Tipping Etiquette

I need a complete tipping etiquette guide so I know exactly how much to tip, when to tip, and when tipping is unnecessary or even offensive in a specific country.

The country or region I need tipping guidance for is [COUNTRY_OR_REGION].

My travel purpose is [TRAVEL_PURPOSE:select:vacation or leisure,business trip,extended stay or relocation,digital nomad traveling through,visiting family or friends,honeymoon or anniversary trip,backpacking on a budget].

The types of services I expect to use are [SERVICE_TYPES] (such as sit-down restaurants, fast food, hotel housekeeping, bellhops, concierge, taxis, rideshare apps, bars, coffee shops, spas, salons, tour guides, food delivery, or grocery delivery).

My budget level is [BUDGET_LEVEL:select:budget traveler watching every dollar,mid-range comfortable spending,luxury with no spending concerns].

The currency I want tip amounts shown in is [PREFERRED_CURRENCY].

I want to know about payment methods for tips: [TIP_PAYMENT:select:I prefer to tip in cash,I prefer to tip on card,I want guidance on both cash and card].

Any specific situations I am worried about: [SPECIFIC_SITUATIONS?] (such as group dining, counter service, all-inclusive resorts, pre-added service charges, or tipping when the service was poor)

My familiarity with tipping customs is [TIPPING_FAMILIARITY:select:I come from a heavy tipping culture like the US,I come from a moderate tipping culture like the UK or Canada,I come from a no-tipping culture like Japan or South Korea,I have no idea what is normal anywhere].

Start with a brief overview of the tipping culture in this country. Explain whether tipping is expected, appreciated but optional, or discouraged. Note if service charges are commonly included in bills and whether those charges actually go to staff. Mention any recent changes in tipping norms that a visitor should know about.

Then provide a detailed tipping guide organized by service category. For each category, give me the standard tip percentage or amount, the minimum that is acceptable without being rude, and what a generous tip looks like. Use specific numbers in my preferred currency whenever possible.

For restaurants, cover sit-down dining at different price levels, fast casual, counter service, buffets, and takeout. Explain how to handle pre-added service charges versus voluntary tips. Note whether you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax total.

For hotels, cover housekeeping per night, bellhops per bag, concierge for special requests, room service, valet parking, and doormen who hail taxis.

For transportation, cover traditional taxis, rideshare apps, airport shuttle drivers, private car services, and tour bus drivers.

For personal services, cover hair salons, spas and massage therapists, tattoo artists, and personal trainers.

For food and grocery delivery, explain whether the in-app tip is enough or if cash on top is expected.

For bars and coffee shops, cover per-drink tipping, tab-based tipping, and whether baristas expect tips.

For tour guides, cover group tours versus private tours and multi-day guides.

Include a section on when NOT to tip in this country. List situations where tipping would be confusing, unnecessary, or actually insulting. Explain the cultural reasoning behind these exceptions.

Add guidance on HOW to tip. Cover whether to leave cash on the table, hand it directly, use a tip tray, or add it to the card receipt. Note if there are specific gestures or phrases used when tipping.

If I described specific situations I am worried about, address each one directly with a clear recommendation.

End with a quick-reference tip chart I can save on my phone. Format it as a simple list with the service type and recommended amount so I can glance at it in the moment without reading the full guide.