12 Destinations Where Tipping Is Actually Unwelcome
Tipping is a kind gesture of appreciating good service. In the United States, it’s considered mandatory, and too many people depend on tips as additional income.
Pew Research Center reports, “Around seven-in-ten U.S. adults (72%) say tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago…” Do you know that in some countries, tipping is unnecessary and could be seen as rude or disrespectful?
Before you get your wallet out to tip, here’s a guide to 12 destinations where tipping is unwelcome.
Japan

Japan is known for impeccable service, which makes it all too easy to be tempted to tip generously. However, tipping is considered rude. It may even embarrass the person you want to thank because it suggests workers cannot survive on their salaries.
They believe standard service is excellent; getting it shouldn’t take a tip. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) advises on “kokorozuke,” a Japanese custom where one can tip using paper money in an envelope.
South Korea

Japanese culture shares many things with South Korean culture, such as tipping. Tipping is unnecessary here (and it’s pretty awkward for service workers).
All the attention goes to serving the customer well, even if they do not wish to pay more.
China

Traditionally, tipping is not a norm in China, even in cities and high-end restaurants. Tipping directly to workers isn’t customary, which is why there are service charges in some Western hotels and tourist spots.
In China, tipping could mean workers are under-compensated, which is not the case.
Hong Kong

Tipping has become more common in tourist hotspots, but Hong Kong has not embraced the tipping culture. Some restaurants ensure service charges are automatically included in the bill, so tipping is not expected.
Most restaurants add 10% to the bill, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Trying to thank someone by offering a tip could confuse or embarrass them.
Singapore

Of all the world’s cleanest, most efficient, and most modern cities, Singapore is one. But it has no tipping culture. According to the Singapore Tourism Board, it is not customary to tip.
It’s always preferable to charge service fees, so tipping is unnecessary. Workers don’t rely on tipping for fair wages, as the government provides a system to ensure such pay.
Denmark

Tipping isn’t expected in Denmark, which takes pride in a high standard of living and fair wage system. Many restaurants and hotels charge a service fee, and Danish workers get a salary that makes tips irrelevant.
The Danes treat fairness and equality very highly. If you are tipping, it might look like the worker isn’t being paid well enough, and that’s not the case.
Norway

Much like Denmark’s, Norway’s social system is strong, with fair wages and good employee rights. Rounding the bill for a coffee or small meal is routine, but tipping is not expected at restaurants and hotels.
Visit Norway says tipping isn’t part of the culture, and service charges are generally included on bills. However, if you want to tip, keep it between 5% and 15% of the bill, and remember it is all up to you.
Sweden

Given that Swedes are used to a fair and well-regulated wage system, tipping is neither expected nor encouraged. Most restaurants add a service charge to the bill.
On their official website, Visit Sweden notes that it is okay to round off the bill to the nearest number, and if you decide to tip, add 10% to your final bill. Remember, it is not an expectation.
Finland

Tip in Finland? Not really. Service charges are common in hotels, restaurants, and even taxis. Finnish people embrace fair wages, and tips seem pointless.
A sincere thank you, respect, and a good attitude are more valued than giving a tip.
Iceland

Iceland has no tipping culture. Workers are paid fair wages, and service charges are included in most establishments.
Tipping isn’t needed and might even make the workers uncomfortable, as it is not customary and not traditionally expected in most establishments.
Australia

Australia has no strong tipping culture, mainly because the country has a relatively high minimum wage. Tipping in a fine-dining restaurant or hotel is welcome (but not mandatory) for exceptional service. However, despite the lack of a tipping culture in Australia, some people tip, and in 2022, the average tip was $16.06.
Most establishments have already taken the service charge into account. Writing for The Sydney Morning Herald, Jill Dupleix mentions the importance of asking if a service fee is included in the bill when traveling in different countries to be guided on how to approach tipping.
New Zealand

New Zealand’s approach to tipping is similar to Australia’s in that service charges are common. Tipping doesn’t fit with the laid-back New Zealand culture.
However, there is no set percentage or amount if you encounter exceptional service and wish to reward a service provider. Intriguingly, tips in the form of buying someone drinks are much more appreciated.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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