Tipping rules by country

Norway

Tipping is not expected in Norway. If you had very good service, rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but optional.

Oman

Tipping is not mandatory in Oman but appreciated for good service. At restaurants around 10% is customary; service charges on the bill often do not reach staff so tip in OMR directly. Round up to the next rial in casual spots.

Pakistan

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; ""baksheesh"" helps get things done. High-end restaurants often add 10% service charge; at local or medium restaurants tip 30-50 PKR. Hotel staff 30-40 PKR; taxi 0-30 PKR if helpful; tour guide 200-300 PKR per day or 30-50 PKR per person group. Give tips directly to staff so they receive them. Wages are low so small tips are valued.

Panama

Tipping is customary in Panama, but not mandatory. Around 10% is typical in restaurants, and you should check the bill before leaving extra.

Papua New Guinea

Tipping is not customary in Papua New Guinea. Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges; it is not common to tip waiters. If you tip round up 5-10% or small kina amounts. Some locals say tipping can create jealousy; tip discreetly if you do.

Paraguay

Tipping is customary in Paraguay. In restaurants, 10-15% is common, while other tips are smaller and discretionary.

Peru

Tipping is appreciated in Peru but not mandatory. In tourist restaurants, around 10% is common if no service charge is already included.

Philippines

Tipping is not expected in the Philippines. A 10% service charge is often on the bill; round up or leave small cash for good service if you wish.

Poland

Tipping is optional but appreciated in Poland. Around 10% is common in restaurants, while rounding up is common in taxis, bars and casual service.

Portugal

Tipping in Portugal is not expected but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving around 5-10% is common when no service charge is included. Always check the bill for "Serviço" or "Coperto".

Qatar

Tipping is not obligatory in Qatar but is standard in hospitality. Many restaurants add a 10-12% service charge (often not passed to staff); if not included, leave 10-15%. QAR preferred; avoid small coins. Some government or high-end staff may not accept cash tips.

Romania

Most locals leave 10-15% in restaurants. Smaller tips are common in casual spots.

Rwanda

Tipping is encouraged but not mandatory. In Kigali restaurants leave about 10% or small cash (2500-5000 RWF). Gorilla trek: tip guide and porters at end; lodge tip box common. RWF or USD cash.

Saint Lucia

Tipping is discretionary. Local standard is around 10% for restaurants and taxis when no service charge is added; many bills include 10-15% service charge. All-inclusive resorts may prohibit tipping—check at the front desk.

San Marino

Tipping is part of the culture in San Marino. Leave around 10% in restaurants or 5-10% if no service charge. Customs similar to Italy. Tip in EUR. Cash preferred.

Saudi Arabia

Tipping is optional in Saudi Arabia. Many bills include a 10-15% service charge; if not, 10-15% is customary. Always use SAR. Saudi staff may refuse tips (seen as charity); non-Saudi workers are more likely to accept. Tour guides and drivers often rely on tips.

Senegal

Tipping is voluntary and appreciated but not mandatory. Restaurants and cafes ~10% if satisfied; bellhops 500-1000 XOF per bag; housekeeping 500 XOF per day; tour guides 5-10% or 2000-5000 XOF per day. Use local currency (XOF); EUR and USD sometimes accepted. Get receipts when paying cash.

Serbia

Tipping is optional in Serbia. Leave 10-15% in restaurants or round up in smaller cafes.

Seychelles

Service charges of 5-10% are often included in restaurant and hotel bills in the Seychelles. Tipping on top is not expected; if no service charge leave 5-10% or round up (SCR or USD/EUR accepted).

Slovenia

Tipping is optional. Staff earn fair wages. Tip 5-10% in restaurants for good service or round up. Cash preferred.

South Africa

Tipping is expected. Leave 10-15% in restaurants; around 10% may be added for larger groups.

Sri Lanka

Many restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge in Sri Lanka. Tipping on top is not expected; if no service charge tip 10% in cash (LKR preferred), and round up for tuk-tuks and taxis.

Sweden

Tipping is not expected. Service is included. Round up or leave 5-10% if you wish.

Taiwan

Tipping is not expected in Taiwan. Hotels and restaurants often add 10% service charge; no need to tip on top.

Tajikistan

Tipping is not expected in Tajikistan but appreciated due to low salaries. At top-end restaurants 10% is standard; in casual cafés and snack places round up the bill; use somoni (TJS) cash.

Tanzania

Tipping is customary in Tanzania, especially on safari and in Zanzibar. In restaurants, 5-10% is common if no service charge is included, while guides, transfers, and lodge staff often receive fixed cash tips.

Trinidad and Tobago

Tipping is optional. 10-15% in restaurants if no service charge; check the bill. More expected in Tobago (tourist areas); in Trinidad locals rarely tip.

Tunisia

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants leave about 10% or round up; 10-15% in upscale or tourist venues. Tip in TND cash.

Turkey

Tipping is customary. Tip around 10% at restaurants; a service charge may be included on the bill.

Uganda

Tipping is appreciated but not expected everywhere. In tourist restaurants leave 5-10%; check for service charge. Safari guides USD 10-20 per day. UGX or USD; change can be scarce.

Ukraine

Tipping is customary in Ukraine. Tip 10% at restaurants; 5-15% is common and a service charge is sometimes included on the bill.

United Arab Emirates

Tipping is not expected in the UAE but is commonly practised. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (and sometimes 6% tourism levy); if not included, 10-15% is customary. AED is preferred for tips.

Uruguay

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Around 10% is typical in restaurants, while small tips or rounding up are common in other situations.

Uzbekistan

Tipping is not expected in Uzbekistan. Service is usually included; 5-10% or up to 10-20% at upscale restaurants is optional.

Vatican City

Same as Rome. Service (servizio) often included. Leave 5-10% or round up where tipping is accepted. Do not tip Swiss Guards. Tip in EUR.

Venezuela

Tipping is voluntary. 10% is typical in restaurants. Carry small USD bills—change is scarce; almost all transactions are in USD.

Vietnam

Tipping is normal in tourist areas. Around 10% in restaurants and round up for taxis. Service charges may be on the bill.

Zambia

Tipping is voluntary but appreciated. In restaurants 10% if no service charge. Safari: tip guide separately and staff via tip box at end of stay. Balance by role; avoid overtipping. USD preferred; small notes; kwacha accepted.

Zimbabwe

Tipping is customary but not compulsory. Restaurants 10-15% for table service; hotels and camps 5-20 USD per guest per day (porters ~1 USD per bag); taxi a few dollars; tour guides 15-20 USD per tour or 5-10 USD per person per day. Use USD cash (small bills); change scarce; card tips may not reach staff. Ask for receipts.