How Much to Tip? A Guide to Tipping in the U.S. and Around the World
Tipping rules feel like a minefield — 15%? 20%? Nothing? Here is a clear, country-by-country guide, plus how it works for takeout and delivery.
Few things confuse visitors — and even locals — like tipping. How much is expected changes completely depending on where you are: in the United States a tip is essentially part of the worker’s wage, while in Japan it can be mildly insulting. Here is how to get it right, at home and abroad.
Tipping in the United States
In the U.S., tipping is expected, not optional, because many service workers are paid a reduced “tipped minimum wage” and rely on tips for most of their income. The rough standard for sit-down restaurants:
- 15% — the floor, for acceptable service.
- 18–20% — the normal range for good service; 20% is the common default.
- 25%+ — for genuinely excellent or attentive service.
A quick way to calculate 20%: move the decimal one place left, then double it (a $45 bill → $4.50 → $9). Tip on the pre-tax total if you want to be precise, though many people just tip on the total.
Takeout, delivery, and the counter
- Takeout / pickup: not required, though rounding up or 10% for a large or carefully packed order is appreciated.
- Delivery: $3–5 or 10–15%, more in bad weather or for a big order. Note that a “delivery fee” usually goes to the restaurant or app, not the driver.
- Coffee shops / counter service: optional; the tablet asking for 20% on a self-serve coffee is new and entirely your call.
- Buffet: a smaller tip (about 10%) for the staff who clear plates and refill drinks.
Ordering online through a restaurant’s own system (like the restaurants in our directory) usually lets you tip the staff directly — and unlike third-party apps, none of it is skimmed as commission.
Tipping around the world
The American model is unusual. In much of the world, service staff earn a full wage and tipping is a modest bonus — or simply not done.
East Asia — often no tipping at all
- Japan: No tipping. It can be confusing or even seen as rude; good service is a point of pride, not a transaction. Leaving cash on the table may get you chased down to return it.
- South Korea: Generally no tipping; not expected at restaurants.
- China: Traditionally no tipping at local restaurants, though upscale and tourist venues increasingly accept it.
Europe — service often included
- France, Italy, Spain: A service charge (“service compris” / “coperto”) is frequently built into the bill. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is generous, not required.
- Germany, Netherlands: Round up or add 5–10%, handed directly to the server rather than left on the table.
- United Kingdom: 10–15%, but check whether a service charge is already on the bill.
Elsewhere
- Canada: Similar to the U.S. — 15–20%.
- Australia & New Zealand: Not expected; staff earn a full wage. 5–10% for excellent service is a nice extra.
- Middle East & much of Latin America: 10–15% is common; check if it’s already added as a service charge.
The golden rules
- When in doubt, ask or observe — locals and your bill will tell you if service is included.
- Check for a “service charge” or “gratuity” already on the bill (common for large groups) so you don’t double-tip.
- Cash is often best for tips abroad — it reaches the server directly.
- Never feel pressured by a default screen; a tip is a thank-you, and the amount is yours to decide.
Order direct and tip the people who served you
When you order through a restaurant’s own online system instead of a third-party app, more of your money — tip included — actually reaches the restaurant and its staff. Browse the JinsCafe directory to order directly from restaurants near you, and read reviews before you go. New to a cuisine? Start with our guides to dim sum, Korean BBQ, or sushi.