Canada Tip Calculator

Calculate the right tip for restaurants in Vancouver and across Canada.

Bill Amount (before tax)

Province

No PST on food (10% PST on alcohol)

Calculate tip on

Tip Percentage

Split Between

person

Subtotal$0.00

Tax$0.00

Tip (18%)$0.00

Total$0.00

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Tipping Guide for Vancouver & Canada (2026)

Standard Tipping Rates

Service	Typical Tip	Notes
Sit-down restaurant	15–20%	Pre-tax amount
Fine dining	20–25%	Expect higher for sommelier service
Coffee shop / takeout	$1–2 or 10%	Optional but appreciated
Food delivery	10–15%	Minimum $3–5
Taxi / rideshare	10–15%	Round up for short rides
Hair salon / spa	15–20%	Per service provider
Hotel housekeeping	$2–5/night	Leave daily, not just at checkout

Pre-Tax vs Post-Tax Tipping

In British Columbia, restaurant food is taxed at 5% GST (no PST on food, though alcohol has 10% PST). The traditional etiquette is to tip on the pre-tax amount. However, most payment terminals in Vancouver calculate tip percentages on the post-tax total. The difference is small — on a $100 meal, it's about $0.75–$1.00 — but it adds up over time.

Tipping Etiquette for Newcomers

If you're new to Canada, tipping can feel unfamiliar. Here's what to know: restaurant servers in BC earn minimum wage ($17.40/hr in 2026), but the culture still expects 15–20% tips. When paying by card, the terminal will prompt you with tip options — typically 15%, 18%, and 20%. You can also enter a custom amount.

Example Calculation: Dinner for 4 in Vancouver

You and three friends have dinner at a Gastown restaurant. The pre-tax bill is $120 CAD. Service was good, so you decide on an 18% tip.

Pre-tax subtotal: $120.00
5% GST: $6.00 (BC has no PST on restaurant food)
Tip (18% of pre-tax $120): $21.60
Total: $147.60 CAD
Per person (split evenly): $36.90 CAD

If you tipped 18% on the post-tax total ($126) instead, the tip would be $22.68 — about $1.08 higher. Either way, the per-person difference is about $0.27.

When to Use This Tip Calculator

Splitting a restaurant bill among multiple diners
Calculating delivery tips for UberEats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, or Fantuan
Estimating tax-inclusive dinner budgets before choosing a restaurant
Converting post-tax tip prompts on payment terminals to pre-tax equivalent
Teaching newcomers Canadian tipping norms across service categories

Related Tools & Guides

Food Delivery Price Comparison →Vancouver Restaurant Finder →Vancouver Grocery Budget →Canada Income Tax Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you tip in Canada?

In Canada, the standard tip at a restaurant is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. For exceptional service, 20–25% is common. At coffee shops or takeout counters, $1–2 or 10% is typical.

Do you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount in Canada?

Traditionally, tips in Canada are calculated on the pre-tax amount (before GST and PST). However, many payment terminals default to post-tax calculations. Either approach is acceptable — pre-tax is technically correct and saves you a small amount.

What is the tax rate on restaurant meals in Vancouver?

In Vancouver (British Columbia), restaurant meals are subject to 5% GST. There is no PST on restaurant food in BC, making the total tax 5%. Alcohol is subject to an additional 10% PST.

Is tipping mandatory in Canada?

Tipping is not legally required in Canada, but it is a strong social norm. Restaurant servers typically earn a lower base wage with the expectation of tips. Not tipping is generally seen as a sign of poor service.

How much should I tip for food delivery in Vancouver?

Standard delivery tip in Vancouver is 10-15% of the order total or a minimum of $3-5 CAD, whichever is higher. For long-distance deliveries, bad weather, or large orders, 15-20% is appropriate. Apps like UberEats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes default to 15% but you can adjust up or down.