Tipping Tips – Simple Guide to Tip Right on Your Travels
If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether to leave a tip, you’re not alone. Tipping can feel like a minefield, especially when you jump from one country to another. This guide gives you straight‑forward rules so you can tip confidently, whether you’re grabbing a coffee in London or taking a boat tour in Scotland.
When to Tip and How Much
First, know the basic benchmark. In the UK most restaurants include a service charge of 12‑15% on the bill. If that charge is already there, you don’t need to add anything extra. When there is no service charge, a tip of 10‑12% is standard. Round the amount to a whole number – it feels natural and avoids any awkward math at the table.
Bars and pubs are a little different. If you order a drink at the bar, you can round up to the nearest pound or leave a small change. For a table service, treat it like a restaurant and add about 10%.
For coffee shops, a tip isn’t expected, but you can leave a few coins in the tip jar if the service was quick or the staff went out of their way.
Tips for Specific Situations
Hotels: Housekeeping staff appreciate a few pounds per night, left in an envelope with your name. It shows you value the work they do. If a bellhop helps with luggage, a £1‑£2 tip per bag is polite.
Taxis and rideshares: Round the fare up to the nearest pound or add about 10% if the driver was friendly or helped with luggage. In London, cash tips are still common, but you can also add a tip through the app if you paid that way.
Guided tours: For a short walking tour, €5‑€10 per person is a good rule of thumb if the guide was engaging. For a full‑day or multi‑day tour, consider 10% of the tour cost, especially if the guide handled bookings, tickets and meals.
Restaurants outside the UK: In the US, tipping 15‑20% is the norm even if no service charge is listed. In many European countries (France, Italy, Spain) a service charge is often included, so only add a small extra if service was exceptional.
When you’re unsure, ask the staff politely. A quick “Is service included?” clears up any confusion and shows you respect local customs.
One more thing: keep small change handy. Having a few £1 coins, a couple of €5 notes or a few dollars makes it easy to tip on the spot. It feels better than scrambling for a larger bill later.
Finally, remember that tipping is a way to say thanks for good service. It’s not mandatory, but a small gesture can make someone’s day. Use these simple rules, stay flexible, and you’ll never feel lost at the checkout again.
