Tipping a massage therapist around the world
Tipping a massage therapist is customary in 8 of the 15 countries we track, including the United States, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, and 4 more. In the United States, 18–20% of service cost. It is unusual or unwelcome in Japan and South Korea.
Spa treatments, massages, and wellness services. Customs vary widely — here is what to expect country by country.
Europe
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Optional | 0–10%; many high-end spas add service charge |
| 🇫🇷France | Appreciated | 5–10% if not already added |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Optional | Not customary; €5–10 or 5–10% if exceptional |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Optional | Not customary; ~10% or €5–10 at upscale spas |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Appreciated | 5–10%, €5–10 typical for a massage |
North America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Expected | 18–20% of service cost |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Expected | 15–20% on the treatment |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Expected | 15–20% of the treatment price |
Asia
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵Japan | Unusual | ¥0 — including onsen, sento, and hotel spas |
| 🇨🇳China | Optional | ¥20–50 at high-end hotel spas; ¥0 at local foot-massage shops |
| 🇰🇷South Korea | Unusual | ₩0 — including jjimjilbang, sauna, and luxury spas |
| 🇹🇭Thailand | Expected | ฿50–100 per 60-min massage at local shops; ฿100–200 at upscale spas |
Oceania
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺Australia | Optional | Nothing routinely; A$10–20 for exceptional treatment |
South America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Appreciated | 10–15% of the treatment price |
Middle East
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates | Expected | 10–15% of the treatment price |
Tipping a massage therapist: common questions
Do you tip a massage therapist?
It depends on the country. Tipping a massage therapist is expected or appreciated in 8 of the 15 countries we track — including the United States, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and 3 more — and is unusual in Japan and South Korea.
How much do you tip a massage therapist?
In the United States, 18–20% of service cost. Across all countries the usual range is 5–20% of the bill. Amounts vary by country — see the table above for each one.
Which countries expect you to tip a massage therapist?
A tip is genuinely expected in the United States, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. In these countries staff often rely on tips as part of their income.
Where should you not tip a massage therapist?
Tipping a massage therapist is unusual or can cause awkwardness in Japan and South Korea. A polite thank-you is enough.
Should you tip a massage therapist in cash or by card?
Cash is the safer choice in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, China, and 4 more, where card tips may not reach staff. Elsewhere adding the tip to a card payment is normally fine.