The short answer
In the US: 18–20% at restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and delivery, $1–$2 per drink at a bar, $3–$5 per bag for hotel porters. In most of Europe, 5–10% or rounding up is normal. In Japan, do not tip.
Tipping is not a maths problem, it is a local-custom problem. Here is the short version by country and service.
Step by step
- Check whether service is already included — many bills list a 10–15% service charge.
- Calculate on the pre-tax total if you want to be precise; on the total if you want to be quick.
- Fast method for 20%: move the decimal one place left, then double it.
- Round up rather than down when the service was fine.
- Tip in cash where card tips are unreliably passed on.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| US restaurant | 18–20% |
| US delivery | 15–20%, minimum $3 |
| UK restaurant | 10–12.5%, often included |
| France / Italy / Spain | Round up, or 5% |
| Japan / South Korea | No tip |
| Hairdresser | 15–20% |
Common questions
Do I tip on takeaway?
Optional in the US — $1–$2 or 10% for a large order is normal.
Do I tip on the tax?
Not required. Nobody will notice either way.
What about a bad experience?
Reduce rather than skip in tipping cultures, and say why to a manager.