When to tip, when not to tip and how much to tip are the eternal questions which plague every traveler heading to a new country. Here is some tipping advice for those planning a visit to London.

First of all, like many other countries, tipping in London in not compulsory and the amount is entirely up to you. Hotel porters can be given a couple of pounds for carrying your bags to the room, while rounding up the cab / taxi fare is a good way to tip cab drivers. Of course it does not hurt to give a pound or two extra for those drivers who are extra friendly and help you with your luggage and various queries.

A good rule of thumb when tipping at a London restaurant is to give 10% to 15% of the total. Here again, it is up to you and depends on the type of service you receive. Also remember to check if you have been charged an additional "service charge" on your bill which means you do not have to tip as much. As for bars, tipping is again entirely at your discretion and if the service has been really good you can tip the staff or the bartender a few pounds.

On a final note, tipping in London (and every where else, for that matter) should be given on the basis of efficient and friendly service and as a token of gratitude for that extra bit of personal care.