Free Tool · 2026
UK Tipping Calculator
Find out exactly how much to tip in the UK — for restaurants, pubs, taxis, hotels and tours. Includes a bill splitter.
Tipping in the UK is optional. These are commonly accepted guidelines.
How UK Tipping Works
Pick the Service
Choose from restaurant, pub, taxi, hotel or tour guide. Each has a different UK tipping norm.
Enter the Bill
Enter your bill amount and rate the service. We'll recommend a percentage based on UK customs.
Split & Pay
See the tip, the total to pay, and how much each person owes if you're splitting.
UK Tipping Guide: At a Glance
Quick reference for common tipping situations in the UK.
| Situation | Recommended Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (table service) | 10-15% | Check for service charge first |
| Pub (ordering at bar) | Nothing required | You can offer to "buy one for yourself" |
| Pub (table service for food) | 10% | Discretionary — not expected |
| Taxi / Uber | Round up, or ~10% | Not required for short trips |
| Hotel porter | £1-2 per bag | Optional but appreciated |
| Hotel housekeeping | £1-2 per night | Leave on the pillow or bedside |
| Café / coffee shop | Nothing, or loose change | Tips jars are common |
| Free walking tour guide | £5-£10 per person | They rely entirely on tips |
| Private tour guide | £10-£20 per half-day | Optional for excellent service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to tip in the UK?
No — tipping is never mandatory in the UK. Staff are paid at least the National Minimum Wage, so tips are a bonus for good service, not a substitute for fair pay. Unlike the US, there is no expectation that you must tip.
How much should I tip at a UK restaurant?
10-15% for good service is standard. But check your bill first — many UK restaurants already add a 12.5% discretionary service charge. If it's already added, no further tip is needed.
Do you tip in a UK pub?
Generally no — when you order at the bar, no tip is expected. If you're ordering food at a table and there's table service, 10% is appreciated. For a drink at the bar, you can offer to "buy one for yourself" which is a friendly UK tradition.
How much do you tip a UK taxi driver?
Rounding up the fare is common — e.g. £12.50 becomes £13 or £14. For a longer journey or help with luggage, adding about 10% is standard. Nothing is required.
Should I tip hotel staff in the UK?
Around £1-2 per bag for porters, and £1-2 per night left for housekeeping is appreciated but optional. Hotel restaurants follow the same 10-15% rule as standalone restaurants.
What is a "discretionary service charge" in the UK?
Many UK restaurants automatically add 12.5% to the bill, labelled as a "discretionary service charge". It is genuinely optional — you can ask for it to be removed if service was poor. But most diners simply pay it.
Do you tip tour guides in the UK?
For free walking tours, £5-£10 per person is standard (they rely entirely on tips). For paid tours, £2-£5 per person is a kind gesture. For private guides, £10-£20 per half-day is appreciated.
Is it rude not to tip in the UK?
Not at all. Tipping is genuinely optional in the UK. If service was poor, you are perfectly entitled to leave no tip — nobody will chase you or make a scene.