Restaurant Tipping Is SO Different Internationally — Here's What To Know

Have you ever found yourself in a mild panic when it’s time to pay your dinner bill on a vacation because you forgot to look up tipping etiquette in that country? You’re definitely not alone. Tipping expectations vary greatly throughout the world, and it can be hard to keep it all straight. Even if you know tipping isn’t standard in a particular region, it can still feel really weird not to leave a tip. Beyond that, in some places, tipping can even be seen as offensive.

“Tipping culture in the U.S. is unique, and most other countries do not have the same tipping norms,” said Amanda Belarmino, associate professor at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “In general, we tip more in the U.S. than other countries.”

To help eliminate the confusion and make things a bit easier for you as the busy summer travel season approaches, we reached out to experts to gather some intel and best practices for tipping on food and drinks when traveling abroad.

Here’s what you need to know:

Always do your research.

Nearly every travel and hospitality expert we spoke with mentioned the importance of researching tipping customs before you set off on an international trip.

Up-to-date guidebooks, social media posts and travel agents are all great sources of information. Try options like:

• The tourism website for the country you’re visiting.
• A guidebook from a series like Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Frommer’s or Fodor’s.
• Reddit, Tripadvisor and other travel forums.
• Travel advisers at places like Virtuoso, Singita and American Express Travel.
• Travel blogs and social media posts.

Once you’re on the ground, you can also check in with locals, whether it’s a hotel concierge, a tour guide or someone