Compared across countries

Do you tip?

For a trip that crosses borders — the same question, answered country by country.

The pattern

Six of the seven expect no tip at all. Then there is the United States, where the federal cash wage for a tipped worker is $2.13 an hour and the tip is what carries it to the minimum — which is why it is not a courtesy there but part of the price. The uniformity everywhere else is the finding: one country's wage structure against six where the number on the menu is the number you pay.

United States

Because the wage assumes it. Federal law lets an employer pay a tipped worker $2.13 an hour in cash, as long as tips carry the total to the minimum wage — so the tip is closing a gap, not rewarding service.
Japan

No. Tipping is not expected, and money left behind is usually treated as forgotten, not as a gift.
China

No. Tipping is not customary, and handing over extra money will often be refused outright.
Thailand

Optional, and never expected at street level. Leaving the coins from your change is the usual gesture.
Vietnam

Not required, and not a local habit. It has become common only where tourism is the main business.
South Korea

No. Tipping is not a Korean custom and staff do not expect it. Where a charge exists, it is printed on the bill as a service charge.
Taiwan

No. Sit-down restaurants may add a service charge, and where they do, that settles it.

Sort the practical stuff before you fly.