Tipping in the UK
Tipping in the UK: London Trip Advice
Tipping in the UK can be a bit of a mystery, especially if you’re used to American practices. The rules here are a little different. And while tipping is appreciated, it’s not always expected in the same way.
Whether you’re dining in a posh restaurant, grabbing a pint at a pub or hopping into a black cab, knowing when and how much to tip can help you avoid awkward moments. Keep reading to find out everything you need to navigate tipping like a Londoner.
And, don’t miss the Guide to London for Americans Visiting for the First Time if you really want to prepare for your first visit to London. There’s updated news about what’s happening and discount codes for experiences in the Sunny weekly emails too.
Life as an American in London
As an American who’s been living in London for over a decade, I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing tipping episodes. In the US, tipping is ingrained in our culture, with standard rates and expectations at nearly every turn. If I’m correct, it’s become even more of an issue in the past few years!
But in London, I quickly learned that tipping practices vary and can depend on the service and situation. Tipping in London UK is more relaxed, with some services not requiring a tip at all. This is because employees are paid more, when comparing US vs UK wages in the hospitality and services industries.
I’ve had a lot of help from my husband and his family, who are all English and born in London. He’s always taken back by the amount of tipping that is expected in the US when we visit my home state, Florida.
Additionally, I’ve published a video on Facebook and TikTok highlighting the advice in this article.
If you’re from the UK, I’d love to know your thoughts on tipping in the USA!
For reference, if you’re planning your first trip to the UK, that means you are visiting England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. However, my guess is that most of you are pre-planning your London trip and the other countries won’t be on your itinerary.
Tipping in Pubs
When it comes to pubs, tipping in the UK can be a bit confusing. Unlike in the US, where tipping the bartender is almost automatic, tipping in a London pub isn’t always expected.
If you’re ordering at the bar, there’s no need to leave a tip. Most locals simply pay for their drinks without adding anything extra. However, if you’ve received exceptional service or have been sitting at a table with table service, you might want to leave a little something—typically 10% of your bill.
A good rule of thumb is to offer to “buy the bartender a drink,” which is a polite way to tip and will usually be added to your tab as a small amount, like a pound or two.
Tipping in the UK at Restaurants
Dining out in London can be a great experience, but the tipping etiquette might catch you off guard. Tipping in UK restaurants is straightforward yet different from what you might be used to in the States.
In many London restaurants, a service charge of 12.5% is often added to your bill automatically. You’ll see this noted on your receipt. If the service charge is included, you’re not expected to leave an additional tip unless you want to reward exceptional service.
If there’s no service charge included, leaving a tip of around 10-12% of the total bill is customary. Unlike in the US, where 20% is often the norm, tipping in the UK is more moderate.
Tipping in Travel
When it comes to travel, tipping in the UK is generally less than what you might expect in the US.
In black cabs or taxis, it’s common practice to round up the fare to the nearest pound or add about 10%. For example, if your fare is £18, you might round it up to £20. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s a nice gesture. This is especially applicable if the driver has been helpful with luggage, provided friendly service or conversation or given you trip advice as a local Londoner.
With Uber or other ride-sharing services, tipping isn’t as ingrained as it is in the US. But you can still add a small amount through the app if you’ve had a good experience. Generally, a tip of £1-£2 is sufficient, though not expected.
Tipping in London Hotels
When it comes to hotels, tipping in the UK is generally more understated than in the US. You aren’t expected to tip housekeeping daily. But leaving a small amount at the end of your stay is appreciated.
If a porter helps with your luggage, a tip of £1-£2 per bag is customary. Concierge services don’t usually expect tips. However, if they’ve gone above and beyond to assist you, a small gesture of thanks won’t go unnoticed.
Tipping in Spas and Other Services
Tipping in spas and salons in London is quite similar to what you might do in the US, though the amounts are typically lower. If you’ve received a massage, facial or other spa treatment, leaving a tip of around 10% of the service cost is customary. Some people may tip a bit more if they’ve had an exceptional experience. But it’s by no means expected.
Similarly, in hair salons, it’s polite to tip your stylist, but 10% is usually sufficient. As with other services, tipping in the UK is appreciated but not obligatory. Most service providers are paid a fair wage, so tipping is seen more as a bonus rather than a necessity.
Comparing Tipping in the UK vs USA
When comparing tipping in the UK to tipping in the US, the differences are clear. In the US, tipping is a significant part of a service worker’s income. Therefore, the expectation to tip is strong.
Standard tips in the US often start at 15-20%, with some services even expecting more. On the other hand, tipping in the UK is more of a discretionary act. There are smaller percentages and is less emphasis on tipping across all services. You won’t be frowned upon for not tipping in certain situations, but it’s always appreciated if you do.
This difference largely comes down to wages and cultural practices. In the UK, service workers are generally paid a higher base wage than in the US, where tipping makes up a large portion of earnings. As a result, tipping in the UK is less about obligation and more about rewarding good service.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Tipping with Confidence
Tipping in the UK doesn’t have to be a source of stress or confusion. By understanding the local customs, you can tip with confidence and ensure you’re showing appreciation without overdoing it. Whether you’re sipping a pint in a cosy pub, enjoying a meal at a fine dining restaurant, or getting pampered at a spa, these guidelines will help you navigate the tipping culture in London like a Londoner.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—what do you find most surprising about tipping practices in London? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
