How to work out a tip
Multiply the bill by the tip percentage. For a 15% tip on a bill of 80, that is 80 x 0.15 = 12, so the total is 92. A quick way in your head: 10% is the bill with the decimal point moved one place left, and 20% is double that. 15% is 10% plus half of it.
In many countries the tip is worked out on the amount before tax, and in some a service charge is already on the bill. If you see one, you do not need to add a tip on top unless you want to.
What people tip at a restaurant, by country
| Country | At a restaurant |
|---|---|
| Australia | Optional, about 10% |
| Austria | About 10% |
| Belgium | 5 to 10% |
| Brazil | 10% (usually on the bill) |
| Bulgaria | About 10% |
| Canada | 15 to 20% |
| China | Not expected |
| Croatia | 10% |
| Czech Republic | 10% |
| Denmark | Not expected |
| Egypt | 5 to 10% on top |
| Finland | Not expected |
| France | Round up or 5 to 10% |
| Germany | 5 to 10% |
| Greece | 5 to 10% |
| Hong Kong | 10% service charge, spare change extra |
| Hungary | 10% |
| Iceland | Not expected |
| India | 10 to 15% |
| Indonesia (Bali) | Round up to 10% |
| Ireland | About 10% |
| Italy | Round up to 10% |
| Japan | Not expected |
| Mexico | 10 to 15% |
| Morocco | 10 to 15% |
| Netherlands | 5 to 10% |
| New Zealand | Optional, 5 to 10% |
| Norway | Round up or 5 to 10% |
| Poland | 5 to 10% |
| Portugal | Round up to 10% |
| Romania | 10%, range 5 to 15% |
| Singapore | Not expected |
| South Africa | 10 to 15% |
| South Korea | Not expected |
| Spain | €2 to 4 or under 10% |
| Sweden | Round up or 10% |
| Switzerland | Round up to 10% |
| Thailand | Round up to 10% |
| Turkey | 10% |
| United Arab Emirates | 10 to 15% |
| United Kingdom | 10 to 15% |
| United States | 18 to 20% |
| Vietnam | 5 to 10% |
These are common customs, not rules. Tip more for great service, and less or nothing where tipping is not expected. Each country guide has more detail, including other jobs.
Splitting the bill
Enter the number of people to see each share of the total, tip included. Rounding the total up makes paying in cash easier and gives the extra to the staff.
Tipping when you have no cash
More and more workers show a QR code for tips. Point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, with no app to install. See how to tip without cash.
Common questions
How do I calculate a 15% tip?
Multiply the bill by 0.15. On a bill of 80 that is 12, so you pay 92 in total. Or take 10% (8) and add half of it (4).
How do I calculate a 20% tip?
Move the decimal point one place to the left to get 10%, then double it. On a bill of 80, 10% is 8, so 20% is 16.
Should I tip on the amount before or after tax?
In the United States and Canada, the usual custom is to tip on the amount before tax. Elsewhere, tips are usually worked out on the final bill.
What if a service charge is already on the bill?
A service charge is usually instead of a tip, so you do not need to add more unless the service was exceptional.
How much should I tip in Europe?
Less than in North America: commonly 5 to 10%, or rounding up. Check the table above for each country.
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