In response to this thread, I thought this might be handy, or at least an interesting read.
The Not Quite Ultimate Reference Guide to Tipping Around the World!
Tipping is very much a culturally rooted tradition, and it varies considerably throughout the world. The lack of a tip may not necessarily indicate that a person is cheap or rude, but may instead reflect a different cultural value.
Taken from various web sources, listed at the end:
Australia
In Australia, tipping is traditionally not common and, beyond the hospitality industry, almost all service providers will never expect a tip. Employers pay a sufficient wage and do not expect employees to supplement their income with tips. However tipping is becoming increasingly common at some establishments (particularly restaurants, cafes, upmarket hotels, and nightclubs) in cities such as Gold Coast, Sydney or Melbourne, for good to exceptional service. In recent decades, tip jars have increasingly become common in hospitality establishments, even in suburban areas of these cities. However, even in these establishments, tipping is often still seen as being an optional personal choice.
Austria
In Austria, waiters receive sufficient wages. Tipping is however very common and although legally not mandatory it is often considered as socially obligatory. Giving 5% to 10% of the total amount is common, more signals exceptionally good service. Paying a multiple of a Euro is usual, for low sums the amount paid is often a multiple of 50 Cents (i.e. a bill of Euro 7.80 can be paid as Euro 8 or Euro 8.50).
Giving no tip at all is considered impolite and should only be used when the service was bad. Tipping is common in any bar and restaurant, but not when the goods are exchanged over the counter (i.e. in fast-food restaurants or at street stalls). Traditionally, the owner of a restaurant (known as "Wirt" in German) does not receive a tip. However, this tradition is less common nowadays.
Canada
Most service staff in Canada expect something in the 10-20% tip range, depending on what city, if it's French or English Canada, and the level of service. Tipping is expected for restaurants, bars, food delivery and taxis. You should not try to tip the police, especially the Royal Canadian Mountain Police - they will not appreciate it. 15% is a good tip in a restaurant. In Montreal, tips for a good meal at a good restaurant with good service should be tipped more. In most of English Canada, you would find it a lot harder to have the same experience, and anyway would not be expected to tip as much.
On the other hand, you should not tip if service is bad. If the service is really bad, leave a nickel - they should get the message. There is no excuse for bad service - it's so easy to give! And if you work in the service industry, the little effort can gain you a personal reward - tips!
China
In China, traditionally you don't have to tip at restaurants or hotels. But businesses that cater to foreign tourists may accept your tip if you insist. In five-star international hotels, porters are tipped.
Egypt
In Egypt you are expected to tip - it's a way of life. If you go on a cruise on the Nile or on Lake Nasser, at the end of the cruise you will be asked to leave tips for the boat crew and any one else involved in the tours. Tipping the guide is at your discretion, but a good guide is worth a good tip.
Similarly, if you go to somewhere like Luxor or Aswan and use a caleche (horse-drawn 'buggy') to get about, the driver will expect a tip on top of the agreed fare. It's up to you whether you pay it, but the man will look aggrieved if you don't! Taxi drivers don't get tipped
Estonia
Tipping in Estonia is not very common. Taxi drivers like to keep the change and sometimes waiters in a fancy restaurant would too, but they won't be insulted if you don't do it. You'll noticed that some small cafés and pubs have a jar or box on the counter labelled 'Tip' on it. Looks like it's working too. At least it's a smart idea.
Finland
In Finland tips for taxi drivers are often the roundup or 0.5 - 10 Euros, for extra hard service, 20 - 50 Euros. Even best hotels rarely help with your luggage so that the only helper may be your cab driver (1-2 Euros per piece). Waitors usually get tips that already are included in the bill, but still they may get some extra. Tipping is not compulsory, however. Doormen, "portiers", in many restaurants frequently receive mandatory tips either for "taking care of the overcoat and umbrella" or for assuring security, but in fact letting you visit next time easier.
Tips are preferred in cash instead of credit cards, because of avoiding sharing with the employer and with the tax office.
For clerks, police, etc. tipping is not allowed, and could lead to legal problems.
France
In France, in restaurants, though not at bars, service must be included in the price, by law. It is usually about 15% or so
Germany
In Germany, sufficient wages are paid to most service employees. However, in bars, restaurants and taxicabs tips are expected to be 5% to 10% of the total amount if the guest was satisfied with the service. When the bill is presented, pay any multiple of a Euro. Replying with a new total "nice" figure and asking for change in full Euros, no Cents, is okay.
Iceland
In Iceland tipping is practically unheard of except when a customer wants to show appreciation for exceptionally good service.
Italy
No tip is expected in restaurants throughout Italy. If you feel guilty, just remember that you are being charged a coperto ('cover charge') or possibly for pane ('bread'), as well. If you're feeling generous, you can leave some coins on the table as you leave.
Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland, tipping is not very established as a custom, though has become much more commonplace as a result of increased wealth through the Celtic Tiger. Very few employees in the service industry will expect a tip. Many may be insulted if one is provided. Similar to the UK, it is not customary to tip bar staff, though often waiters in pubs (known as Lounge Girls/Boys) are tipped a token amount. It is not usual to tip in a restaurant when a service charge is included (which is the norm), except in the case of exceptional service. Where no service charge is indicated, a tip of about 10% is appropriate for good service.
Japan
Tipping is not the custom in Japan and it is almost never done.
Malaysia
Tipping is not customarily done in Malaysia. However, individuals will gratefully accept any tips you give them for their exceptional service.
Mauritius
Even though tipping is not the custom in Mauritius, individuals will gratefully accept any tips you give them for their exceptional service.
Mexico
In Mexico tipping is expected for almost any service - if not just a common courtesy to help compensate people who are paid little for their work except for tips. Taxis, restaurants, food delivery folks all should be tipped. Generosity is appreciated, stinginess or no tip for bad service is understood or grudgingly accepted; it might be that your waiter believes in Karma - just make sure that if you go back again, return a favour.
New Zealand
Tipping as of habit is not part of New Zealand culture and is often treated with suspicion or actively frowned upon, as many people look upon it as a largely American custom that over-compensates certain professions while other are left out. Despite this, some forms of tipping are quite common, such as rounding up a taxi fare. It is almost as likely, however, that the taxi driver will round the fare down. Occasionally tips are given in a restaurant for exceptional service, and even then the waiter might insist that the tip be given back.
New Zealanders who visit North America often state that one of their greatest annoyances is their unfamiliarity with the custom of tipping, and often say that bellhops and bartenders in particular expect entirely too much money for relatively little extra work.
Singapore
Tipping is not required in Singapore and even taxis will usually return your change to the last cent, or even round in your favor if they can't be bothered to dig for change.
Slovenia
Tipping is not the custom in Slovenia and it is almost never done.
South Africa
In South Africa, the customary tip at restaurants is 10%, although a few restaurants charge a mandatory service fee for large parties. A small amount is occassionally given to petrol station attendants for additional services, such as cleaning one's windscreen. Toilet cleaners at service stations along major road routes are sometimes tipped when they provide good service and keep the facilities clean, especially if there is a tip jar, or a notice recommending tipping, in the rest room. "Car guards", who claim to "look after" one's parked car are usually given a small tip if they are in uniform and authorized; however those without uniforms are usually regarded as a nuisance, and tipping them is not compulsory, despite the fact that they often harass motorists looking for payment.
The Not Quite Ultimate Reference Guide to Tipping Around the World!
Tipping is very much a culturally rooted tradition, and it varies considerably throughout the world. The lack of a tip may not necessarily indicate that a person is cheap or rude, but may instead reflect a different cultural value.
Taken from various web sources, listed at the end:
Australia
In Australia, tipping is traditionally not common and, beyond the hospitality industry, almost all service providers will never expect a tip. Employers pay a sufficient wage and do not expect employees to supplement their income with tips. However tipping is becoming increasingly common at some establishments (particularly restaurants, cafes, upmarket hotels, and nightclubs) in cities such as Gold Coast, Sydney or Melbourne, for good to exceptional service. In recent decades, tip jars have increasingly become common in hospitality establishments, even in suburban areas of these cities. However, even in these establishments, tipping is often still seen as being an optional personal choice.
Austria
In Austria, waiters receive sufficient wages. Tipping is however very common and although legally not mandatory it is often considered as socially obligatory. Giving 5% to 10% of the total amount is common, more signals exceptionally good service. Paying a multiple of a Euro is usual, for low sums the amount paid is often a multiple of 50 Cents (i.e. a bill of Euro 7.80 can be paid as Euro 8 or Euro 8.50).
Giving no tip at all is considered impolite and should only be used when the service was bad. Tipping is common in any bar and restaurant, but not when the goods are exchanged over the counter (i.e. in fast-food restaurants or at street stalls). Traditionally, the owner of a restaurant (known as "Wirt" in German) does not receive a tip. However, this tradition is less common nowadays.
Canada
Most service staff in Canada expect something in the 10-20% tip range, depending on what city, if it's French or English Canada, and the level of service. Tipping is expected for restaurants, bars, food delivery and taxis. You should not try to tip the police, especially the Royal Canadian Mountain Police - they will not appreciate it. 15% is a good tip in a restaurant. In Montreal, tips for a good meal at a good restaurant with good service should be tipped more. In most of English Canada, you would find it a lot harder to have the same experience, and anyway would not be expected to tip as much.
On the other hand, you should not tip if service is bad. If the service is really bad, leave a nickel - they should get the message. There is no excuse for bad service - it's so easy to give! And if you work in the service industry, the little effort can gain you a personal reward - tips!
China
In China, traditionally you don't have to tip at restaurants or hotels. But businesses that cater to foreign tourists may accept your tip if you insist. In five-star international hotels, porters are tipped.
