Try traveling to one of these countries where tipping isn't expected.
Japan. Unlike Spain, Japan is a country where you should not tip at all; it's actually offensive. In the majority of Japanese restaurants a bill is not brought to the table. Instead, payment is accepted at the bar, so even trying to leave a tip for the waiter can be tricky.
We don't have a tipping culture in Australia because we have always fought to be treated fairly. You're not helpless, and you don't have to be alone. Elise Sheehan Australia has award wages set down by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Most venues that are my customers pay above the award wage to retain their good staff.
It's an area of the world where tips are not only unnecessary but may even be considered rude. In regards to China, Korea, and Japan etiquette, tips are not expected.
Japan. As a service charge is typically included as part of bills at hotels and restaurants, tipping is generally not practiced in Japan.
In Japan tipping is not customary. If you insist on leaving a tip this may be seen as rude - and can cause acute embarrassment even if you think someone should be rewarded extra for their work. Instead, thank your hosts politely, and be respectful.
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in China, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in China can be considered rude and frowned upon.
Unless, apparently, they're German. German? A new survey of 9,000 people in eight countries revealed that Germans -- not Americans -- were the best tippers of the nations surveyed.
In truth, tipping isn't baked into the culture in Spain. Unlike in North America, locals don't leave 20% tips, and service staff don't expect it. But that doesn't mean tipping is off the table – it's just subtler and optional.
Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for sit-down restaurant service, as 15-20% (or more) is the modern standard for good service, with 10% usually reserved for poor service or fast-casual/buffet places. While it's not illegal, servers often rely heavily on tips as part of their wage, so anything below 15-20% can signal dissatisfaction, especially if service was good, making it feel like an insult.
Chewing open-mouthed (including chewing gum), slurping loudly, burping and talking with a full mouth are considered very rude. If you do any of these things accidentally, say "pardon me" or "excuse me." It is considered bad manners to pick one's teeth with the fingers or a toothpick in public.
Yes, a $20 tip is generally considered very good to excellent, especially for standard restaurant service where 15-20% is typical, but it becomes outstanding on smaller bills and is a great amount for various other services like haircuts, delivery, or home services, reflecting great appreciation for good to exceptional work, though for very high-end or lengthy services (like a wedding), it might be a standard amount rather than extravagant.
Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 20 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why. To help you avoid tipping anxiety (and disgruntled waitstaff), we explain how to tip in the United States.
Tipping in Singapore is not expected. Instead, a service charge will normally be added to your bill. The service charge will usually be declared on the menu if you're in a cafe or restaurant, for example, and is paid directly to the company rather than to an individual member of staff.
Do you tip at the time of service or when you check out of a hotel? To ensure that the housekeeping team cleaning your room is rewarded for their service, leave a cash tip each day of your stay. Some hotels have envelopes meant for leaving tips, as well as a written thank-you if you choose to do so.
Tipping Culture in Barcelona
While tipping isn't expected in Barcelona, locals and travelers alike often appreciate good service by leaving a small amount of change or rounding up the bill to the nearest euro. If the service is exceptional, people typically offer a tip of 5-10% of the total bill.
Despite what feels like pressure to leave a gratuity wherever you go these days, what you choose to tip a waiter, barista, or bellhop is entirely up to your discretion.
Tipping in Australia is not expected. Instead, a service charge will normally be added to your bill. The service charge will usually be declared on the menu if you're in a cafe or restaurant, for example, and is paid directly to the company rather than to an individual member of staff.
The number 1 restaurant in the world for 2025, according to The World's 50 Best Restaurants, is Maido in Lima, Peru, celebrated for its innovative Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion). While Maido holds the top spot for 2025, the 2024 winner was Disfrutar in Barcelona, and rankings can vary slightly between different culinary guides.
China, Japan, South Korea
Pleases don't tip—it isn't just unnecessary, but can also be interpreted as insulting. That's because the wait staff is paid a regular wage and their income does not depend on tips, so leaving a tip may be viewed as an insult to them or their employer.
Five US dollars (around 35 Chinese Yuan) isn't a lot in China for tourists but is a meaningful amount for daily necessities, buying several street food meals or bus rides, though it won't go far in big cities for luxuries, varying greatly by location and type of purchase.
The "Three Ts" in China refer to the highly sensitive topics of Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen Square, which are major taboos and subjects of strict censorship, with discussions often discouraged or forbidden due to their challenge to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) narrative and authority. Foreigners are often advised to avoid these topics to prevent discomfort, legal issues, or awkwardness with Chinese citizens.
In Japan, it's not common to tip for services such as those provided in bars, cafes, restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
The "Japan 5-minute rule" refers to extreme punctuality, meaning you should arrive 5-10 minutes before a scheduled time, as being exactly on time is considered late, demonstrating respect and reliability, a concept sometimes called "5-minute prior action" (５分前行動). It highlights Japanese culture's emphasis on preparedness, where trains are so precise that delays over 5 minutes get official notes, making being early a crucial part of business and social etiquette.
Yes, $5,000 is generally more than enough for a single person for a week in Japan, even covering flights from North America/Europe, allowing for comfortable mid-range travel with nice meals and experiences, but it might be tight for a couple or if you're aiming for extreme luxury or extensive shopping; budget travelers can do it for much less, while luxury travelers could easily spend more. Your biggest variables will be your flight cost, accommodation choices (business hotels, ryokans, or hostels), and dining habits (convenience stores vs. high-end sushi).