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Find Your Tipping Point Abroad

With gratuity varying by country, it's important not to offend

By Doug Sweeney, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 20, 2008 2:26 PM CST

(Newser) – Knowing the appropriate level of gratuity can be tricky, and it gets even more difficult abroad, where tipping practices widely vary. Forbes offers some help, noting, for instance, that for a cab ride in South America, rounding up the fare to the next dollar is an acceptable tip, while in Europe or an African city 10% is expected.

Add 5-10% in Europe even when a service charge is added, the magazine urges. In Japan, tipping is seen as rude in any situation, where in China it’s customary to add 3% to the bill at restaurants; in Hong Kong, 15% is expected. And world-round, $2-$5 is an acceptable amount to tip a concierge for a simple request.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

A 15% tip is standard in the US; add 5-10% in Europe even when a service charge is included. And while tips are also expected in Hong Kong and China, adding a gratuity will insult in Japan. (AP Photo)

A tip is left by a customer at Linda's Place Restaurant in St. Clair Shores, Mich., Thursday, June 19, 2008. Bartenders, waiters, hair stylists, cab drivers and other workers who depend on tips. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

When in doubt, tip, particularly in the US. (©morrissey)

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In most places around the world, it's better to give something than nothing—so if you're ever in doubt, tip. - Erica Duecy, Fodor's restaurants
and hotels editor

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Find Your Tipping Point Abroad