tipping

Tipping, or gratuity, is a voluntary payment made to service workers to acknowledge satisfactory service. It is typically additional to the listed price and may supplement wages that are legally low or rely on customer generosity. In some countries tipping is expected; in others it is optional.

Common settings include restaurants, bars, hotels, taxis, hairdressers, and delivery services. Tips are often given directly to the worker or added to the bill. Some establishments add a service charge, which is usually distributed among staff rather than given to individuals.

In the United States and Canada tipping is customary and frequently expected for table service. Typical tips are around 15–20% of the pre-tax bill, with higher amounts for larger parties or particularly attentive service. Wage structures and tip rules vary by jurisdiction.

In many European countries tipping is less obligatory. Some places include a service charge on the bill; otherwise, customers may leave a small tip or round up. Practices vary by country, with modest tips typical in Northern Europe and more pronounced tipping in Southern regions.

In East Asia tipping is not universally expected and can be considered inappropriate in some contexts, especially in Japan. Tourism can influence practices, with tips common for hotel staff or guides in some locales, while others retain no-tipping norms.

Debates surround tipping and wages, with proposals to replace tipping with higher base pay or universal service charges to improve equity. Proponents argue that tipping rewards good service, while critics say it creates wage volatility and obscures labor costs.