Tipping norms by country and context
Tipping culture varies more than most travelers expect.
- United States: 18–20% standard at sit-down restaurants. Not tipping is taken as a comment on service. Delivery and counter service tip prompts have expanded significantly — 10–15% is reasonable.
- Canada: Similar to the US, 15–20% for sit-down service.
- UK & Ireland: 10–12.5% at restaurants. Service charge is often automatically added — check the bill before tipping again.
- Continental Europe: 5–10% at restaurants. Rounding up the bill is common. In Germany, it's normal to tell the server the total you want to pay (including tip) rather than handing over and waiting for change.
- Japan: Tipping is culturally unusual and can be considered insulting in traditional contexts. Don't tip — the price on the menu is what you pay.
- Australia & New Zealand: Tipping is appreciated but not expected. 10% for good service is generous.
How to split a bill fairly (when it's not equal)
Equal splitting works when everyone ordered roughly the same. When one person had the steak and wine and another had a salad and water, a proportional split is fairer.
- Simple approach: each person pays for what they ordered, then split the tip equally.
- Item-by-item apps (Splitwise, etc.) let everyone log their items and settle later.
- If someone forgot their wallet: cover their share and log it in a splitting app for next time.
- Large groups at restaurants: ask if the restaurant can split the bill by seat before ordering — many will accommodate, and it solves all the math.