Brit Living in US Shares Tipping Experience That Caught Tourists Off Guard, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 28, 2025

When one British expat living in the United States shared his experience with tipping in America, it immediately struck a chord with fellow Brits and international travelers. The tipping culture can be somewhat jarring for many visitors who aren’t prepared for the expectations of high gratuities in the US. While it’s discretionary in the UK, it’s decidedly different across the Atlantic, and this cultural discrepancy often catches tourists off guard.

The Surprising Reality of Tipping in the US

In the UK, tipping is often seen as a gesture of goodwill, typically reserved for good service. It’s not expected, and the amount given is usually at the discretion of the customer. However, in the US, tipping plays a critical role in the wages of many service industry workers. From waitstaff and bartenders to taxi drivers and hotel staff, workers in the US often rely heavily on tips to make a living. The system is built around tipping as a necessary supplement to their often low base pay.

For tourists, particularly those from countries where tipping isn’t mandatory, navigating this system can be challenging. This is especially true for Brits, where there’s no such ingrained tipping culture. The expectation that customers should leave a certain percentage for service—often as high as 20% to 25%—can be a culture shock.

The Stressful Experience of the Tipping Screen

One of the more recent developments that has thrown many tourists off guard is the rise of self-service machines that prompt customers to leave a tip. These screens now greet diners and coffee drinkers with options ranging from 20% to 30%, sometimes even higher, depending on the service. And in some cases, there’s no “no tip” option at all. The screen simply turns around, leaving customers staring at suggested percentages while the worker waits, often with an expectant look.

A British TikTok user described his discomfort in a viral video: “British people, you are not prepared for tipping culture in America. So you go to pay and they just turn this screen round to you, and they’re just watching you, and they’re staring into your soul like it’s a test, it says 25%, 20%, 30%—where is the option for ‘I smiled politely?’”

The viral clip struck a nerve with many international tourists, as they struggled to understand whether not tipping—or tipping too little—could result in negative consequences. The awkwardness of the situation is compounded by the social pressure of these machines, which make customers feel as though they’re failing some kind of test.

What Happens If You Skip the Tip?

While the act of tipping is largely voluntary, not doing so can lead to an uncomfortable experience for both the customer and the service worker. Many tourists, especially those unfamiliar with the practice, worry about what would happen if they hit the “no tip” button. In his TikTok, the British man jokingly asks, “What happens if I click ‘no tip’? America, do alarms go off? Please let me know.”

Though alarms don’t go off, there’s often an unspoken expectation that customers will leave something for service, even if the amount is small. For tourists, this can be an unfamiliar, even unsettling experience. It’s worth noting that while tipping is not mandatory, it’s often seen as a reflection of the service received, and not leaving a tip can be interpreted as a criticism.

The Growing Trend of Self-Service Tip Screens

One aspect of American tipping culture that has increasingly baffled visitors is the widespread use of self-service tip screens. These tablets, commonly found at coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, and even fast-casual dining establishments, prompt customers to leave tips as they pay.

Unlike the more traditional practice of handing a tip directly to a server or placing it in a jar, these screens have a much more direct and noticeable effect on the customer. Tourists from countries without a tipping tradition are often caught off guard, as they may not even know the expected percentage. This type of tipping also makes the entire process feel transactional, and for many visitors, it adds unnecessary stress to what should be a simple payment.

The Impact of Tipping on Travel and Tourism

The tipping culture in America isn’t just a source of stress for British expats or visitors—it’s a significant factor affecting the travel experience. Tourists who aren’t prepared for tipping in the US might find themselves frustrated, anxious, or confused by the seemingly endless expectations for gratuity. Even for seasoned travelers, these new forms of tipping, such as automated screens, present an unfamiliar challenge.

This may impact tourism to certain destinations in the US, particularly for travelers from cultures where tipping is either less common or optional. For instance, tourists from countries like Japan or Australia may not fully understand the ins and outs of tipping in America. This misunderstanding can lead to awkward social interactions and can detract from the overall enjoyment of a trip.

How Tourists Can Prepare for Tipping in America

For those planning on visiting the US, it is necessary that they understand that a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. Here are a few tips on how to tackle the world of tips when you are there. Know What’s Expected:
• While dining out, tip with an amount ranging from 15% to 20%.
• While tipping the bartender, tip $1 per drink and when staying at a hotel, tip $2-5 on housekeeping.

Accept Self-Service Machines: Many restaurants use tips displayed on machines, so you need to be prepared for this. It is up to you how much you want to tip, but 20% is always the best tip.

Appreciate the Significance of Tipping: Tip amounts to a considerable source of income for service class workers in the US, and it’s essential to realize the main factor behind leaving a tip, not just an obligation, in some situations.