Tipping can be an etiquette minefield
Tipping is a sign of decency and a sign that you appreciate the effort your waiter, taxi driver or porter put into looking after you.
However, when traveling abroad, it can be an etiquette minefield, not to mention a costly gesture.
Anyone who hates the mental strain that comes with adding 15 percent to the bill at the end of a meal, or is tired of figuring out when and where to tip, might consider a trip to one of these countries.
That's because in these countries, tipping is considered impolite – and in some countries, tipping is downright offensive.
Australia
You can leave a little something when you pick up your flat white without causing offense in Australia. However, no one will be upset if you don't. Pictured is a barista making coffee in Perth
Down under, tipping is not expected, although it is not respected. In larger cities, a 10 percent service charge is often included in the bill, and if you order a flat white, you won't mind leaving a tip.
Switzerland
It is not customary to tip in Switzerland, as service fees are included in the price in most places according to federal law. However, if you are satisfied with your service, we would appreciate a tip.
It is not customary to tip in Switzerland, as service fees are included in the price in most places according to federal law. The capital Geneva can be seen in the picture
But don't worry about making sure waiters are fairly compensated: the country has one of the highest minimum wages in the world.
Argentina
A strange one. A 2004 labor law makes it illegal to tip people who work in hotels or restaurants. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, nor does it mean it isn't welcome.
However, the law is not regularly enforced – tips make up about 40 percent of an Argentine waiter's average income, so leaving a little something is a courtesy.
Belgium
Wages in Belgium are good, so tips are not expected. However, you won't be kicked out of the restaurant if you offer 10 percent.
French Polynesia
In French Polynesia, no one expects a tip. If you're surprised by the great service and offer a tip, the recipient may even decline it. Some restaurants include notes on a bill indicating whether or not tips are welcome to avoid upsetting diners.
Singapore
Tipping is somewhat controversial in Singapore. A small offer will not cause offense when eating or taking a taxi. But officially it's discouraged: in fact, the government website states: “Tipping is not a way of life on the island.”
COUNTRIES WHERE tipping is an insult
Japan
It's a slap in the face to give a tip in Japan, where the cultural norm is to be very proud of one's work. Employees hold themselves to very high standards when providing a service: tipping is not necessary to feel valued.
If you leave a tip, it suggests that you feel that the employer does not recognize his value and therefore does not pay him enough.
China
In China it is almost forbidden to leave tips. Pictured: a waiter in Shanghai
It's almost forbidden here. It used to be illegal to leave a tip in China – for decades, leaving a tip was considered a bribe. To this day, in many parts of the country, leaving a tip is considered a personal insult to restaurant employees or hoteliers.
An exception is tour guides or coach drivers – you can give them some cash for their trouble without causing offense.
South Korea
As in Japan and China, tipping is considered completely impolite in South Korea. Attempting to leave a tip may well be refused.