Giving tips: In these holiday countries, tips are not expected

RND - Editorial Network Germany Giving tips: In these holiday countries, tips are not expected Janin Minkus • 1 hour • 4 minutes reading time In some travel countries, tips are unusual. The question of tips is always a headache for travelers. In some places, 10 percent is expected, in others 15, in some countries the amount is rounded up when paying, in others the money is put on the table after paying, and anyone who doesn't behave properly is looked at strangely. Knowing the tipping customs of the holiday country is part of travel preparation. There is only one way to avoid this: traveling to countries where tips are not expected. The travel reporter introduces you to ten of them. 1. Japan In Japan, tips are taboo. Not only is it not common to give a service a positive rating with a tip, in Japan it is even considered rude. Good service is considered standard and is taken for granted. The only exceptions may be some hotels or tour operators who are very familiar with the tipping culture. But even there, tact is required. In Japan, you are playing it safe if you do not tip. 2. Sweden The Scandinavian country is one of the pioneers when it comes to paying by card. But cash is not the only thing that is uncommon. When it comes to the bill for meatballs, you can remember this for Swedes: tipping is generally unusual. In restaurants, cafes, bars or hotels, no tip is expected. If the service was so outstanding that you cannot help it, the bill can be rounded up slightly; there is no need to do so. Wages in Sweden are comparatively high and the service is already included in the price. 3. Denmark Drikkepenge, as tipping is called in Danish, is similar in Denmark to Sweden. The extra is rarely given here, as bills already include a service charge. In general, tipping is not considered rude. More than 5 percent is unusual. In general, a small tip can be given, but it is rather unusual. To thank someone for good service, a polite "Tak" (in German: thank you) and a smile are enough. 4. New Zealand The sociable New Zealanders like flat hierarchies in the working world and stand for helpfulness and tolerance. Tipping is almost non-existent in this culture and is not expected by anyone. When visiting cafés, normal restaurants, etc., it is sufficient to pay the amount on the bill. There is one exception in New Zealand, however: when taking a taxi or paying bills in upscale restaurants, tips of around 10 percent are usual. 5. Singapore In the city-state of Singapore, south of Malaysia, there is no tipping culture. In the country, which is one of the richest in the world, the extra is not only unusual, but is sometimes even refused. As is the case at the airport, where tipping is generally prohibited. In hotels and restaurants, a service charge of 10 percent is already included in the price and can be found on the bill: In addition to the 7 percent VAT, the 10 percent service charge is listed there. 6. Finland In 2024, Finland was voted the happiest country in the world for the seventh time in a row by the World Happiness Report. The relaxed lifestyle coupled with a high quality of life and living in harmony with nature are among the characteristics of the Finnish way of life. Tipping is generally not customary among the relaxed Finns. In remote areas, you should always refrain from doing so, as tipping is completely unknown there and the gesture can lead to misunderstandings. In tourist areas, it is also not necessary; only a small cloakroom fee for porters is customary. 7. China In China, the general rule is: no tipping is okay. Chinese culture does not recognize the extra when paying and it is often strictly rejected or even taken as an insult. However, the many tourists from Western cultures have softened this rule somewhat. This results in exceptions: In places with many tourists, the gesture of tipping is now more established, so that hotel staff or tour guides there expect a moderate “tip”. 8. South Korea In South Korea, the mega-city and capital Seoul and the second largest city Busan attract many travelers. And the foreign culture is not only incredibly exciting, you should also know a few rules. For example, if you blow your nose or go to the toilet, you should only do so discreetly. And South Koreans also have their own rules when it comes to tipping. It is generally unusual to round up the bill in normal bars and restaurants. This could even embarrass the waiter, because tips are only given in restaurants in the red light district. Another exception: taxi drivers are happy about a little extra. 9. Iceland In the land of elves and trolls, no tipping is expected. In Iceland, cash is rarely used and almost everything is paid for with a credit card. The service charge is often already included in the bill and waiters and waitresses do not expect anything extra. If you want to tip, you can do so; the gesture is not seen as an insult in Iceland. Some cafes or restaurants also provide a tip cup, but it is not compulsory to use one. 10. Norway In Norway, too, people are more relaxed about tipping. In the country with its fascinating natural landscapes of glaciers, mountains and deep fjords, the service charge in restaurants and hotels is already included in the bill. If you still want to reward very good service, you won't offend anyone by rounding up to the next even number or giving a tip of a good 5 percent. In Norway, too, the following applies: Instead of tips, tourists appreciate politeness above all else, and a frequent shout of "Takk!" ("Thank you!") doesn't do any harm.