In the United States, tipping is so commonplace that restaurants now print suggested tip amounts on receipts. However, this tipping culture isn’t the same everywhere else. In fact, in some countries, tipping is considered rude!
Here are some countries where offering a gratuity may not always be appropriate. In some places, customers generally give tips sparingly. And in others, it’s just not expected or requested.
1. China
Until recently, tipping was so frowned upon in China that it was treated as a crime! These days, businesses that primarily serve tourists, such as tour operators and international name-brand hotels, invite patrons to offer tips to workers. But at companies that mainly cater to Chinese locals, it’s still not a good idea to provide any tips to workers, as American-style tipping culture remains socially unacceptable.
2. Japan
Japan has an intricate network of customs and societal norms regarding gratuities. Guests often tip waitstaff at special events like weddings and funerals, but workers are frequently offended when offered tips. Most of the time, tips are not only unusual, but they’re also publicly refused. In those rare circumstances when tips are encouraged, offer one discreetly and in an envelope.
3. Denmark
As one of the most highly developed nations in the European Union and the world, it’s unsurprising that this Scandinavian nation tends to shy away from tipping entirely. Tips are never required because service industry staff are guaranteed living wages and additional benefits. No one will ever stop you from offering a modest round-up but don’t feel pressured to offer more.
4. Singapore
The government states in this tiny island-city nation that “tipping is not a way of life.” Here in Singapore, they mean it! While small gratuities probably won’t cause a scandal at hotels, restaurants, and taxis, larger tips might get you in trouble. When in doubt, don’t even bother tipping.
5. Switzerland
Swiss federal law requires a high minimum wage and all service charges to be automatically included in advertised prices, so staff does not expect tips at hotels, restaurants, or other service-oriented businesses. Though tips are becoming more widely accepted in Zurich, Geneva, and other tourist-heavy areas, they’re still not a big deal here.
6. South Korea
Like the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, tipping culture has never played a huge role in South Korean culture. In more recent years, high-end hotels have begun to charge service fees that are supposed to support higher pay for staff. Beyond the hotels, taxi drivers usually appreciate an invitation to “keep the change,” but tips are never required or expected.
7. Australia
In the “Land Down Under,” paying over the required amount has never been customary. In recent years, American-style tipping culture has begun to permeate the Australian service industry, but gratuities are never required or demanded. Restaurant and hotel bills already include a 10% service tax, and it’s typical to encourage waitstaff to “keep the change.”
8. France
Since 1955, France has enforced a law that requires restaurants to add a service charge to each bill to guarantee better pay for waitstaff. Over the years, France has continued to build a strong culture of workers’ rights, so employers generally expect to pay service workers decent living wages rather than customers having to make up for employers’ shortcomings. Tips are usually allowed but hardly ever expected.
9. Brazil
Even though Brazil has long struggled with economic and societal inequities, this South American country has still not fully embraced tipping culture. Restaurants sometimes add suggested service charges to the bill, but it’s never mandatory to pay. Though taxi drivers and hotel porters sometimes request tips, you probably won’t feel pressured to tip at your hotel.
10. Belgium
Belgium is another Western European nation where hotel staff, restaurant staff, and other service industry workers tend to earn good living wages, so the tipping culture isn’t robust here. Service charges are always automatically included in the bill. That said, waitstaff might be more inclined to request gratuities in ultra-touristy areas that tend to attract more American and Canadian visitors.
11. Estonia
Like the rest of Europe, tips are never automatically added to the bill in Estonia, and restaurants don’t even print suggested gratuity amounts. A 10% gratuity is generally considered acceptable for outstanding service. Even so, customers never feel compelled or shamed into leaving a gratuity.
12. New Zealand
Like its Oceanic sibling nation, tipping culture isn’t a huge deal in New Zealand. Yet, unlike in Australia, service industry workers aren’t always guaranteed generous wages and benefits. As a result, hospitality workers always appreciate a 10% tip for excellent service, but you never feel obligated to leave larger gratuities.