Egypt
In Egypt you are expected to tip - it's a way of life. If you go on a cruise on the Nile or on Lake Nasser, at the end of the cruise you will be asked to leave tips for the boat crew and any one else involved in the tours. Tipping the guide is at your discretion, but a good guide is worth a good tip.
Similarly, if you go to somewhere like Luxor or Aswan and use a caleche (horse-drawn 'buggy') to get about, the driver will expect a tip on top of the agreed fare. It's up to you whether you pay it, but the man will look aggrieved if you don't! Taxi drivers don't get tipped
Estonia
Tipping in Estonia is not very common. Taxi drivers like to keep the change and sometimes waiters in a fancy restaurant would too, but they won't be insulted if you don't do it. You'll noticed that some small cafés and pubs have a jar or box on the counter labelled 'Tip' on it. Looks like it's working too. At least it's a smart idea.
Finland
In Finland tips for taxi drivers are often the roundup or 0.5 - 10 Euros, for extra hard service, 20 - 50 Euros. Even best hotels rarely help with your luggage so that the only helper may be your cab driver (1-2 Euros per piece). Waitors usually get tips that already are included in the bill, but still they may get some extra. Tipping is not compulsory, however. Doormen, "portiers", in many restaurants frequently receive mandatory tips either for "taking care of the overcoat and umbrella" or for assuring security, but in fact letting you visit next time easier.
Tips are preferred in cash instead of credit cards, because of avoiding sharing with the employer and with the tax office.
For clerks, police, etc. tipping is not allowed, and could lead to legal problems.
France
In France, in restaurants, though not at bars, service must be included in the price, by law. It is usually about 15% or so
Germany
In Germany, sufficient wages are paid to most service employees. However, in bars, restaurants and taxicabs tips are expected to be 5% to 10% of the total amount if the guest was satisfied with the service. When the bill is presented, pay any multiple of a Euro. Replying with a new total "nice" figure and asking for change in full Euros, no Cents, is okay.
Iceland
In Iceland tipping is practically unheard of except when a customer wants to show appreciation for exceptionally good service.
Italy
No tip is expected in restaurants throughout Italy. If you feel guilty, just remember that you are being charged a coperto ('cover charge') or possibly for pane ('bread'), as well. If you're feeling generous, you can leave some coins on the table as you leave.
Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland, tipping is not very established as a custom, though has become much more commonplace as a result of increased wealth through the Celtic Tiger. Very few employees in the service industry will expect a tip. Many may be insulted if one is provided. Similar to the UK, it is not customary to tip bar staff, though often waiters in pubs (known as Lounge Girls/Boys) are tipped a token amount. It is not usual to tip in a restaurant when a service charge is included (which is the norm), except in the case of exceptional service. Where no service charge is indicated, a tip of about 10% is appropriate for good service.
Japan
Tipping is not the custom in Japan and it is almost never done.
Malaysia
Tipping is not customarily done in Malaysia. However, individuals will gratefully accept any tips you give them for their exceptional service.
Mauritius
Even though tipping is not the custom in Mauritius, individuals will gratefully accept any tips you give them for their exceptional service.
Mexico
In Mexico tipping is expected for almost any service - if not just a common courtesy to help compensate people who are paid little for their work except for tips. Taxis, restaurants, food delivery folks all should be tipped. Generosity is appreciated, stinginess or no tip for bad service is understood or grudgingly accepted; it might be that your waiter believes in Karma - just make sure that if you go back again, return a favour.
New Zealand
Tipping as of habit is not part of New Zealand culture and is often treated with suspicion or actively frowned upon, as many people look upon it as a largely American custom that over-compensates certain professions while other are left out. Despite this, some forms of tipping are quite common, such as rounding up a taxi fare. It is almost as likely, however, that the taxi driver will round the fare down. Occasionally tips are given in a restaurant for exceptional service, and even then the waiter might insist that the tip be given back.
New Zealanders who visit North America often state that one of their greatest annoyances is their unfamiliarity with the custom of tipping, and often say that bellhops and bartenders in particular expect entirely too much money for relatively little extra work.
Singapore
Tipping is not required in Singapore and even taxis will usually return your change to the last cent, or even round in your favor if they can't be bothered to dig for change.
Slovenia
Tipping is not the custom in Slovenia and it is almost never done.
South Africa
In South Africa, the customary tip at restaurants is 10%, although a few restaurants charge a mandatory service fee for large parties. A small amount is occassionally given to petrol station attendants for additional services, such as cleaning one's windscreen. Toilet cleaners at service stations along major road routes are sometimes tipped when they provide good service and keep the facilities clean, especially if there is a tip jar, or a notice recommending tipping, in the rest room. "Car guards", who claim to "look after" one's parked car are usually given a small tip if they are in uniform and authorized; however those without uniforms are usually regarded as a nuisance, and tipping them is not compulsory, despite the fact that they often harass motorists looking for payment.
