Quick answer: In the United States and Canada, tip tour guides 15–20% of the tour price (or $5–10 per person for a short group tour, $20–50 per person per day for a private guide). In Western Europe, tipping is appreciated but not expected: €2–5 per person for a group tour, €10–20 per person for a full-day private guide. In Japan, South Korea and China, tipping is not customary and can be awkward — a small gift or a sincere thank-you is better. In Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, India, Southeast Asia and Latin America, tips are expected and form part of guides’ income: the equivalent of $5–10 per person per half-day, more for private guides and drivers. Free walking tours are tip-based everywhere: $10–20 per person is typical.
Related: Best Tours & Experiences in Fredericksburg Texas Wine Country
Tipping by Country
| Country / region | Group tour (per person) | Private guide (per day, per group) | Driver | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 15–20% or $5–10 short tour | $50–100 | $20–40 | Expected |
| Canada | 10–20% or C$5–10 | C$50–100 | C$20–40 | Expected |
| Mexico | MX$50–100 / US$3–5 | US$20–40 | US$10–20 | Expected |
| UK & Ireland | £2–5 / €2–5 | £20–40 | £10–20 | Appreciated |
| France, Italy, Spain, Portugal | €2–5 | €20–50 | €10–20 | Appreciated, not expected |
| Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Scandinavia | €2–5 | €20–40 | €10 | Modest; round up |
| Greece, Turkey | €2–5 | €20–40 | €10–20 | Appreciated |
| Japan, South Korea | Not customary | Not customary (small gift OK) | Not customary | Tipping can embarrass |
| China, Taiwan | Not customary (some tour guides accept) | ¥100–200 if offered | ¥50–100 | Check operator guidance |
| Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia | US$2–5 | US$10–20 | US$5–10 | Expected in tourism |
| India, Nepal, Sri Lanka | ₹200–500 / US$3–6 | US$10–20 | US$5–10 | Expected |
| UAE, Qatar | AED 20–40 | AED 100–200 | AED 50 | Appreciated |
| Egypt, Jordan, Morocco | US$5–10 | US$20–40 | US$10–15 | Expected; carry small notes |
| Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa (safari) | US$10–20 per day | US$20–40 per day | US$10–20 per day | Guide/tracker tips are standard |
| Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil | US$3–5 | US$15–30 | US$5–10 | Expected |
| Australia, New Zealand | Not expected; A$5–10 for great service | A$20–50 | — | Modest |
Ranges are per person for group tours and per group for private guides unless stated; adjust up for exceptional service and down for short tours. Local currency in cash is best almost everywhere.
Top-Rated New Orleans Tours & Experiences on Viator
Free Walking Tours
These are tip-based by design: the guide’s income is the tips. $10–20 (or the local equivalent) per person is the norm in Europe and the Americas, more if the tour was long or outstanding, and it is poor form to walk off without tipping. Bring cash; many guides now accept cards or payment apps, but not all.
Private Guides and Drivers
For a full-day private tour, tip the guide roughly 10–15% of the tour price in tipping cultures (US, Latin America, Middle East, Asia outside Japan/Korea) and a flat €20–50 in Europe. Tip the driver separately, about half the guide’s amount. If one person is both guide and driver, tip once, at the higher end.
Multi-Day Tours and Safaris
Operators often publish suggested tipping guidelines; follow them. Typical: US$10–20 per person per day for the lead guide, $5–10 for drivers and cooks, pooled at the end. On safari, guide and tracker tips of $10–20 per person per day are standard and hugely appreciated.
How to Tip Gracefully
Hand cash directly to the guide at the end with a thank-you. In group settings, one envelope from your party is fine. In Japan and Korea, skip cash: a small wrapped gift from home or a written review is the appropriate thanks. When unsure, ask the operator — many Viator listings state whether gratuities are included or expected in the “Additional info” section.
Is the Tip Included?
Rarely, unless the listing says “gratuities included”. Some US operators add a suggested gratuity at checkout; some cruise-style day tours add a service charge. Check the “What’s included / not included” lines on the listing before booking so you are not surprised on the day.
Related: how to read tour reviews, meeting-point tips. Destinations: New Orleans, Marrakech, Cairo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip a tour guide in the USA?
15–20% of the tour price, or $5–10 per person for a short group tour and $50–100 per day for a private guide.
Do you tip tour guides in Europe?
It is appreciated but not expected: €2–5 per person for a group tour, €20–50 for a full-day private guide.
Do you tip tour guides in Japan?
No. Tipping is not customary and can cause embarrassment. A small gift or a sincere thank-you and a good review is the appropriate gesture.
How much do you tip on a free walking tour?
$10–20 per person, or the local equivalent, more for an excellent long tour. The tips are the guide’s income.
Should I tip the driver as well as the guide?
Yes, separately, usually about half the guide’s tip. If one person does both, tip once at the higher end.
Are tips included in Viator tour prices?
Usually not, unless the listing states gratuities are included. Check the “What’s included” section.
Kratos Review is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and policies were checked on 28 September 2026 and can change.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!