In America, not tipping is rude. But flip it around the globe and suddenly tipping itself becomes the offensive act. If you've ever pushed cash toward a Japanese server only to have them chase you down the street to return it — this guide is for you.
| Country | Tipping Culture |
|---|---|
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Never tip — it can cause embarrassment |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | Never tip — service charges are legally included |
| 🇨🇳 China | Not customary — increasingly common in tourist areas only |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 10% service charge already on your bill |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | Service charge included — extra tip unusual |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden / 🇳🇴 Norway / 🇩🇰 Denmark | Not expected — high wages mean tips feel unnecessary |
| 🇦🇺 Australia / 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Not expected — living wage law; tip only if exceptional |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium / 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Service included in prices — tipping is unusual |
Japan's service culture is built around the concept of omotenashi — wholehearted hospitality given without expectation of reward. Offering a tip implies that the server needs financial incentive to do their job well, which is seen as insulting. The quality of service is their professional pride, not a performance for extra pay.
It gets more awkward: servers will often chase you out of the restaurant to return your 'forgotten' money. Some will refuse to touch it. The embarrassment is mutual and entirely avoidable.
In countries where cash tips are inappropriate, here's how to genuinely show appreciation:
🌏 The cultural flip: In countries with strong tipping cultures like the US, not tipping is seen as withholding earned wages. In countries without tipping cultures, offering a tip can feel like charity or an assumption that workers aren't being paid fairly. Both reactions make perfect sense in their own context.
🤯 Weird but true: In 2019, a tourist in Japan left a tip equivalent to $7 USD at a ryokan. The inn tracked them down through their hotel booking, returned the money by post with a polite note explaining that tips aren't accepted. The postal effort alone cost more than the tip.
Tipping is considered rude or embarrassing in Japan and South Korea, where it implies service was conditional on extra payment. In Singapore and China, tipping is unusual and may cause confusion. In Scandinavia and Australia, it is unnecessary but not rude.
No — tipping is not illegal in Japan. It is simply culturally inappropriate. Offering a tip can cause genuine embarrassment and may be refused or returned. Japanese servers take pride in excellent service as a professional standard.
Instead of tipping in Japan, express appreciation verbally. Say 'oishikatta desu' (it was delicious) at restaurants, or 'arigatou gozaimashita' with a slight bow. A sincere verbal thank-you is the culturally appropriate gesture.
Check our country-specific guides to know exactly what's expected before you arrive — no awkward moments guaranteed.
Explore All Tipping Guides →Never tip in Japan, South Korea or China. In Singapore, Australia and Scandinavia, tipping is unusual but occasionally done for exceptional service. In these countries, a genuine thank-you, a bow, or an online review is more meaningful than cash. Save your tipping energy for countries where it's expected — and expected warmly.
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