Gratuities Expected Around the World

My dear polite travelers,

In some countries, it is considered impolite to tip. In some, Americans are viewed as rude or pretentious because we over-tip. So, here are some guidelines that appear to be a ‘general rule’. Still, it is best to ask the hotel staff where you are staying. Just like in the U.S., there are regional differences.

Australia—Not expected

Dining: 10%

Porters: $2 per bag

Taxi: Round to the next dollar

China—Most don’t expect a tip

Dining 10-15% in large cities

Porters $2-3

Taxi None

Britain—Not always necessary, but appreciated

Dining: 10% if not added to the bill

Porters: £ 2 per bag

Taxi: common to round up to next pound or 10-15% if assisted with bags

France – Usually included in the price

Dining: 5% or Leave change on the table; Check your receipt

Porter: € 1 per bag

Taxi: Drivers don’t earn much, so a 5-10% tip is appreciated.

Germany

Dining: 5%

Porter: € 1 per bag

Taxi: Round to the next Euro

Italy

Dining: 10% + service charge

Porter: € 1-2 per bag

Taxi: Round to the next Euro

Japan

Tipping is not common and may be an insult. Inquire at your hotel about individual venues.

More by The Polite Traveler

How I Save Money When Visiting Paris, France

Three Top Traditional Foods of Beaune

Top Five Free Things to Do When Visiting Paris, France

Comments

Pluses & Minuses of The Hyatt House Vacaville

Beautiful But Needs Adjustments to its Accessible Rooms My Dear Polite Travelers I recently read about a new Hyatt House and since I needed a short brain-tidy-vaca near my home base in Davis, CA, I ventured twenty miles west to the sprawling city of Vacaville, the shopping mecca of our general area. The Lobby/Bar/Restaurant Walking into the lobby, I noted calming tones, striking art, décor, and welcoming faces. The registration staff was delightful and efficient. The attractive bar and eating area are tastefully decorated and have ample seating areas. In fact, the entire area was so lovely that I brought many of those decorating ideas home with me. The restaurant’s menu was limited and similar to what is typically found at bars: hamburgers, pizzas… etc. I ordered a hamburger which was delivered overcooked. Grr… Accessible Room 133 First off, this is a gorgeous room filled with outstanding artwork. It includes a kitchenette, small ...

Hotel Review: Comfort Inn Downtown Morro Bay, CA

Old, Needs Update, but Perfectly Located Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, I’ve always wanted to visit our central coast, an ocean town known for its big rock. Staying in a hotel one block from the coast...dreamy. The Comfort Inn Downtown is central to just about everything and overlooks a majestic bay with, yes, a huge rock. This hotel is adequate, and the staff is accommodating . Most importantly, it is inexpensive for this area, especially considering the view. Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting. Always wear your face mask when in public. Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available. Please remember, this is only temporary. The Positives Proximity to the shore, the wharf, and Morro Rock Fitness center/gym equipped with up-to-date machine Guest laundry Free hot breakfast: limited Free WIFI Free on-site parking Interior corridors—excellent for cold weather C...

Cruise Room Review: Grand Princess L307

Comfy, Rocking Room on the Grand Princess Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, What does a person really want in a cruise ship stateroom? Well, I suppose the answer would be different with each passenger. For my hubby and I, we wanted to be able to see the ocean and be comfortable. Since this was a relatively chilly weather cruise, we skipped a balcony room and chose an outside cabin with a window. Not many were available when we decided on an Alaskan cruise anyway. Even so, I think ours was perfect. Not too small and not too expensive. After all, this is our second Alaskan cruise, so I did not feel it granted an extravagant suite. We are not that type anyway. Note : Follow CDC and Princess guidelines when visiting. Always wear your face mask when in public. Where’s our room? We knew our room was on the Lido deck. Check. Nevertheless, we couldn’t find cabin 307. Ever...

The Polite Traveler

Search This Blog