How to Tip When Traveling Around the World: Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney

Tipping can be a tricky topic for travelers. How much should you tip? Who should you tip? When should you tip? And what if tipping is not expected or even considered rude in some countries?

To help you avoid any awkward or embarrassing situations, we’ve compiled a guide to tipping etiquette for some of the most popular destinations around the world. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, staying at a hotel, taking a tour, or riding a taxi, here are some tips on how to tip like a pro when traveling abroad.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that attracts millions of visitors every year. Tipping is not mandatory or expected in most cases in Hong Kong, but it is becoming more common due to the influence of international travelers. However, tipping can also be seen as insulting or confusing in some situations, as it implies that the service was not good enough or that the person needs extra money.

• Restaurants: Most restaurants in Hong Kong will add a 10% service charge to your bill, which goes to the restaurant owner, not the staff. So you don’t need to tip anything extra. However, if there is no service charge or if you are very happy with the service, you can leave a few dollars or round up the bill as a gesture of appreciation. Be careful of tourist traps that charge extra fees for bread, water, cover charge, etc. These are not tips and you don’t have to pay them.
• Hotels: You don’t need to tip anyone at hotels in Hong Kong, including the doorman, the front desk staff, the bellhop, and the housekeeper. They are paid well and take pride in their work. If you want to show your gratitude, you can write a thank-you note or give a small gift from your home country. You can also tip the concierge if they help you with reservations or tickets. A tip of 20-50 Hong Kong dollars (HKD), which amounts to about 2-6 USD, is reasonable.
• Tours: You don’t need to tip your tour guide or driver in Hong Kong, but if you enjoyed the tour, you can tip them 10-20% of the cost of the tour as a thank you. Give it to them at the end of the tour in an envelope or discreetly.
• Taxis: You don’t need to tip your taxi driver in Hong Kong, but you can round up the fare or leave some change as a courtesy. Be sure to use licensed taxis with meters and avoid illegal cabs that may rip you off.

Tokyo
Tokyo is another popular and pricey destination for travelers, but tipping is not customary or appreciated in Japan. In fact, tipping can be seen as insulting or confusing, as it implies that the service was not good enough or that the person needs extra money. Here are some tips for avoiding tipping in Tokyo:

• Restaurants: Do not tip at restaurants, even if there is a service charge. The service charge goes to the restaurant owner, not the staff, and the tip jar is for donations to charity. If you try to leave money on the table, the staff will chase after you and return it.
• Hotels: Do not tip anyone at hotels, including the doorman, the bellhop, the housekeeper, and the concierge. They are paid well and take pride in their work. If you want to show your gratitude, you can write a thank-you note or give a small gift from your home country.
• Tours: Do not tip your tour guide or driver, even if they go above and beyond. They are professionals and expect nothing more than your feedback and satisfaction. If you want to thank them, you can give them a souvenir or a snack from your home country.
• Taxis: Do not tip your taxi driver, even if they help you with your luggage or take a shortcut. They are honest and efficient and will charge you exactly what’s on the meter. If you want to thank them, you can say “arigato” (thank you) or bow slightly when exiting.

Sydney
Sydney is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, and also a relatively expensive one. Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Australia, but it is becoming more common due to the influence of international travelers. Here are some tips for tipping in Sydney:

• Restaurants: A service charge of 10% is usually added to the bill for groups of 10 or more, so you don’t need to tip anything extra. However, if there is no service charge or if you are very pleased with the service, you can leave 10-15% of the bill as a tip. You can also tip the bartender 1-2 dollars per drink if they are friendly and helpful.
• Hotels: You don’t need to tip the doorman or the front desk staff, but you can tip the bellhop 1-2 dollars per bag and the housekeeper 1-2 dollars per day. You can also tip the concierge 5-10 dollars if they help you with reservations or tickets.
• Tours: You don’t need to tip your tour guide or driver, but if you enjoyed the tour, you can tip them 5-10 dollars per person as a thank you.
• Taxis: You don’t need to tip your taxi driver, but you can round up the fare or leave some change as a courtesy. Be sure to use licensed taxis with meters and avoid illegal cabs that may rip you off.

Tipping can be a confusing and stressful part of traveling, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you can tip like a pro and avoid any faux pas when traveling around the world.