Leaving a tip to a waiter at the restaurant or to a porter at the hotel is commonplace in some countries. Others, on the contrary, include tipping in the bill. In the end, you never really know who to leave a tip or the amount of the latter. As we approach the holidays, we take stock.

The rules of tips in Europe

In Spain , the addition to the restaurant always includes a service charge. However, a tip of 5% to 10% of the total amount is usually allowed. In a bar or a taxi, it is also good to round the note to the nearest euro. At the hotel, baggage handler, doorman, housekeeper and janitor are usually rewarded about 1 € per day.

In Italy , service charges are included in most restaurants. If this is not the case, 10% of the amount of the addition is considered a normal tip to leave. In bars, Italians are generally generous and easily leave a little more money even if it is not compulsory. It is usually not common to leave a tip in taxis. At the hotel, baggage handler, concierge and housekeeper expect a small euro to thank them.

In the UK , leaving a tip is not so much a part of the culture. In the restaurant as in the hotel, service charges are included in most invoices (10-12% of the amount). You can always leave a tip if you are particularly satisfied with the service. Taxi drivers expect a few euros of bonus.

In Portugal , tipping is not compulsory. The service charge is included in the bill, but it is always good to round the taxi or restaurant bill up.

In Greece , tips are increasingly expected in tourist areas. However, Greeks do not usually tip in bars, restaurants or taxis. To the consumer to choose whether to leave one or not, depending on the quality of the service.

The rules of tips in the Maghreb and Middle East

In Morocco , tips are very common in tourist places. It is also common practice to leave a few pieces to anyone who will carry your bags, show you the way or that will make you any other service. Allow 10 to 15% tip in the restaurant and 10% in a taxi. The rule: do not give big tips but give often.

In Tunisia , tips are not compulsory but are still well appreciated. Usually count 10% of the total amount of the mark. In hotels, everything depends on the standing of the establishment but a maid usually expects to receive 10 dinars per week of stay. The price of taxi fare is negotiated before.

In Egypt , the tip (or bakchich) is something very important: it is given for practically everything. At the hotel, it is advisable to leave a tip at the beginning of the stay to obtain a service of quality.

Tips to follow in Asia

In China , leaving a tip is not part of the culture. Some establishments do not even tolerate them at all, including most restaurants. It can be misinterpreted as meaning that an employee's work is undervalued by the employer. The law prevents taxi drivers from receiving tips. On the other hand, they are much awaited by the tourist guides since they represent for them, a true supplement of wages.

In India , service charges are included in the bill but it is quite common to leave a tip of about 100 rupees in a casual place and up to 300 rupees in a five star restaurant. All service rendered awaits his reward.

In Thailand , it is especially in Bangkok in the capital that we find the western habits related to the tip. Tourists generally round up their addition to the restaurant. Taxi drivers do not hesitate to claim their due. In bars, it is generally in a common pot that one must leave a little money. The waiters distribute the tips between them late in the evening.

The rules of tips to follow elsewhere ...

In Australia , tips are not mandatory because 10% of goods and services tax is included in the total amount of the bill. In the bars and taxis, most Australians leave what is left of their money after ordering their drink or regulating their race.

In Brazil , tips are welcome. It is up to the consumer to determine the amount according to the service's assessment.

In the United States , tipping is a golden rule and it is rather generous. It represents an important part of the salary of the recipient. 1 dollar for a drink ordered, 20% for the spa (total amount), 1 dollar for a doorman or a porter, 1 dollar or more for the taxi driver ...