Tipping a tattoo artist around the world
Tipping a tattoo artist is customary in 7 of the 15 countries we track, including the United States, Canada, Thailand, Australia, and 3 more. In the United States, 20–25% of the total price. It is unusual or unwelcome in Japan, South Korea, and China.
Tattoo studios and artists. Customs vary widely — here is what to expect country by country.
Europe
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Optional | £0 — not customary; 10–20% if you do tip |
| 🇫🇷France | Optional | €0 — not customary; 10–15% if you do tip |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Optional | Not customary; €10–20 or ~10% for exceptional work |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Optional | Not customary; €10–20 or ~10% for great work |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Optional | 5–20% optional; not expected |
North America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Expected | 20–25% of the total price |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Expected | 15–20% of the piece cost |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Appreciated | 15–20% of the price |
Asia
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵Japan | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇨🇳China | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇰🇷South Korea | Unusual | ₩0 |
| 🇹🇭Thailand | Appreciated | 10–15% of the service price, or ฿200–500 cash |
Oceania
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺Australia | Appreciated | 10–20% in major-city studios; flat A$20–50 for smaller pieces |
South America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Appreciated | 10–15% becoming more common in major cities |
Middle East
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates | Appreciated | 15–20% at licensed studios; cash only |
Tipping a tattoo artist: common questions
Do you tip a tattoo artist?
It depends on the country. Tipping a tattoo artist is expected or appreciated in 7 of the 15 countries we track — including the United States, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Mexico, and 2 more — and is unusual in Japan, South Korea, and China.
How much do you tip a tattoo artist?
In the United States, 20–25% of the total price. Across all countries the usual range is 5–25% of the bill. Amounts vary by country — see the table above for each one.
Which countries expect you to tip a tattoo artist?
A tip is genuinely expected in the United States and Canada. In these countries staff often rely on tips as part of their income.
Where should you not tip a tattoo artist?
Tipping a tattoo artist is unusual or can cause awkwardness in Japan, South Korea, and China. A polite thank-you is enough.
Should you tip a tattoo artist in cash or by card?
Cash is the safer choice in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and 8 more, where card tips may not reach staff. Elsewhere adding the tip to a card payment is normally fine.