How Much to Tip Tour Guides Around the World
Whether you're taking a tour in the Vietnamese mountain town of Sapa or going on a safari jeep tour in Kenya, you'll need to know the in's and out's of proper tipping etiquette.
No one likes the gnawing sense of guilt of not tipping enough or the regretful feeling of tipping far too much and exceeding your daily budget. Tour guides offer travelers cultural insight, expertise knowledge, and an immersive experience, and it’s natural to want to tip them fairly.
Tipping cultures vary from one country to another so how do you know what’s expected? Read on to find out more about understanding tipping cultures across the world.
Factors to consider when tipping
As a general rule of thumb, you should consider tipping tour guides around 10%-20% of the total cost. However, many factors will influence this figure, so there is no true “one size fits all” answer.
Additionally, it’s never compulsory to tip, so don’t feel pressured to do so if the tour overpromised or underdelivered. You should only consider tipping if they provide an enjoyable and immersive experience for you.
You’ll need to consider a range of factors when tipping your tour guide:
- Existing tipping culture: Attitudes towards tipping will influence how much you’re expected to tip. If you’re in a tip-heavy country such as the US, you’ll be expected to tip more than you would in a country with virtually zero tipping culture, such as Italy, Switzerland, or Japan.
- Cost of living in that country: If the cost of living is higher, the tip will generally be higher, and vice versa.
- Group size: If your group size is larger - and the guide puts in more work and effort for your experience - the expected tip may be higher. While it may be higher, it can be divided by your larger group size, making it less expensive per person.
- Tour type: Tips will vary from tour types such as group tours or private tours. Expect to tip less on a group tour where the guide will receive tips from all participants, whereas you should consider tipping more on a private tour.
- Length of tour: A half-day tour isn’t the same as a full-day or multi-day tour. Multi-day tours require more thorough planning, preparation, and engagement from the tour guides, and may influence tipping expectations.
- Effort & experience: Tour guides will vary in their personality, quality, and effort. Consider what activities you’ll be doing, whether it’s a half-day city tour or a multi-day mountain trek, and you can tip a tour guide who puts more effort into the experience. Remember, if you feel like the tour was underwhelming, you shouldn’t need to tip.
Tipping in Africa
When tipping in Africa, it’s best to tip in the local currency and be discreet. For tour guides, budget around $5-$10 per person per day if you’re on a group tour and $10-$20 per person if you’re on a private tour. Or, follow the rule of thumb of tipping between 10%-20% of the total tour cost per day.
Africa is a huge continent, and one rule doesn’t apply to all countries here. However, while the expectations and amounts differ by country, tips are always appreciated. Even where locals do not tip, foreigners are sometimes expected to tip. Many guides come from low-cost-of-living countries and rely on tips for income.
Many travelers in countries like Namibia, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa opt for safari tours for a comprehensive in-country experience. These tours can vary from as short as a couple of days to a couple of weeks. With drivers, porters, and lodge staff, it can be difficult to know how much to tip. On a multi-day safari tour, you may be expected to tip around $5-$10 per day for the travel guide, and half for other staff members. If you’re on a private tour, consider tipping more.
Consider tipping towards the higher end of the scale if your guide is also an expert such as a naturalist or archaeologist who provided specialized insight. On multi-day tours, adventure treks, and safari trips, there’s often a whole team working behind the scenes to ensure your experience is positive. If you want to tip team members without making a scene, tip the lead guide and specify that it’s for everyone.
Tipping in Asia
Generally, it’s appropriate to tip private guides $5-$15 per day or $5-$10 for private drivers. For larger tour groups, you’d tip half of this because other members are also likely to tip.
In many Asian cultures, guests are treated with the utmost respect. Guides often go out of their way to accommodate specific requests and preferences and may provide additional gifts such as tea or foods unique to the country.
Southeast Asian countries have a very low cost of living compared to Western countries, and tips go a long way. While these countries don’t necessarily have strong tipping cultures, even as little as $5 will cover the cost of multiple meals for your tour guide.
In Nepal, a popular destination for trekking, you may be expected to tip a sherpa around $5-$10 per day and the porter (who typically earns less) around $5 per day. These roles are physically demanding, especially considering the terrain and climate.
