The tipping culture in the United States has become a source of frustration for thousands of international fans attending the FIFA World Cup. According to a BBC report, many visitors describe the system as confusing, expensive and very different from what they are used to in their home countries.
One of the main complaints is the expectation to leave a tip for almost every service, from restaurants and bars to the purchase of drinks. Fans say that the cost of match tickets, accommodation and food is already high, making tipping an additional burden on their travel budgets.
England supporter Geoff Pryor told the BBC that while he understands tipping for good service in restaurants, he found it unusual to be asked to tip even when buying a simple bottle of water. In his view, it is difficult to justify tipping when no personalised service has been provided.
Australian supporters shared similar views, arguing that hospitality workers should receive better wages from their employers rather than relying on customers to supplement their income. They said the American system can be confusing for first-time visitors, as it is often unclear how much they are expected to tip.
Japanese visitors also expressed surprise at the high cost of dining in the United States. In addition to already expensive meals, they said adding a tip of between 13% and 20% significantly increases the final bill.
Business Owners Defend the System
On the other hand, bar and restaurant owners interviewed by the BBC said many European tourists either leave very small tips or none at all. As a result, some establishments have introduced mandatory service charges for reservations to ensure staff receive fair compensation.
In the United States, the way hospitality workers are paid varies from state to state. In some regions, employees who receive tips earn a very low base wage and depend on gratuities to make a living. In states such as Georgia, for example, tipped workers can earn a base wage of just $2.13 per hour, while California has a significantly higher minimum wage.
Industry representatives explained that, for this reason, leaving a tip of around 20% of the total bill is considered standard practice in American restaurants and forms an essential part of workers’ expected income.
Cultural Differences
The BBC report highlights that tipping customs vary considerably around the world. Across much of Europe, as well as in countries such as Japan and Australia, service charges are often included in the final price or tipping is entirely optional and generally lower.
For the thousands of international supporters attending the World Cup, this cultural difference has become one of the most talked-about aspects of their experience in the United States, sparking renewed debate about the hospitality industry’s wage structure and tipping practices.
07/01/2026
