A Quick Tip on Tipping Internationally

If there’s one part of our financial culture that confuses and worries me, it’s tipping. See, I want to be a good person and give a nice tip (even if I really don’t want to spend the extra cash), but I just never know what even constitutes a “good tip.” Sure I know the ropes when it comes to dining but, for the life of me, I never know how to tip valets, bellhops, or anyone else in the service industry. That’s why when possible I mostly try to avoid situations where a tip may be required. Of course, that might not always be an option — especially when traveling.

Overseas, the matter of tipping is ever more confusing. Since the last thing I want to be is rude, I’ve found tipping to actually be one of the top subjects I research before setting off to a new country. Unfortunately, I’ve never felt like I had a good, overall authority on the subject until now.

Thanks to a post on The Culture Trip, GoCompare’s “Tip Advisor” is now in my life. This interactive map (or a list, if that’s easier for you) allows you to select a country and view their customary tipping policies for dining, taxis, and hotels. Since tipping is mostly about showing appreciation, they also let you know how to say “thank you” in the local language, complete with a pronunciation guide. In other words, they made a page dedicated to helping me not look like a jerk overseas.

If there’s one complaint I have about GoCompare’s tipping map is that it’s not very mobile friendly. Even the list option that seems to be the default on mobile cut off at the top and bottom, which made it impossible to reach the countries I was looking for. But, while it would be nice to remind yourself of the proper etiquette on the go, you can always look up the info ahead of time and either take notes or utilize the “print” option that displays on each entry.

Needless to say, I have bookmarked this Tip Advisor and will surely save a lot of time planning for future trips. So, if you’re as neurotic about tipping as I am, I definitely recommend checking it out. And while you’re at it, be sure to read up on my other frugal foreign travel tips to help you enjoy exploring new places without spending a fortune.

Author

Kyle Burbank

Kyle is a freelance writer and author whose first book, "The E-Ticket Life" is now available on Amazon. In addition to his weekly "Money at 30" column on Dyer News, he is also the editorial director and a writer for the Disney fan site LaughingPlace.com and the founder of Money@30.com.

Other Articles by Kyle Burbank

Fellow Ode 2 Coffee Grinder

My Quick Review of the Fellow Ode 2 Coffee Grinder

A couple of weeks back, in my column on Fioney, I somewhat lamented a recent splurge purchase — not because I was necessarily upset with what I bought but what the process of doing so said about some of my personal finance failings. The item in question was the Fellow...

Should You Buy, Lease, or Finance Your Next Smartphone?

Remember a few years ago when you thought that friend of yours who always had the latest model iPhone was crazy for spending that much? That’s changed in recent years as carriers and others now allow you to essentially lease your device. Taking a page from the auto industry, you...
Bilt and Curve credit cards

Bilt Has Seemingly Shut Down Rewards on Curve Transactions

Ya know, some weeks I really struggle to find a quick tip post to share. And then there are weeks like this that are so overflowing with news that I don't even know where to start. So, since I trust you've already read about the big news regarding Delta SkyMiles...
The "Email" field is empty, you must enter some text to proceed.The text you entered in the "Email" field appears to be invalid, please edit it and try again
Get Posts in Your Inbox
Featured Articles
Fellow Ode 2 Coffee Grinder

My Quick Review of the Fellow Ode 2 Coffee Grinder

A couple of weeks back, in my column on Fioney, I somewhat lamented a recent splurge purchase — not because I was necessarily upset with what I bought but what the process of doing so said about some of my personal finance failings. The item in question was the Fellow...

Should You Buy, Lease, or Finance Your Next Smartphone?

Remember a few years ago when you thought that friend of yours who always had the latest model iPhone was crazy for spending that much? That’s changed in recent years as carriers and others now allow you to essentially lease your device. Taking a page from the auto industry, you...
Bilt and Curve credit cards

Bilt Has Seemingly Shut Down Rewards on Curve Transactions

Ya know, some weeks I really struggle to find a quick tip post to share. And then there are weeks like this that are so overflowing with news that I don't even know where to start. So, since I trust you've already read about the big news regarding Delta SkyMiles...
model of the American Express Centurion Lounge at EWR

Travel Tuesday: Amex Centurion Lounge Coming to EWR in 2026

When I was a kid, my family would travel between Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey at least once per year. Because of this, I have plenty of distinct memories from both hubs — but especially EWR. I still think about the signs at...