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When you're heading abroad, working out how much to tip isn't always easy. Tipping customs can vary from country to country, and getting it wrong can feel awkward.

In fact, our research shows that 74% of UK adults - around 40 million people nationwide - are confused about how tipping works when they go on holiday. And with nearly a third (31%) admitting they’ve overtipped abroad simply to avoid awkwardness, it’s clear that many travellers could use a little help before they go.

So, to help you feel more confident before you travel, our experts have shared some simple ways to stay on top of tipping customs abroad.

Here, we highlight easy tips on preparing for tipping customs before you travel. We also cover common tipping amounts in the USA, Canada and Mexico, and how Tesco Travel Money can help you get prepared for your trip.

To help you get tipping right on your next trip, our Tesco Travel Money experts have shared five practical tips.

1. Sort your travel money before you leave. Ordering your travel money ahead of time means you’ll have the right currency ready from the moment you arrive, making it easier to pay for taxis, tips and everyday purchases while you’re away.

2. Check local tipping customs before you travel. Tipping expectations can vary widely between countries, especially across North America. Spending a few minutes researching what to expect before you go can make a big difference. It’s also worth building tips into your holiday budget, to avoid any surprises once you’re abroad.

3. Carry smaller notes and coins. Having smaller notes and coins makes it easier to leave the right tip when you’re out and about. It can also help you avoid accidentally overtipping because you don’t have the right change.

4. Check whether a service charge is already included. Some restaurants and venues automatically add a service charge or gratuity to the bill, so check before you pay to see whether another tip is needed.

5. Bring back your leftover cash. Don’t worry if you have notes left at the end of your holiday. Take them to a Tesco Travel Money Bureau in-store and we’ll buy them back in most banknote values - even if you bought them elsewhere. T&Cs apply.

Tipping customs in North America aren't always easy to navigate, especially when they differ from what you're used to at home. Knowing what to expect before you travel can help you feel more confident and keep your holiday budget on track.

When you’re planning your holiday budget, it's good to think about how tips will fit into this. The average person budgets around £86 a day for holiday spending, with a tipping pot of £6.45 per day (source: Tesco Travel Money).

However, how much you’ll need for tips in North America depends on where you’re heading to, as tipping customs can vary between the USA, Canada and Mexico.

That’s why we’ve created a simple guide to everyday tipping situations in these countries - helping you plan with more confidence before you travel.

In the USA, tipping is expected in many everyday situations, from restaurants and bars to taxis. Knowing what to expect before you travel can help you budget with confidence and avoid any awkward moments when it's time to pay.

As a general guide, tipping in the USA often sits around 20%, although this can vary depending on the situation and the type of service you receive.

Many travellers feel pressure when deciding on how much to tip in the USA. Our research suggests that two thirds of Brits (65%) say tipping culture in the USA pressures tourists into taking extra travel money with them and spending more than they would like. 40% of holidaymakers also said they’ve felt pressured into leaving a bigger tip by restaurant waiting staff abroad, so it’s good to familiarise yourself with local customs before the bill arrives.

Tipping is a well-established part of service culture in the USA, so it’s worth getting familiar with expectations before you travel. A little preparation can help you budget more confidently, avoid overtipping, and feel less awkward when the bill arrives.

Places where you don't need to tip include:

If it’s your first time visiting The States, mentally add 20% to any menu price to get the real cost of a meal, and make sure you have plenty of small dollar bills for the times a cash tip is needed.

In Canada, much like the USA, tipping is expected in many everyday situations, including restaurants, bars and sometimes even taxis.

While the amount you tip can vary depending on the type of service you’ve received, it’s generally a good idea to budget around 15-20%.

Just like in the USA, service workers rely on tips as a significant part of their income, and not tipping is considered rude.

Restaurants (sit-down)

Bars

Taxis/Ubers

Hotel staff

Like in the USA, mentally add 20% to the menu price for the real cost of a meal, and take some Canadian dollars for cash tips. Unlike Europe, tipping is part of how workers are paid - it's not a scam, it's just a different system.

Tipping in Mexico is generally a little lower than in the USA and Canada, but it’s still common in many everyday travel situations.

As a general guide, a tip of 10-15% is widely accepted in sit-down restaurants and on bar tabs. Tipping taxi drivers isn’t always expected, but rounding up the fare or tipping extra for help with luggage is appreciated.

In Mexico, tipping is a normal part of everyday travel, especially in restaurants, bars and hotels. The amount can vary depending on the service, so it’s a good idea to check the bill first and keep some pesos on hand for smaller tips.

Keeping a few pesos handy can make tipping easier, especially in hotels, bars and restaurants where cash tips are often appreciated.

"Before you travel, take a few minutes to check local tipping customs and make sure you have the right travel money ready. Having a mix of card and cash payment options can make it easier to tip confidently and stick to your holiday budget.

Taking smaller notes can also be helpful, especially when you need to leave a tip or pay for smaller purchases. A little preparation before you go can help you avoid surprises and focus on enjoying your trip."

Ban Mahsoub, Tesco Travel Money

Buy your currency easily online. Or pick up in-store when you’re doing the weekly shop.

To learn more about taking cash abroad, take a look at our guide - Why you still need travel money abroad.

Exchange rates may vary during the day. Rates will vary whether you're buying in-store, online or over the phone. They'll also vary depending on whether you're buying cash or a pre-paid currency card.

We buy back most currencies we sell in most banknote values. Excludes closed currencies.

Don’t forget your travel insurance - for the best deal, buy your travel insurance in advance to save on any unexpected costs.