Tipping is not common in China, except for tour packages. You’ll know if tips are expected when the organizer specifies that tips aren’t included in the cost. If you’re doing a full-day or multi-day trek near the Great Wall of China, you may be expected to tip your guide around $5-$10 for each day.
However, while Japan and South Korea have a higher cost of living, tipping is not expected or even unnecessary. Instead, tour guides may ask you to leave a positive review with a shout-out to your tour leader, which will increase business for them.
Tipping in Europe
In Europe, tips range from $5-$20 per day for guides and $5-$10 for drivers. However, it depends on where in Europe you are.
In France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, tour guides are often tipped around $5-$15 per person for a full-day tour. In the UK, 10% of the cost is considered a reasonable sum for a tip.
In Switzerland, the law states that service charges and gratuity must be included in the advertised costs, making tipping uncommon here.
Tips might not necessarily be expected on multi-day tours in countries like Iceland, Denmark, and Sweden, but remember that the cost of living in these countries is high so it’s recommended to tip if you can afford it.
You can tip at the lower end in Central and Eastern Europe, where the cost of living is typically lower. Many walking tours in European countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and so on are free of charge, and the tour guides depend on tips.
Tipping in South America
In South America, the cost of living is significantly lower than in the US or Western Europe. Travelers generally tip tour guides $5-$25 per day and around $5 for drivers depending on the tour.
In Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, consider tipping private guides around $10-$20 per person per day and $5-$10 for drivers. On a group tour, you can lower the tip because you can expect other members to tip, too. Your tips go a long way in helping guides earn a livable wage and even when it’s not expected, it is always greatly appreciated.
Again, it depends on the activity that you’re taking part in. If you’re on a multi-day tour such as the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru, an Amazon River Cruise in Brazil, or a trek to Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, you may be expected to tip more. This could vary from around $10-$25 per day, which can also cover chefs, porters, and other team members.
Tipping in the Middle East
Tips for private guides in the Middle East range from $10-$30 per day and $8-$15 for drivers. For group tours, consider tipping guides $5-$20 per day depending on group size. The Middle East is perhaps one of the most hospitable regions in the world and treating guests to the best available experiences is a matter of pride for the locals, guides included.
In some countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, you’d get quality service without the expectation of a tip, but tips are always appreciated. In the Middle East, guides come from countries around the region such as Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, and tips are often sent home to support their families.
If you’re visiting Petra or the Dead Sea in Jordan, travelers often tip between $10-$25 for each day spent on the tour. If you’re on the Nile cruise in Egypt, people often tip their guides between $10-$15 per day for the guide.
Tipping in North America
In the US, many guides depend on tips to earn a decent income, and therefore, the tipping culture is widely prevalent and deeply ingrained in the service industry.
Expect to tip your guide from $10-$20 per day, adjusting for the duration and group size. If you have a separate driver transporting you around, you can consider budgeting $10 per day towards their tip. In Canada, you’d be expected to tip around 10%-15% of the tour cost.
If you’re on a private tour in the US or Canada with an expert sharing specialized knowledge in history, biology, archaeology, or any other field related to your tour, expect to tip your guide for around $20-$50 per day.
In Central America, budget around $5-$15 per person per day for guides and drivers. If you’re on a multi-day tour, trekking, or adventure expedition that involves a team of guides and other staff, budget $10 per person per day for each guide, $5 for drivers, captains, and cooks, and $2-$3 for other staff.
Tipping in Oceania
In Australia and New Zealand, tipping is not nearly as pervasive as in the US. However, if a guide provided an immense experience and you’d like to tip regardless, they are still greatly appreciated by tour guides. However, you can tip by the 5%-10% rule.
New Zealand is one of the friendliest countries in the world and not only are the guides extremely professional and knowledgeable, but they’re also proud to show you around their beautiful country. While tips are appreciated, rarely will the guides ever hint or ask for them, as they believe that their service quality is included in the original price. When tipping in this region, be discreet.
How much to tip for a free walking tour
Many guides who give free walking tours depend solely on tips for their income and will expect them. Depending on the country and the tour length and quality, tips can range from $5-$30 USD per person.
Tip with clarity abroad!
Tour guides can do more than organize activities and lead you around, they can greatly enrich your insight and cultural experience wherever you are in the world. Tipping can be an awkward topic, but with this guidance, you’re now well on your way to navigating it with ease!
Learn more about maximizing your travels abroad:
