Tipping & Etiquette
Canada has a tipping culture similar to the American one — service staff earn a large part of their income through tips.
Tipping Overview
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (service) | 15–20% on the bill amount (before tax) |
| Bar (drinks) | 1–2 CAD per drink or 15% |
| Taxi / Uber | 10–15% |
| Hotel Housekeeping | 2–5 CAD per night |
| Baggage Handler | 2–3 CAD per suitcase |
| Hairdresser | 15–20% |
| Coffee / Take-away | Optional, 10–15% or small change |
| Tour Guides | 5–10 CAD per person |
Canadian Etiquette
- Politeness: Canadians are proverbially polite — "Sorry," "Thank you," and "Please" are in every sentence. Not apologizing when in someone's way stands out.
- Shoes off: In Canadian private homes, shoes are taken off at the door — always. No exceptions.
- Punctuality: Canadians are punctual. 5 minutes late is acceptable, 15 minutes is rude.
- Small Talk: Weather and hockey are universal conversation topics. Avoid politics and religion.
- Comparisons with the USA: Canadians do NOT like being mistaken for Americans. It's the quickest way to become unpopular. Canada is an independent country with its own culture — and you should respect that.
💡 Tipp
In Canada, tips are calculated on the amount BEFORE tax (pre-tax amount). Many payment terminals add the tip to the amount AFTER tax — which is more than necessary. Calculate yourself: 15% on the net amount is completely sufficient.
