South Africans are generally pretty good at tipping, but if you haven't done much travelling it's not always easy to know what's expected — or frowned upon — in other countries. Not knowing how much to tip in taxis, restaurants and hotels means that we sometimes have get bad service as a result.

While it’s tough to decipher what to tip from country to country, most travellers still want to avoid spit in the soup or the cold shoulder from the maitre’d, so it pays to find out what the norm is before arriving.

For example, if you leave a couple of coins on the table in Japan, the waiter will likely chase after you to return your forgotten change, but if you leave less than 15 percent behind in in New York , good luck getting a reservation in that restaurant ever again! If you're not sure what to do where, here’s a brief overview of tipping in countries regularly visited by South African travellers...

United States
Restaurants in the USA usually call for a 15-20 percent tip, which supplements a normally meagre wage. If you have trouble working out 15 percent, some restaurants automatically include a 15 percent tip with the bill, to save bringing along the calculator.

Thailand
Anything goes in Thailand, and that rule applies to tipping as well. Some places expect it, while others don't. In general, the more Westernised the place is, the more likely you'll be expected to leave a gratuity. Cabs are now metered in Bangkok so there's no haggling over your fare, but local custom is still to round the fare up to the nearest five baht.

Australia
Tipping in Australia, like New Zealand, is starting to happen more frequently, but is still entirely optional. A 10 percent tip in restaurants is acceptable. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but this form of tipping is on the increase as tourism to Australia grows.

Canada
As with their southern neighbours, most service staff in Canada expect something in the 10-20 percent tip range, depending on whether it’s French or English Canada, and how good the service is — if the service is really bad, leave a few cents and they should get the message.

China
Most government operated hotels and restaurants prohibit the acceptance of tips, but it is sometimes expected at the bigger hotels and by younger service personnel in the more open cities. Use your discretion.

France
In French restaurants, though not in bars, service must be included in the price by law, so there's no need for tips. That said, if you've had good service it is customary to round your bill to include a little more.

Singapore
According to government notices in the Lion City, tipping is not allowed. Officials encourage tourists not to add to the 10 percent service charge that many high-end hotels include on the bill. Hotel porters are one exception to the no-tipping rule, as they usually receive a couple of dollars for lugging bags.

Italy
Most restaurants throughout Italy charge a coperto (cover charge) on top of your bill. Since tipping is expected, be sure to ask if the gratuity is included in the bill whenever you are in doubt and if you're feeling generous, leave some coins on the table as you leave.

United Kingdom
In restaurants, do leave a tip if they haven’t added the usual 10-15 percent service charge, but rather don't tip cash at the pub. Instead, if you are impressed with the barperson’s service, offer to buy them a drink. While the barkeep might take the tip in the form of cash to ‘have one later’, the offer will be much appreciated, and will definitely get you quick service next time!