• Where and How Much to Tipmoney money image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
  
  Although tipping in the United States is common, even expected at times, that is not the case in other countries. Leaving gratuities in some countries is unnecessary. There are some basic rules for most countries and continents.
  
  

United States

• Tipping in the United States is expected when dining out. Servers in restaurants usually expect a 15 percent minimum tip, with 20 percent indicating strong service. Many people also will leave a dollar if you check your coat and a few dollars for valet service. How much to tip a taxi driver depends on where you are and how far you traveled. Generally, give 10 percent to 15 percent of the fare. In a salon, leave a hairdresser 15 percent and $1 or two if someone else washes your hair first.
  
  

Europe

• Tipping in Europe is not as expected and is usually unnecessary, though it has become more commonplace in restaurants. In fact, in France, the law requires that 15 percent be built in the menu. If you feel more comfortable leaving a tip, a good guideline is 5 percent to 10 percent of the bill. In hotels, a euro or two for a porter is fine. Taxi drivers in Europe do not expect a tip, but you can always round up the fare.
  
  

Great Britain

• Gratuities in Great Britain are not expected, but are welcome at times. Leaving a 10 percent tip in a restaurant is acceptable. You do not need to tip in pubs. If you feel uncomfortable not leaving anything, you can always buy the staff a drink. However, that is fairly rare. As in other parts of Europe, you do not need to tip your taxi driver, though you can round up the fare.
  
  

Middle East

• The Middle East is so varied from one country to another that there is no general guide to tipping. Your best bet is to ask an embassy, travel agent or tourist office what is appropriate.
  
  

Far East

• Tipping is generally discouraged as bad form in the Far East. In fact, in some communist and formerly communist countries, it is considered a form of capitalist bribery.
  
  

Hints

• Remember wherever you are to check your bill first to see if gratuity has already been built in. For example, for large parties in the United States, 18 percent is often added onto the final bill.