A guide to tipping well around the world

It is important for travelers to be well informed about tipping when going abroad. If they do not know and follow the cultural norms of the country, they may find themselves in awkward situations, especially when money is involved. It is important to understand average tipping rates, as much of the perceived respect in the area is based on how a person treats hospitality staff members.

StressFreeCarRental.com has put together a comprehensive guide to help travelers avoid any confusion about how much money they should add to their bill to cover the tip:

Germany. As in the rest of Europe, there is not a deeply ingrained tipping culture in Germany, although waiters and drivers welcome a bill rounding or a small tip.

Australia. Although tipping is not customary, adding ten percent or rounding up the total amount of the bill is always appreciated by staff.

Brazil. Tipping in this country should be left discreetly, as Brazilians tend to be quite reserved when it comes to exchanging money. It is customary for restaurants to charge diners a ten percent service charge. Even so, waiters always appreciate an additional five to ten percent of the total bill in cash as a tip.

China. Tipping is not expected. What's more, in some places it is even frowned upon. However, some high-end restaurants and very touristy places may be accustomed to small tips.

Croatia. The rules vary from establishment to establishment. In general, it is customary to leave change in bars, a tip of between three and five percent of the total amount of the bill in more informal establishments and restaurants, and between ten and fifteen percent in more upscale establishments.

Egypt. It is customary for tourists to leave between five and ten percent of the amount of the bill as a cash tip to waiters.

United Arab Emirates. In Emirati cities such as Dubai, while ten percent of the total bill amount must be paid for service, staff expect an additional 15 to 20 percent tip as a token of gratitude.

United States.

The American service sector has a very different tipping culture to that of European countries. They can in many cases account for a significant portion of a service sector employee's salary. As such, both locals and tourists are expected to tip between 15 and 20 percent of the final bill.

France. Restaurants, bars and cafés usually include a service charge on the final bill, so tipping is not necessary. Even so, workers will appreciate a small amount as a token of appreciation.

India. Tipping is considered entirely optional and is never expected, but waiters and waitresses will always appreciate a small tip corresponding to ten percent of the total amount when not charged for service.

Italy. Although it is not customary to tip in establishments, it is often appreciated that tourists round up their bill to show their appreciation to waiters. It is best to leave the tip in cash to ensure that the waiter can receive it directly.

Japón. Tipping is often perceived as a compliment. However, in general, workers often refuse to accept it. Moreover, on certain occasions they may even consider it an insult. Strict Japanese cultural expectations hold that good service should be the norm and not something to be rewarded.

Netherlands.

The way for locals and tourists to thank good service is to offer waiters to keep the change or give them small tips, even though Dutch law requires establishments to include tips in their prices.

Thailand. Tipping is not customary in Thailand, but small tips for good service are appreciated.

Thailand.