Countries where tipping is offensive – and where you should be doing it

It’s a subject that comes up whenever you get a restaurant bill when on holiday.
Do you need to tip?
Then there are the taxi drivers and the hotel staff.
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Well, in some countries, leaving extra cash is actually offensive.
Travel expert Justin Chapman from holiday company Go2Africa said you need to do your research.
”In China, tips are seen as unnecessary and can even be seen as rude,” Chapman said.
“In Japan, tipping in considered part of the service and can be considered offensive – a small gift might be better received if you really want to show appreciation.
“Tipping is not expected in South Korea.
“However, in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas. A small tip of around 10 per cent is a nice gesture but isn’t expected.
“It can be best to err on the side of caution and not tip in Asia, to avoid accidentally offending someone – but you can ask a local, or staff at your hotel for advice.”
Meanwhile in Europe, check if a service charge is included in your bill.
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It’s common to add a 10 to 15 per cent tip in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.
But in other countries, like Belgium, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, tipping is less common.
If you’re heading to Africa 10 to 15 per cent of your restaurant bill is customary, but check the bill for a service charge.
When on safari, you should tip staff, like cleaners, cooks, and guards, as well as guides, spotters or trackers, drivers, and waiters or waitresses.
Meanwhile, 9Travel reported on how tipping expectations in the USA have become higher.
”The higher end has become more of the norm”, NYC Tourism says, adding “this is the one place where you really must tip; unless you’ve had awful service, staff may look askance at anything less than 15 percent.”