Tipping at a counter-service restaurant around the world
Tipping at a counter-service restaurant is customary in 3 of the 15 countries we track, including Canada, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. In the United States, optional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip. It is unusual or unwelcome in France, Japan, South Korea, and 1 more.
Fast-casual, counter-order, and takeaway restaurants. Customs vary widely — here is what to expect country by country.
Europe
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Optional | £0 — not customary; round-up or tip jar appreciated |
| 🇫🇷France | Unusual | €0 — not customary |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Optional | Not expected; drop coins in the tip jar if you wish |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Optional | Not expected; loose change if you wish |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Optional | Round up to next euro |
North America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Optional | Optional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Appreciated | $1–$2 or 10–15% if you choose to tip |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Appreciated | 5–10 MXN in the jar; 10% if there is table service |
Asia
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵Japan | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇨🇳China | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇰🇷South Korea | Unusual | ₩0 |
| 🇹🇭Thailand | Optional | No tip required; loose coins ฿5–20 |
Oceania
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺Australia | Optional | No tip; drop coins in the jar if you want |
South America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Optional | Round up or drop coins; no expected percentage |
Middle East
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates | Appreciated | AED 5–10 in the tip jar |
Tipping at a counter-service restaurant: common questions
Do you tip at a counter-service restaurant?
It depends on the country. Tipping at a counter-service restaurant is expected or appreciated in 3 of the 15 countries we track — including Canada, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates — and is unusual in France, Japan, South Korea, and 1 more.
How much do you tip at a counter-service restaurant?
In the United States, optional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip. Across all countries the usual range is 15% of the bill. Amounts vary by country — see the table above for each one.
Where should you not tip at a counter-service restaurant?
Tipping at a counter-service restaurant is unusual or can cause awkwardness in France, Japan, South Korea, and China. A polite thank-you is enough.
Should you tip at a counter-service restaurant in cash or by card?
Cash is the safer choice in Italy, Spain, Germany, Thailand, Australia, and 3 more, where card tips may not reach staff. Elsewhere adding the tip to a card payment is normally fine.