Tipping is an elusive custom that seems to change its rules the world over – what is deemed a generous token of appreciation in some countries can offend the subtle cultural sensibilities of others.
In countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland, tipping is extremely rare. Service is factored into wages, and offering a tip can sometimes be politely refused. In the UK, rounding up or giving 10% is standard in London, but tipping in traditional British pubs is generally not done.
In Japan, there is no tipping culture at all and tips are always politely refused.
In Singapore, most restaurants and cafes add a 10% service charge to dine-in bills. There is also the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 9%. Because this built-in gratuity goes mostly toward staff compensation, tipping is generally not expected or required.
American tipping culture
Restaurant owners in U.S. cities hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 are adding a mandatory tip to customers’ bills to account for the fact that international visitors do not share America’s tipping culture which can add up to 20% to the bill.
This initiative aims to ensure restaurant workers are compensated, as international visitors are often unfamiliar with America’s tipping culture.
Tipping is built into the expected compensation of restaurant workers in the U.S. Most American servers and bartenders earn less than the minimum wage and largely rely on tips to make up the difference.
You are not expected or required to tip at fast-food or counter-service restaurants. You only need to tip at full-service sit-down restaurants where a waiter or waitress serves you at your table.
However, there are a few important nuances to be aware of such as modern payment kiosks and digital registers which often prompt you to leave a tip (e.g., 10%, 15%, 20%). This is software-driven and does not mean tipping has become the social norm for fast food. Pressing “No Tip” or “Skip” at places like McDonald’s, Subway, or Taco Bell is completely acceptable and expected.
American restaurant owners to add mandatory tip during the World Cup period
Some restaurants in U.S. host cities, expecting an influx of millions international visitors for the tournament, plan to combine the tip into the overall cost of the meal to ensure their workers are compensated. The move comes as soccer fans have already been hit by sky-high for flights, hotels, tickets and transportation to games.
In Atlanta, for example, some restaurants will increase its existing automatic 18 percent gratuity to 20 percent.
Restaurants in other host cities are taking the same measures. In Boston, some businesses have proposed a mandatory 20 percent tip be added to customers’ final bills.
Restaurant associations, such as the Missouri Restaurant Association, are advising establishments in host cities like Kansas City to implement these mandatory tips during the tournament. In Massachusetts, it has been suggested that restaurants notify customers of the policy change by including a message on their menus. He said the move was critical to protecting workers.
One restaurant owner disagreed with adding a mandatory service charge and said that he would prefer to post signs reminding visitors to tip and to trust that they will tip on their own.
While these mandatory tipping policies are expected to be temporary, there are concerns about potential consumer backlash from locals living in host cities who are already facing financial pressures.
