How much should you tip when traveling?

Inside the US, tipping is effectively part of wages in many service jobs, so the norms are firm: 15 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants and for taxi and rideshare, a dollar or two per drink at a bar, roughly one to two dollars per bag for porters and bellhops, a few dollars per night for housekeeping left daily rather than at the end (different staff work different days), and 15 to 20 percent for tour guides, spa services, and hair. Hotel valet, concierge help that required real effort, and shuttle drivers typically get a few dollars each.

Internationally, assumptions travel badly. In Japan and South Korea, tipping is generally not practiced and can cause confusion or mild offense. In much of continental Europe, a service charge is commonly included, and locals round up or leave small change rather than a percentage. In Australia and New Zealand, tipping is modest and optional. In much of Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of the Middle East and South Asia, tipping is expected and often an important part of income, with norms varying by country and setting. The practical rule for any trip: spend two minutes looking up the tipping norms for the specific country before you go, and when you are unsure in the moment, observe what locals do or ask the hotel front desk, which is a completely normal question and gets a straight answer.