Travel Etiquette: Tipping around the World

Planning a trip to new countries comes hand-in-hand with anticipation and excitement. In the fervor of figuring out which excursions to book or what museums to see, which restaurants not to miss and what the weather will be like, one thing that is often overlooked is getting a bearing some of the more basic cultural norms, such as tipping.

In our home country, we know when tipping is appropriate and how much is usually expected, but the first time you reach for your wallet in a foreign country, you may feel a wave of anxiety if you are unprepared.

The following excerpts from Condé Nast Traveller's Tipping Guide [read the article for specific tipping recommendations for more than 25 countries] will get you thinking, but the best way to be prepared is to read in a guide book or respected travel forum about your specific destination to make sure you are on the same page as the locals.

THE MIDDLE EAST
The tipping culture is often complex and subtle in this part of the world. "It's known for being very friendly and hospitable, with people providing too much service," says Rita Zawaideh, the Jordanian-born owner of Seattle's Caravan-Serai Tours, which plans trips to the region. In return, "people's hands are out a little bit more." While you may give more often in these parts, it's usually in small amounts–and it's deeply appreciated.

AFRICA
It helps, in some of the world's least developed areas, not just to be generous but to be thoughtful. Your porter in Johannesburg may be well versed in the way of tourists, but that doesn't mean he can easily exchange a ratty five-dollar bill.

THE AMERICAS

Latin America may be just south of the border, but tipping customs vary widely. "Whereas in the United States you'd leave 15 to 20 percent on a meal, in Latin America it's more like 8 to 12 percent outside of modern places in large capitals," says Clark Kotula of Geographic Expeditions, which organizes trips to the region. And while tipping is not as much a part of the culture in Latin America as in the United States, workers still appreciate tips, even if they don't expect them.

ASIA/THE PACIFIC
Tipping expectations vary widely throughout the region. "In India, they'll run after you and scream for money," says Sandy Ferguson, who runs Asia Desk, a Georgia travel agency, "but in Southeast Asia they don't," even though it's considered polite to tip. The only rule that applies universally? "Always give the bellman at least a buck a bag," he says.

EUROPE
As Eastern and Central European countries become tourist enticers alongside Western European favorites, you're left to wonder what to tip where, and when to put down dollars, euros, or local currency. One rule applies across the board: "Tip in cash," not on a credit card, says Gwen Kozlowski of Exeter International in Tampa, Florida. "If you don't, the server won't necessarily get it."