Why does tipping culture matter?
In countries like the US and Canada where tipping is customary, it's standard practice to leave a percentage of the service cost at restaurants, cafes, in taxis, and at hotels. A US restaurant tip is typically in the 15β20% range, and people sometimes leave 20% or more for especially good service.
Tipping customs by country (for reference)
- United States: restaurants 15β20%, taxis 10β15%, hotel bellhop $1β2 per bag
- Canada: similar to the US, 15β20%
- Europe (France, Italy, etc.): service is often already included, so a small extra tip (5β10%) is usually enough
- Japan, South Korea: there's generally no tipping culture, and tipping can even be seen as rude
The customs above are general trends for reference only β actual practice can vary by region, establishment, and era, so always check local guidance or whether a service charge/gratuity is already included on the receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the service charge is already included?
Yes, some restaurants already include a "Service Charge" or "Gratuity" on the receipt. In that case, you may not need to tip extra at all, or only a small additional amount. Always check your receipt.
Can I use this to split a bill among friends?
Yes β enter the number of people and you'll get the total (including tip) divided evenly per person, which is handy for splitting a group bill. Check out our Bill Splitting Calculator too.