How to tip like a local in 20 countries around the world

In most restaurants and bars in the US, staff receives an hourly rate significantly below minimum wage, with the expectation that their pay will be supplemented with tips. The general standard for tipping typically falls in the 15-20% range, but that's been the standard for at least 20 years.

As we all know, cost-of-living has increased significantly since the '90s, and tipping practices should evolve to reflect that reality. If you receive solid service at a restaurant, you should consider 20% an appropriate tip.

Did the server really go above and beyond for your party? Go with 25-30%. Just stopping in for a drink at the bar? Tip $1 for a can of beer, $2 for a draft beer, a glass of wine, or a simple cocktail like a rum-and-coke. Ordering a complicated signature cocktail with multiple ingredients? Tip at least $3 for that one.

If you're sitting down for a meal or settling in at the bar for a drink, tipping in Canada follows the same rules as in the US.

However, our neighbors to the north aren't in the habit of leaving tip jars out for counter-service cafes and restaurants, according to the Travel Channel. Hourly rates for counter-service employees are typically higher in Canada than in the US, so the extra tip cash isn't as necessary.

Heading down to Mexico? The Travel Channel advises sticking  with your US tipping habits. Generally, tipping expectations in Mexico hover around 10-15%, but if you've had great service, feel free to bump it up to 18-20%.

In Costa Rica, the vast majority of bar and restaurant bills will include an explicitly-stated 10% service charge. Even if the bill says "service not included," that 10% will still be part of the charge.

If you'd like to leave an additional tip on top of the service charge, the gesture is welcome and appreciated, but not required.

In Argentina, a 10-15% tip is expected at restaurants and bars. If possible, Argentinian service staff prefer to receive cash tips in their local currency, according to Travel & Leisure.

Brazilian businesses will often add a 10% service charge to bar tabs and restaurant checks. If you're at a venue that doesn't add a service charge, 15% is a courteous gratuity.

While cash tips in Brazilian are appreciated, tipping in US dollars is considered rude, so make sure to get your money exchanged before heading out to eat.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, the majority of businesses in the UK will add a service charge to your bill, so you don't need to worry about tipping. If there's no service charge (which would be clearly marked on your check), a 10-15% tip is considered appropriate.

If you're just swinging by a pub for a pint, tipping isn't expected.

When visiting France, check your bill for the phrase "service compris." If "service compris" appears on your check, you'll know that service is included in the total. This applies to most restaurant and bar tabs in France, but French service staff won't turn down a "pourboire," a colloquial term for tips.

Just rounding off your bill or leaving a few extra euros will do the trick.

In Italy, there's a custom known as "pane e coperto," in which guests pay a cover charge before entering a bar or restaurant. While "pane e coperto" is becoming less and less common (and is even outlawed in certain regions), visitors to Italian eateries will likely encounter a "servizio," or a service charge automatically added to their bills.

Tipping in addition to the "servizio" isn't expected in Italy, but rounding up the bill is a polite gesture.

Gratuity is generally included in the bill at Spanish restaurants. Rounding up the bill is a solid way to handle tipping, but in recent years, a trend of tipping at least 10% has emerged at higher-end restaurants.

Restaurants in Israel typically include gratuity in the bill. However, an informal but widely-practiced custom encourages leaving a one-shekel tip for each member of your party.

Israeli businesses will often accept US currency, but the shekel is definitely preferred for cash tips.

If you're venturing to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, know that the tipping culture there is very similar to what you'll find in the US.

Fifteen to twenty percent  —or more for exceptional service — is widely considered the norm in the UAE. Know that Dubai, the government requires all bars, restaurants, and hotels to add a 10% service charge to bills. In that case, simply round the bill out with a few dirhams.

However, there are certain instances in which a tip would be considered rude, even if it's expected in the US. The most notable example involves tipping bathroom attendants. If there's a coin dish in the bathroom, feel free to leave a cash tip there. If not, assume that a tip wouldn't be welcome or appreciated.

Tipping is complex In India, and there are plenty of exceptions to the rules. In most regions of the country, tipping isn't required, but is often deemed courteous.

In larger cities and more tourist-dense areas, tipping is becoming more expected, and many businesses have adopted the practice of adding service charges to the bill. If no such charge has been included, you'll want to tip 10%.

Tipping isn't typically considered a part of Chinese culture, and the majority of restaurants and businesses won't expect it.

However, according to NPR, tipping is becoming more expected at trendy urban restaurants, and it's very possible that this practice could become more widespread in the future.

Japanese service workers don't expect tips, and leaving a cash gratuity on the table or handing a wad of bills to a server can be considered rude.

The polite way to handle tipping in Japan involves tucking some yen in an envelope and then handing the concealed tip to the server.

Tipping isn't necessary in Thailand, but service workers will generally be happy to accept a small gratuity. Just round up the bill and you'll be all set.

While tipping is optional in Vietnam, Business Insider describes an informal expectation of a 5-10% tip for excellent service, particularly when traveling in major cities.

Most Egyptian restaurants include gratuity in the final bill, but it's customary to leave an additional 5-10% tip on top of that.

Interestingly, many Egyptian businesses prefer cash tips to be left in US dollars rather than local currency.

Some South African businesses will include service charges on the bill, which should be clearly marked.

If no service charge appears on your check, a 10-15% tip is the norm for a full sit-down meal. If you're just having drinks at a bar, rounding up the bill is perfectly acceptable.

Because service staff in Australia receive a livable wage, they don't typically expect tips. However, a small tip — a few dollars or just rounding-up of the bill — for exceptional service will generally be accepted and appreciated.

Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox.