Tipping a tradesperson around the world
Tipping a tradesperson is customary in 1 of the 15 countries we track, including the United Arab Emirates. In the United States, not expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work. It is unusual or unwelcome in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and 7 more.
Skilled trade professionals making house calls. Customs vary widely — here is what to expect country by country.
Europe
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Unusual | £0 — not customary; tea and biscuits preferred |
| 🇫🇷France | Unusual | €0 — not customary |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Unusual | Not customary; quoted price is final |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Unusual | Not customary; quoted invoice is final |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Unusual | €0 — not customary |
North America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Unusual | Not expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Optional | No tip routinely; $20–$50 cash for emergency or after-hours |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Optional | Not standard; 50–200 MXN for exceptional service |
Asia
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵Japan | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇨🇳China | Unusual | ¥0 — the quoted price is the price |
| 🇰🇷South Korea | Unusual | ₩0 |
| 🇹🇭Thailand | Optional | ฿50–100 cash for exceptional work |
Oceania
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺Australia | Unusual | No tip; cup of tea / cold drink is the norm |
South America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Optional | Not standard; R$10–R$50 cash for emergency or after-hours |
Middle East
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates | Appreciated | AED 20–100 per call |
Tipping a tradesperson: common questions
Do you tip a tradesperson?
It depends on the country. Tipping a tradesperson is expected or appreciated in 1 of the 15 countries we track — including the United Arab Emirates — and is unusual in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and 7 more.
How much do you tip a tradesperson?
In the United States, not expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work. Amounts vary by country — see the table above for each one.
Where should you not tip a tradesperson?
Tipping a tradesperson is unusual or can cause awkwardness in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, and Australia. A polite thank-you is enough.
Should you tip a tradesperson in cash or by card?
Cash is the safer choice in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Thailand, and 4 more, where card tips may not reach staff. Elsewhere adding the tip to a card payment is normally fine.