Restaurant Tipping in Canada
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Visitors to Canada often wonder what the proper tipping etiquette in Canadian restaurants is. This tipping guide will help you to understand the local tipping customs at restaurants in Canada. TipWho helps you tip confidently worldwide.
Do you tip in Canadian restaurants?
Yes, it is customary to tip your server in restaurants in Canada.
Service staff in Canadian restaurants are paid a minimum wage that varies by province. Unlike the very low restaurant wages that are allowed in the United States which force waiters and waitresses to rely on tips to make ends meet, the minimum wages applicable to restaurants in Canada are higher. Learn more about Canadian minimum wages by clicking on this link. According to a report in the National Post, the average server earns $30 per hour when their minimum wage is combined with the tip amounts they receive from customers.
How much do you tip at restaurants in Canada?
The standard percent tip rate at restaurants in Canada is 15 percent to 20 percent. We recommend tipping 15% for good service. Tips are expected but your tip should be based on the service level received. If you don’t receive good service, don’t tip well or at all for terrible service.
At the restaurant’s bar? How much should you tip the bartender in Canada?
It’s common to leave $1 per drink as a standard tip to your bartender.
How should I leave the tip?
You can leave the tip to your server on your credit card or you can leave cash instead. It’s your choice.
How can I easily calculate my server’s tip?
In some provinces, the sales tax rate is 15% which is shown on your bill. That makes calculating your tip straightforward, just leave the same amount that was charged in sales tax as a tip. In other provinces, the sales tax rate is 5% so multiply this tax by 3 to get your server’s tip. If the tax rate is 13%, round up the total tax and tip that amount. Or, you can use our tip calculator below.
Do you have a tip calculator for restaurants in Canada?
Yes, we do have our very own tip calculator for Canadian restaurants. You can use it by clicking here.
Is it okay to tip with US dollars in Canada?
Yes, it is generally okay to tip with US dollars in Canada, especially in tourist areas. However, it’s best to use Canadian currency for tipping whenever possible.