Posted April 11, 2019 in How to
Tips for tipping etiquette in Canada
Unless you’re visiting from a country like New Zealand, where tipping is as common as kiwi bird sightings on the streets of downtown Wellington, you’ll likely be well-versed in the practice of giving gratuities.
But even if you’re used to calculating and handing out tips wherever you go, nations around the world have their own standards and expectations when it comes to this important etiquette area – and Canada is no exception.
Need a handy primer on how (and how much) to tip before arriving here? Read on…
General guidelines
In theory, tipping is not a requirement in Canada. But, in practice, many locals view it as a social expectation to add percentage gratuities in bars, restaurants and more. This isn’t a blanket rule: many locals routinely tip in restaurants but far fewer drop coins into those speculative tip jars on coffee shop counters. If you’re not sure, keep an eye on those paying ahead of you to see what they do.
Dining
It’s usual to add a tip of 15 to 20 per cent to your restaurant bill, with the former more common than the latter. Some restaurants will add an automatic gratuity to your bill, especially if you are in a large group – check to ensure this hasn’t already been added so that you don’t tip twice!
Café’s are slightly different: if you order from the counter you might want to drop your change in the jar. But if table service is provided, tipping at 15 per cent is common. Food court stands may also have tip jars; you do not have to use them.
Room Service
If you’re dining in your hotel room, make sure you understand the charges – usually written in small print at the bottom of the menu. Tray charges of $5 to $10 are not unusual but an additional service charge may also have be added automatically; don’t tip again on top of this automatic gratuity when you sign for your meal!
Drinks
Table service is common in Canadian pubs and bars and you’ll usually run up a tab rather than paying after every drink – tipping rates of 15 to 20 percent on top of the total bill are standard. Alternatively, if you’re ordering and paying for your drinks individually at the bar, a gratuity of $1 or $2 per drink is the norm.
Taxis and airport shuttles
It is usual to tip your cab driver at a rate of 15 per cent of the total bill (or 10 per cent for shorter trips). But it’s not common to tip airport shuttle bus drivers here – they don’t usually display those strategically-placed tip baskets by the doors. You may want to tip your shuttle driver if they have lifted your heavy bags, though – $2 per bag or a combined total of $5 is common.
Hotel staff
It is common to tip a doorman $2 for hailing you a cab ($5 in fancier joints). And if a porter or bellhop carries your bag, $2 per item (or a $5 total) is also standard. If you would like to compensate the person cleaning your room – something that is by no means standard here – a rate of $2 to $5 per day is usual.
Valet parking
When a staffer brings your car around and hands over the keys – in either a hotel or restaurant – a $5 tip ($10 in fancier joints) is often proffered.
Haircuts and spas
Gratuities of 15 to 20 per cent are common for both men and women having their hair styled here, although barber shops are often happy if you just round up with a dollar or two more. Also, tip your spa staffer at a rate of 15 to 20 per cent.
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FAQs
The tipping amount depends on how much you're willing to give. Most people give round-up tips, so if the trip costs $8, you may pay $10 and tip the $2 to the driver. Although taxi tipping practices vary across provinces, the customary tip percentages are 15 to 20 percent.
How much do you tip for a tour in Canada? ›
Tipping tour guides in Canada
Your tour guide can make or break your experience when travelling - so when you find a great guide in Canada do tip them the standard 10%. Tips are equally welcome whether you're taking a private, multi-day, or walking tour. If you join a free tour in Canada it's worth tipping too.
What are the rules for tipping in Canada? ›
The standard tipping rate for waiters is generally around 15-20% of the bill before tax is applied. This is a good baseline for satisfactory service. However, if the service was exceptional, you may consider tipping more. When calculating the tip, it's important to base it on the total before tax.
Can I use US dollars to tip in Canada? ›
If you wish to tip or pay for things in US Dollars(USD) it is generally accepted, however, it will be treated as $1 USD = $1 CAD when in reality the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD ≅ $1.25 to $1.30 CAD.
