Tipping a valet around the world
Valet parking attendants at hotels, restaurants, and venues. Customs vary widely — here is what to expect country by country.
Europe
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Appreciated | £2–5 on return of vehicle |
| 🇫🇷France | Appreciated | €1–2 on return; €5+ at luxury hotels |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Appreciated | €2–5 per car retrieval at hotels and high-end restaurants |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Appreciated | €2–5 per car retrieval |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Appreciated | €1–2 on return |
North America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Expected | $3–$5 at retrieval; $5–$10 at luxury hotels |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Expected | $2–$5 on car return |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Expected | 20–50 MXN at retrieval (up to 100 MXN at upscale) |
Asia
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵Japan | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇨🇳China | Optional | ¥10–20 at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere |
| 🇰🇷South Korea | Unusual | ₩0 |
| 🇹🇭Thailand | Appreciated | ฿20–50 per drop-off/pickup |
Oceania
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺Australia | Optional | A$2–5 cash on car return |
South America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Appreciated | R$5–R$10 at retrieval; R$20 at upscale clubs |
Middle East
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates | Expected | AED 5–20 at retrieval |