A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

6 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesTippingCountry-wide guidance · United States

USA: tipping is almost always expected

Do

  • Restaurants with table service: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill
  • Bartenders: US$1–2 a drink, or 15–20% of the bill
  • Taxis: 15–20% of the fare, at least US$1
  • Hotel housekeeping: US$2–5 a day

Don’t

  • Not tipping at restaurants with table service

Not illegal, but seen as very rude.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Emily Post Institute: tipping guide

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · Germany

Germany: Tell the server the total including tip; don't leave it on the table

Do

  • When paying, tell the server the total you want to pay, tip included
  • For example, on a €24.80 bill, say "28"
  • Around 5%–10% is usual; for small bills, just round up
  • By card, choose a tip on the terminal, or pay the bill by card and tip in cash

Don’t

  • Don't leave the tip on the table
  • Don't feel bound by the terminal's preset percentages
  • Don't add 15%–20% as you might in the US

A tip is a voluntary thank-you: no one will reproach you for not tipping, and you can skip it for poor service. German restaurants generally don't add a separate service charge, and prices usually include tax.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: German to Go: In cafés and restaurants

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · France

France: Service is included in the price, so tipping is optional

Do

  • Look for "service compris" (service included) on the menu or bill
  • If service was good, you can leave a small tip (pourboire) as thanks
  • Round up to the nearest euro for coffee; leave €1–2 per person at ordinary restaurants
  • At upscale restaurants, leave 5%–10% for especially attentive service
  • Tip in cash where possible, so it is sure to reach your server

Don’t

  • Don't assume you must pay an extra service charge; it is already in the price
  • Don't wait for the bill to arrive on its own; signal when you are ready to pay

Tipping is entirely voluntary and not tipping is not rude; knowing what "service compris" means saves you from paying twice. French law requires restaurant prices to include service (commonly said to be about 15%), and meals are unhurried, so servers rarely bring the bill unasked.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: AFAR: When and how much to tip in France

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · United Kingdom

UK: Tipping is optional, so check the bill for a service charge first

Do

  • Check whether the bill already includes a discretionary service charge, often 10%–12.5%
  • If there is none and service was good, leave around 10%
  • In cafés, rounding up is a welcome thank-you
  • If service was genuinely poor, you may politely ask to remove the service charge

Don’t

  • Don't tip again when a service charge is already on the bill
  • Don't feel obliged to tip for fast food, takeaway or drinks at the bar

Tipping is entirely voluntary and nobody will chase you for it, but tipping on top of a service charge means paying twice. Since 2024, UK law requires employers to pass all tips and service charges on to staff.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: Visit London tipping guide

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · Japan

There is no tipping in Japan

Do

  • Say thank you with 'arigatō gozaimashita'

Don’t

  • Pressing loose change on staff

Japan is a no-tipping country and bills usually include service; if you press a tip on staff, some will politely refuse.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Japanese table manners