Find local tipping customs Tipping customs vary by country and culture. In some countries, restaurants and bars automatically add a tip to every bill. In other cases, waiters and bartenders earn fixed wages, so tips are not part of their income. There are also cultures that do encourage tipping at restaurants and bars, but at a much smaller rate than is common in the United States，sports fitness .
But tipping etiquette isn't limited to restaurants and bars. Find out who should and should not be tipped in the destination country. This list may or may not include taxi drivers, attendants and tour guides.
Also note that while tipping may make you feel generous, it is inappropriate in some cultures.
Find local car rental rules When I travel abroad, I like Uber and Lyft. It's easy, secure, and you can charge your credit card instead of messing with cash. But in some countries, local taxi lobbies or unions have blocked ride-sharing innovations.
After moving to Abu Dhabi, we learned that some powerful sheikh put all Uber drivers in jail to protect his taxi industry interests. I've heard similar stories in several South American countries where powerful unions or legislators with taxi fleets banned ride-hailing.
These countries have their own native apps that everyone uses to hail a ride. See how best to hail a taxi from your smartphone and download any necessary apps before your trip.
A final piece of advice, if you must take a local taxi without a booking app that includes an estimated cost, ask for the price before boarding. In Colombia, we learned bitterly that unscrupulous taxi drivers do not turn on their meters for tourists and charge double, triple or quadruple the prevailing rate upon arrival. Get a quote in advance.
