As a blanket rule, you don't need to tip anyone who earns a salary or performs a trade. That means you don't have to tip doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers or cable technicians. “Not only would it not be expected, it would be highly unorthodox and very awkward,” says Farley.

In 2026, the answer depends entirely on the cultural and economic context of your location. In the United States, it is still considered socially "rude" and ethically problematic not to tip in full-service environments (like restaurants or bars) where servers rely on "tipped minimum wage" to make a living. However, in 2026, there is a growing "tip fatigue" movement regarding checkout screens at quick-service kiosks, where many experts agree it is not rude to skip the tip for a simple counter transaction. Internationally, the rules differ wildly: in Japan, tipping remains unnecessary and can even be perceived as an insult to the staff's professionalism. In much of Europe, a small "round-up" or a few euros is appreciated but not mandatory. By 2026, many high-end establishments have moved to a "Service Included" model to provide stable wages, in which case a tip is truly an optional gesture of gratitude for exceptional service rather than an obligation.