Do you tip in cash or card in Canada? ›
No need to carry cash for tips, but you can still leave a tip in cash if you wish. Just enter no tip. Note, however, that the percentage will be added to the whole bill, including liquor, which is not normally tipped at the same rate as food— and, most importantly, the sales tax, which can be as high as 15-16%.
Do you tip airport shuttle drivers in Canada? ›
Taxis and airport shuttles
But it's not common to tip airport shuttle bus drivers here – they don't usually display those strategically-placed tip baskets by the doors. You may want to tip your shuttle driver if they have lifted your heavy bags, though – $2 per bag or a combined total of $5 is common.
Is $5 a good tip in Canada? ›
The standard tipping percentage in Canada is 15 to 20 percent for servers and a dollar a drink for bartenders. Baristas and liquor store staff usually feature a jar where throwing in a few coins is customary. The amount is more variable among cab drivers.
What happens if you don't tip in Canada? ›
Having said that we are a culture where tipping is simply part of the culture, just as brushing your teeth in the morning is part of what we usually do. No one will chase you down the street. You won't get any less service than if you tipped, although they will remember you if you tip 20% and return for another go!
Should I tip my Uber driver in Canada? ›
Tipping is optional. You are free to add a tip, and drivers are free to accept tips. How do I leave my driver a tip? The easiest way to tip your driver is through the app.
Do you tip hotel maids in Canada? ›
Tip the chambermaid or housekeeper, CA$2-5 per day or a lump sum at the end of your stay. Forgetting to properly tip the maid is one of the biggest faux pas made by tourists. Be sure to check whether a tip is included in the cost of room service, as it is not necessary to tip on top of this.
Always choose to be charged in the currency of the country you are in. You will pay high conversion rates and transaction fees if they convert to Canadian currency.
Should I bring US cash to Canada? ›
Carry USD to Canada
Though this currency is widely accepted at retailers, hotels, and border crossings, smaller rural areas prefer the local currency and do not accept USD. Hence, you need to use the Canadian official currency for your local cab fare, laundromats and other things.
Is it better to pay in US or Canadian dollars? ›
While there are some situations where it may make sense to use DCCs, it's usually better to pay in the local currency – especially if you use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Is it better to use cash or debit card in Canada? ›
While major cities and tourist areas in Canada typically accept debit cards, some smaller shops, local vendors, or remote locations may only accept cash. Carrying some Canadian dollars for these situations is always a good idea.
How much to tip a tour guide in Canada? ›
On international tours, it is customary to tip your full-time Tour Director $8 CAD per person, per day. Additional tips for outstanding performance are at your discretion. On tours of the U.S. and Canada, it is customary to tip your full-time Tour Director a minimum of $5-$6 per person, per day.
When and when not to tip? ›
“While there are no hard-and-fast rules about when to leave a gratuity, it's generally accepted that servers in bars and restaurants should be tipped. The same is true for other service providers such as barbers and hairdressers. Other than that, it truly is at the discretion of the customer,” she says.
What is a normal tip for a guided tour? ›
About.com has a Tipping Guide for travelers that further suggests that the tour guide should receive a tip of 10% to 20% of the tour cost. As a last thought, the guide still needs to earn his or her tip. Just with any other profession, the tip should match the level of service.
How much to tip a tour guide and bus driver in Canada? ›
If you participate in a guided tour, whether in the city or on a longer nature excursion, it is customary to tip your tour guide and the bus driver. The standard is generally from $5 to $10 per day per person.
How much should I tip my tour driver? ›
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver(s). If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
What is the average tip out in Canada? ›
Tip out structure for full service dining
At a full service restaurant, every guest should be tipping a percentage of their check, generally 18 to 20% in Canada and 15 to 25% percent in the U.S. Tipping towards or above the higher end of this range tends to indicate the service provided was exceptional.
