Stories

Wed, 27 May 2026

Wed, 27 May 2026 Is 'out of control' US tipping culture spreading overseas?

With US waiting staff getting cross at receiving less than 20%, tips are also on the rise elsewhere.
In Mexico City, local people blame American tourists for the growth in tipping culture. In the UK, there is a move towards higher service charges in restaurants, with some establishments increasing their charges from 12.5% to 15%. Food and drink consultant Lisa Harris says this rise is being seen more in high-end restaurants as a way to pay staff more without increasing wages. Author Michael Lynn suggests that digital payment machines are driving the rise in tipping globally, as they prompt customers to add a tip. The number of UK cafes and restaurants digitally asking customers for tips increased by 78% from 2022 to 2024. In the US, waiting staff rely heavily on tips due to federal minimum wage laws that set a lower rate for workers who receive gratuities. Some US states have implemented higher minimum wages for restaurant workers, but tips remain a significant component of their income.