Tips on Tipping

 
Going on holiday this summer? By now you know how to ask for the bill, but do you know how much to tip?
If you are traveling with others, odds are that each one has a different theory about the amount. Most likely, you’ll end up applying the UK‘s default quantity and giving your waiter a 10% tip of the bill extra for their services. Then, for the next five minutes you will discuss if this was enough, too much or you noticed the waiter was looking at you disapprovingly just as you were leaving.
The truth is that you could have tipped too much, too little or just wrongly. It just depends on where in the world you are.
If you leave any kind of tip in Japan you will be considered rude. You didn’t leave the wrong amount. It’s just that tipping is not done in Japan.
On the other side of the spectrum, should you leave a restaurant untipped anywhere in the United States, you’ll probably get the staff following down the road until you give them at least 15% of your bill. Waiting staff at restaurants rely heavily on customers’ generosity.
In continental Europe, popular destinations for holidaying brits such as Spain, France, Italy, Portugal or Greece, tipping is optional. Locals will leave a token amount which usually goes to all staff to share. A couple of Euros on a €50 is what is expected.
What to tip in other countries?
China, traditionally there is no tipping.
Austria, tipping small amounts is common.
Belgium, the service charge is always included.
Russia, is not customary except in fancier restaurants where at least 10% is expected.
Brazil, service charge is always included.
Peru, is not customary expect in fancier restaurants where 10% is expected.
Colombia and Ecuador, service is usually included in the bill.
Mexico, 15% is expected, as in the United States.