5 Countries Where Tipping Isn’t Customary

Whilst tipping is a common cultural practice in most countries around the world, it’s not universal. In some countries, tipping is considered unnecessary, confusing and even downright offensive. Let’s take a closer look at 5 countries which reject tipping culture and figure out the reasoning behind the rejection of this near-universal tradition.

🇯🇵 Japan

Expect exceptional service quality in Japan but don’t try to leave a tip in return for that hospitality. Part of Japanese work culture is the expectation that you will always over-deliver whatever your role.

As a result, leaving a tip can give the impression you’re judging the service level, causing awkardness and potential offense.

The only exception to this rule is if you’re staying in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn, with a Nakai-San, a personal attendant. Tipping still isn’t required in this scenario but you’re not likely to cause offense if you want to tip for exceptional service.

You still have to be aware of tipping etiquette though. To tip appropriately, place clean, flat bills in a prepared envelope and hand it over to the recipient directly using both hands.

🇰🇷 South Korea

South Korea and Japan share similar cultural attitudes to tipping. Like in Japan, South Korean workers are always expected to provide excellent service. The tip, effectively, is already included in your bill.

Like Japan, tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and may cause awkwardness or confusion. If you try to tip as a tourist in South Korea, your waiter might just hand your notes back to you thinking you misunderstood the bill.

Taxi’s and Tour Guides are the only scenarios in South Korea where tipping is less likely to cause offense. If you happen to find a taxi which still handles cash (an ever-decreasing pool), you can tell your driver to keep the change but don’t tip any more than that. Rounding up isn’t expected but it is appreciated.

You don’t need to tip your Tour Guide but as these workers have more experience with tourists, they’re more understanding and will usually accept a tip if offered. If you do decide to tip your tour guide, place clean, flat bills in an envelope and hand it over directly to the recipient with both hands.

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Tipping in New Zealand is not expected in most scenarios but unlike in Japan or South Korea, leaving a tip won’t cause offense. On the contrary, tipping will be viewed as a rare and unexpected surprise.

A 10% tip would be considered extremely generous and should be reserved for situations in which you’ve received truly exceptional service.

Just be aware that tips in New Zealand are usually collected in a pool or tip jar for even distribution amongst all the staff on a weekly basis. That means the staff member that offered you excellent service will likely only get a fraction of your tip.

Tipping is also less likely to cause surprise if you’re in an area frequented by tourists. Some of the more international hotels in Auckland, for example, might have a tip line on the bill. Tips added here should be distributed amongst all the staff including bellboys and housekeepers.

Like in South Korea, tour guides around New Zealand are used to getting tips from tourists. Whilst it’s completely optional, feel free to tip your tour guide NZ$5 to 5% of the tour cost if you really enjoyed your experience.

🇫🇯 Fiji

Whilst tipping has become more common in Fiji due to the influx of International tourists over the years, it’s still not customary to tip. Fijian workers place a strong emphasis on hospitality and they don’t expect a tip in return for friendly service.

Hotels and resorts are a bit of an exception to this rule. If your resort doesn’t include a service charge, which would cover all your tips for porterage, housekeeping and so on, you may find a staff tip box in reception.

Tips still aren’t expected but feel free to leave a 0-10% tip in the shared staff tip box if you received exceptional service. Alternatively, if you want to thank one staff member in particular, consider leaving a thank-you note or a small gift. In Fiji, that can be more meaningful than a cash tip.

🇫🇮 Finland

Like New Zealand, tipping isn’t part of the Finnish culture so you aren’t expected to leave a tip. But, you’re unlikely to hear an objection if you do.

In a way, tips are already built into restaurant and hotel bills as service charges are a common practice.

You can tip your porter or bellhop but since this service is uncommon in Finnish hotels, it’s unlikely you’ll have the chance.

Taxi fares are usually based on a meter and in this scenario it can be considered polite to round up but it’s not expected.

As they’re used to meeting tourists from various cultural backgrounds, tour guides are more used to tips but bear in mind a 10% tip would be considered extremely generous and so should be reserved for outstanding service.