In Germany people usually round up in a restaurant or give five to ten per cent. Abroad, quite different rules apply. In the USA a tip is almost compulsory, while in Japan it is unusual. In Italy a cover charge is often already on the bill, and in Egypt baksheesh is part of everyday life. If you know the customs, you avoid awkward moments and give a little pleasure to the people who make your holiday a good one.
Tipping by country
| Country | Restaurant | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Spain, Portugal | 5 to 10 %, rounding up | Not compulsory, but appreciated |
| Italy | Rounding up, a few euros | Cover charge and service are often on the bill already |
| France | Rounding up | Service is included in the price |
| Greece | 5 to 10 % | Small amounts usual in tavernas too |
| Croatia | 5 to 10 % | Expected in tourist resorts |
| Turkey | 5 to 10 % | Small amounts for room and service in hotels |
| Egypt | Small amounts for many services | Baksheesh is part of everyday life |
| UK | 10 to 12.5 % | Check whether a service charge has already been added |
| USA, Canada | 15 to 20 % | Waiting staff live largely on tips |
| Mexico, Dominican Republic | 10 to 15 % | Sometimes on the bill already, then a little extra is welcome |
| Thailand | Rounding up, small amounts | Not expected at simple street food stalls |
| United Arab Emirates | 10 to 15 % | Often a service charge on the bill already |
| Japan | No tip | Can be seen as rude |
These are usual guidelines. If the service was poor, a smaller tip or none at all is fine in most countries.
In the hotel
In a hotel, too, there are people who appreciate a small token of thanks. For housekeeping, many guests leave one or two euros a day on the pillow or the table, ideally every day, because different people often clean the room. Porters usually get one or two euros per suitcase. And the concierge who gets you a special table in a restaurant will be glad of a few euros.
In countries such as Egypt or Turkey, wages in tourism are low, and tips are an important part of people’s income. If you give a tip at the start of your holiday, you often get particularly attentive service.
Taxis, guides and excursions
In a taxi you round up in most countries. In the USA and Canada about 15 per cent is usual. Guides and drivers on excursions get their tip when the tour ends, a few euros per person depending on its length and quality. On cruises and tours, tips are often charged as a flat rate. Check your travel documents.
How to give a tip
In Germany you say the total you want to pay when you hand over the money. In many other countries you simply leave the tip on the table after paying the bill. When paying by card in the USA, you write it on the receipt. A friendly smile and a thank you in the local language go down well everywhere.
In short
Find out about the customs at your destination before you travel and take small cash with you. Check the bill for a service charge that has already been added. And if in doubt, almost everywhere a small tip for good service is appreciated, except in Japan.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
