Here’s everything you should know about tipping in North America as world football comes to the U.S.
About 65,000 UK football fans are heading to North America this week, hoping for an unforgettable month. Everyone knows what they want to see on the pitch, but one thing that can be confusing is tipping culture.
From servers to drivers and hospitality staff, many expect a little extra money when you pay the bill, and the amount can vary depending on the service. So, it can be tricky to know the right way to tip.
Plus, how do you include tipping in your travel budget? It can feel almost as nerve-wracking as watching England in a penalty shootout!
Don’t worry—Tesco Travel Money has got your back with our easy 2026 guide to tipping in North America.
Here’s an interesting fact: Brits think 7.67% is the right tip amount on average. But 8% of us don’t tip at all when abroad—yikes! About 80% believe Americans tip too much, and 74% say they’re confused by US tipping rules, according to Tesco Travel Money research.
Being polite, 31% of us say we’ve tipped more than needed just to avoid feeling awkward.
Not all Brits tip the same, though. For example, 19% of folks in Sheffield admit they don’t tip at all. People from Yorkshire tip the least at about 5.4%, while Geordies are the biggest tippers, giving around 9.1%.
It’s important to think about this since the average Brit budgets £86 a day for holiday spending. In North America, tips usually range from 15% to 20%, so you could spend up to £17 a day just on tips.
Tipping isn’t required by law but is very important. It helps staff get paid because, in the US, the tipped minimum wage is only $2.13 an hour, while the regular minimum wage is $7.25. Many states require higher wages, but tips still make a big difference.
No wonder 65% of Brits feel they need to bring extra cash and sometimes tip more than they want, and 40% have felt pressured to leave a big tip.
On the bright side, the pound is strong right now—£1 equals about $1.35 as of June 2026—so you might treat yourself to an extra drink or dessert!
Another thing to note: in the US, sales tax isn’t included in the price you see—it’s added at the checkout. This means the final bill will be higher, though you calculate your tip on the pre-tax amount. Tip amounts can change depending on the situation.
In Canada, tipping is similar but less extreme because workers get a guaranteed minimum wage no matter what. Usually, 15% is the common tip, but 20% is becoming normal in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Sales tax also varies by province—Ontario has 13%, British Columbia 12%.
The pound is even stronger against the Canadian dollar—£1 equals about CAD $1.86—but things are a bit pricier there, so keep an eye on your spending.
Mexico is easier on tipping, with 10% to 15% being normal. Tipping is less widespread, and the pound goes a long way—£1 equals about 23 Mexican Pesos. You can tip in USD in tourist spots, but Pesos are preferred.
Tipping by card is easy, but cash is still great. Cash goes straight to the person who served you right then and there. Card tips might go into a system and be shared later, and transaction fees mean less goes to your server.
Plus, handing over cash personally feels nicer—it’s a small way to say thanks for making your experience better.
Tesco Travel Money, from Travelex, makes getting ready for your holiday simple. You can order foreign currency online for home delivery or pick it up at selected Tesco stores.
They offer a wide range of currencies, so you’re ready for everything—from daily buys to tipping and taxis abroad.
Want to know more? Check out www.tescotravelmoney.com.