Travel Tipping Guide: Simple Rules for Every Holiday

When you’re on a holiday, the last thing you want is to guess how much to tip. The right amount shows respect, keeps staff happy and protects your wallet. This guide gives you clear numbers and easy rules so you never feel unsure at a restaurant, hotel or taxi.

Core Tipping Rules You Can Remember

Start with three basic ideas that work in most places. First, tip 10‑15% of the bill after service charge is removed – that’s a safe range for restaurants in Europe, North America and many Asian hubs. Second, round up small amounts for taxis, rideshares or airport shuttles; a £2‑£3 tip on a short ride is normal in the UK, while in the U.S. you can add a few dollars. Third, for hotel staff, give £1‑£2 per night to housekeeping, and a similar amount to bellhops for luggage. These numbers keep things simple and let you add them up quickly in your travel budget.

If a venue already includes a service charge, you don’t need to add anything unless the service felt exceptional. In restaurants that automatically add 12‑15% to the bill, a small extra tip for great service (a couple of pounds or dollars) is appreciated but not required.

Another quick rule: if you’re unsure, look for a tip jar. A visible jar in a cafe or bar signals that a small tip is expected. Drop a few coins, and you’re good.

Tips for Popular Destinations

Different countries have different habits. In Spain and Italy, a 5‑10% tip is enough – most places already include a service charge. In France, you can leave loose change on the table; the service charge is built in. In the United States, the 15‑20% range is the norm, and you’ll often see a “tip” line on the receipt.

In Mexico and many Latin American countries, a 10% tip for restaurants and a few pesos for hotel staff is standard. For tours, a tip of $5‑$10 per person per day shows appreciation to the guide, and $2‑$5 for the driver.

Asian destinations vary a lot. In Japan, tipping is rarely expected and can even be confusing. In Thailand and Vietnam, a 10% tip for restaurants is common, and a few baht or dong for hotel housekeeping works well. In the UAE, a 10% tip for restaurant service and a small amount for drivers is customary.

For cruise ships, most onboard services already include gratuities, but if you want to add a tip for the maître d' or your cabin steward, a few extra dollars per day is a nice gesture.

To keep your budget in check, set a daily “tip allowance” when you plan your trip. Add the typical amounts from the list above to your daily expenses, and you’ll know exactly how much cash to carry. Using a small envelope for each day helps you stay organized and avoids digging through your wallet at the last minute.

Remember to use small bills and coins – most places can’t break large notes. If you’re using a card, many payment terminals let you add a tip after the initial swipe; just double‑check the final amount before confirming.

By following these simple rules and adjusting a few numbers for each country, you’ll tip confidently, avoid awkward moments, and keep your holiday budget on track.