How Much Do You Need To Tip Abroad?
Heading off on a worldly excursion? Make sure you're not spending more than you need to.
"Traveling abroad is so affordable!" said no one ever. Anyone who's ever planned a vacation knows all about the costs associated with booking plane tickets, finding hotel rooms and dining out. While you want to enjoy the best every destination has to offer, there's no reason to spend a penny more than you need to.
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Many of us are used to the tipping customs of the U.S. (where good service warrants a 20 percent tip, and most wouldn't dare go below 10), but several countries around the world don't follow these same customs. Before you shell out way too much gratuity at a restaurant or bar in a foreign country, get acquainted with a genius interactive map made just for that purpose.
The Tip Advisor map from Gocompare.com lays out the appropriate amount of gratuity in 49 countries around the world. The resource includes details on how much to tip waiters, taxi drivers and hotel staff, and even includes the correct translation of thank you in each local language.
In some countries, like Spain, the customary tip may be around 5 to 10 percent, while in many others, like Italy, Sweden, Norway and Ireland, tipping may not be required, or gratuity may already be included in the bill. In cases like this, tip is added onto the price of the meal for you, meaning there's no need to leave an additional amount.
While you may always want to appropriately pay for good service, this ultimate guide helps prevent you from paying more than is due.
So what should you do with those few extra dollars? More food, of course.