need to leave extra.
Hoi An, Vietnam.
Vietnam
Tipping is not a part of the Vietnamese culture. A service fee will usually be charged in upscale restaurants as well as Western-style hotels. Feel free to tip your tour guide and hospitality staff if the service was extraordinary.
