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How Much Should I Tip? A Country-by-Country Guide

Tipping etiquette for restaurants, hotels, taxis and delivery services in the US, UK, Australia and beyond.

📖 5 min read  ·  Updated May 2025  ·  EverydayFinance

Tipping norms vary dramatically by country — from near-mandatory in the US to unusual in Japan. Getting it wrong in either direction can be awkward. Here is a clear guide by country and service type.

United States

Tipping is deeply embedded in US service culture. Many workers — particularly restaurant servers — earn below minimum wage with the expectation that tips make up the difference.

  • Sit-down restaurants: 15% adequate, 18–20% good, 20–25% excellent
  • Bars: $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% on a tab
  • Coffee shops and counter service: optional, 10–15% appreciated
  • Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats): $3–5 minimum, or 15–20%
  • Taxis and rideshare: 10–15%, round up to the nearest dollar
  • Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night, left daily
  • Hair salons: 15–20%

United Kingdom

Tipping is less expected in the UK but increasingly common. Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge of 10–12.5% — you can ask for it to be removed if you prefer to tip in cash. Without a service charge, 10–15% is a generous gesture at sit-down restaurants. Tipping at pubs (counter service) is unusual. Taxis: round up or add £1–2. Hotel porters: £1–2 per bag.

Australia and New Zealand

Tipping is not expected in Australia or New Zealand — workers are paid a living wage. However, 10% is appreciated at restaurants for genuinely good service. Rounding up at a café is a common gesture. Tipping at fast food, pubs or taxis is not the norm.

Canada

Similar to the US, tipping is expected in Canada at restaurants and bars. 15% is the minimum; 18–20% for good service. Many point-of-sale systems now suggest 18%, 20% and 25% as starting options. Hotel and taxi tipping follows US conventions.

Should I Tip Before or After Tax?

Most etiquette guides suggest tipping on the pre-tax amount, though many people tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. On a $100 bill with 10% tax, 20% pre-tax = $20; 20% post-tax = $22. The difference is small — either approach is acceptable.

Calculate the exact tip and split the bill with our free tip calculator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I tip at a US restaurant?
15% for adequate service, 18–20% for good service, 20–25% for excellent service. For large parties, many restaurants automatically add 18–20% gratuity — check the bill before adding extra.
Do I have to pay the service charge in UK restaurants?
Service charges in UK restaurants are discretionary — you can ask for it to be removed. If you pay it, ensure it goes to the staff (ask the restaurant how the service charge is distributed). Some restaurant groups keep a portion.
Is tipping expected in Australia?
Not at all — it is always optional. Workers in Australia are paid a full living wage. A 10% tip is a generous gesture for excellent service but will not cause offence if not given. Tipping is most common at restaurants in major cities.
How much should I tip for food delivery?
In the US: $3–5 minimum, or 15–20% of the order value. Delivery drivers rely heavily on tips, especially on small orders. In the UK and Australia, tipping food delivery is becoming more common but remains optional — £1–2 or rounding up is typical.
Should I tip on takeaway orders?
For counter pickup at restaurants, tipping is optional. If the staff prepared your food, 10% is a kind gesture. For phone orders at local restaurants, small tips are appreciated but not expected. For app-based pickups (Chipotle, Starbucks), the app may prompt — this is optional.