A Small Reflection on Tipping Abroad

While staying in Paris, I found myself thinking again about one of the small but surprisingly tricky parts of traveling: tipping.With services like Uber, I’ve noticed that leaving tips regularly makes it easier to get rides quickly—it almost feels like an investment. The same goes for restaurants or shops I visit more than once during a trip: a tip at the beginning often makes the whole experience smoother.At the same time, I’ve grown used to a mostly cashless life, but abroad it still feels wise to carry some cash. Even where cards are common, handing over a tip in cash is often simpler and more appreciated.In this episode, I share these reflections and walk through how tipping customs differ across countries, and why learning to navigate them can make travel feel a little more connected.