Tipping Guide for
World Cup Visitors

If you're visiting from a country where tipping isn't common — such as Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, or most of Europe — the concept of adding 15–20% on top of your bill can feel strange. That's completely understandable.

Here's the key thing to know: in the United States and Canada, service workers often earn significantly less than minimum wage because their employers expect tips to make up the difference. When you tip, you're not giving a "bonus" — you're paying for the service itself. Skipping a tip is considered rude and can genuinely impact someone's income.

The good news? It's simple math. At a restaurant, just multiply the subtotal by 0.18 (for 18%) or 0.20 (for 20%). Or use an app like Gratiq that scans your receipt and calculates the tip instantly.

In Mexico, tipping expectations are lower (10–15%), and the culture is more relaxed about it, but tips are always appreciated and help service workers earn a fair income.

Don't worry about getting it perfect. The fact that you're reading this guide means you care, and any reasonable tip will be appreciated. When in doubt, 20% is always a safe and generous choice in the US and Canada.