Tipping in United Kingdom

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Service charges are sometimes added to restaurant bills.

Tipping mandatory

Tip 10-12.5% if no service charge is included. Check the bill for auto-added gratuity.

10-12.5%

Round up to the nearest pound or add 10%.

Round up

Small tip for housekeeping at nicer hotels; £1-2 per bag for porters.

£1-2/night

Per person for guided tours.

£5-10

Tipping at pubs is not customary. Offer to buy the barman a drink instead.

Not expected

General Tipping Guidelines

When visiting United Kingdom, tipping customs may differ from what you're used to. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

✓Check if a service charge is already included on your bill before tipping extra.
✓When in doubt, observe what locals do or ask your hotel concierge for advice.
✓Keep small bills and coins in the local currency handy for tipping situations.
✓For exceptional service, a small tip is almost universally appreciated even in non-tipping cultures.
✓Tip in local currency whenever possible — foreign coins and small bills are hard for staff to exchange.