Nobody expects a tip

팁을 주지 않는다

Tipping is not a custom here, and service staff do not expect it. That goes for restaurants, taxis, salons, a body scrub or a massage. The price on the menu or the price the shop quoted you is the price.

Reviewed 2026-09-27 · Updated 2026-09-28 · Written from the public sources listed below

What happens if you try

Sometimes it is accepted, sometimes politely refused. Some people may try to hand back money you left on the table because they assume you forgot it. Nobody is waiting for it, so there is no need to work out an amount.

The exception you will see on a bill

Many major hotels and upscale restaurants add a service charge to the bill. When that happens it is on the bill and it is not a tip on top. If you see a service charge line, that is the whole story, and there is nothing further to add.

Why this matters more than it sounds

Travellers from tipping countries often budget an extra share of the bill for tips, and then feel they have underpaid for a two hour service. You have not. The quoted price is the whole price here.

What is appreciated instead

Saying thank you on the way out. Coming back. Being on time for a booking, and cancelling ahead if your plans change. If you leave a review, spell the shop's name correctly so it helps the next person find it.

Taxis

Taxi drivers do not expect a tip either. Letting the driver keep small change is fine if you want to, and is not expected.

If you are unsure in a particular moment, the safe default is simply to pay the amount asked and say thank you.