Guide to tipping etiquette on holiday

Many people find that tipping, both here in the UK and also on their holidays abroad, can be socially awkward, embarrassing and inconsistent. This guide to tipping outlines how you should approach tipping and highlights some tipping expectations in common scenarios, both in the UK and also in some of the world’s holiday hotspots.

Tipping can be socially awkward, embarrassing and inconsistent

It is important to remember that tipping is a gesture of appreciation for the service you have received – if you are impressed with the service, then great! It deserves to be rewarded and acknowledged. But the real difficulty comes in deciding how much to tip. Tipping is inherently linked to social custom and varies between different cultures and countries. An inadequate tip could be considered an infringement on etiquette or an insult to a lifetime’s work. So to help you navigate your way through the tipping minefield, here is a round-up of tipping etiquette by country:

UK

Restaurants – In some high-end establishments, 12.5% is usually already included on the bill. If not, anything between 10% and 15% is an acceptable gratuity.
Bars & Pubs – It is normally at your discretion, as tips are generally not expected in pubs, however cocktail bars will often add 12.5% to your bill for table service.
Taxis - Political and economical musings come at a price, with rounding up to the nearest whole pound or up to 10% of the fare being standard.
Hotel staff – A couple of pounds is acceptable for maid service and for assistance with luggage.

USA

In the United States, many employers in the service sector pay their employees on the assumption that tips will contribute to an acceptable wage, so tipping is of paramount importance. Tipping in America is a big issue in general, especially during the festive period, with almost everyone receiving a monetary tip.

Restaurants - between 15% and 20% is expected, which is higher than many places, but this is more likely to go directly to the staff.
Bars & Pubs – 15% is considered standard in bars and pubs, with a minimum of a $1 tip per transaction.
Taxis – Be prepared to add between 10% and 15% to the final bill for taxis.
Hotel staff – A couple of dollars is acceptable for maid service and bellboys.

Staff tipping expectations differ from one country to another

France

Parisians will tell you that there is no standard for tipping in Paris, and that the French will only tip if they deem a service to be worthy.

Restaurants - Service is normally ‘compris’, or already included, in restaurants, but excellent service can be rewarded with a further 5% left in cash.
Bars & Pubs – When it comes to bars, it is not generally customary to tip in France.
Taxis – Tips are not normally given to taxi drivers, but are generally used to make giving change easier.
Hotel staff – It is completely at your discretion, with a few Euros being more than sufficient.

Spain

Tipping is not generally mandatory in Spain, but tends to vary with the type of venue – an upscale establishment, for example, will be more likely to expect a tip.

Restaurants – Service is sometimes included in the prices, but this may not always make it to the waiters, so it is acceptable to leave a further 5 – 10% in cash. When looking at a menu, be careful to note whether tax at 7% is included in the prices, or this will also be added to your bill, by law. In a casual tapas bar, tipping is not normally expected, but leave a few Euros if the service was worth it.
Taxis - Tipping taxi drivers is by no means obligatory, although between 5 and 10% is considered good etiquette.
Hotel staff – A few Euros for staff is more than acceptable.

Italy

Unlike many European countries, tipping is not generally expected in Italy, but naturally it’s always appreciated.

Restaurants – A cover charge is normally already included and they tend to charge extra for bread, both of which are considered to replace the usual ‘tip’ or service charge. However, if you think that the service was worthy of reward, a tip of between 5 and 10% will be gratefully received.
Taxis - It’s not obligatory to tip a taxi driver, but rounding up to the nearest Euro is considered good etiquette.
Hotel staff - A couple of Euros is acceptable for maid service and for assistance with luggage.

Turkey

Tipping in Turkey is generally not a large part of the country’s culture, with modest tips being perfectly acceptable.

Restaurants – In restaurants and bars, you should leave 5 – 10% in cash for the waiters.
Taxis - Although taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, it is widely accepted that you should round up to the nearest Lira.

Portugal

Restaurants – In Portugal, tipping is usually considered as a supplement to an income at a restaurant, therefore a tip of 10% would be greatly appreciated, although a fine dining restaurant may include up to 15% on the bill.
Taxis – Taxi drivers normally expect a 10% tip on top of the fare.
Hotel staff - A few Euros should be given to bellboys and maids, and remember to tip your concierge if you make use of the service.

This guide to tipping was written by Emyr Thomas, founder of Bon Vivant, a concierge and lifestyle management company in London. You can read the Bon Vivant blog at http://bonvivantliving.wordpress.com/