Should I Tip My International Mover?

Should I Tip My International Mover? All you need to know when moving overseas from the US.

Are you planning an international move and wondering if you should tip your international mover? While tipping practices vary by country and culture, it’s common to show appreciation for good service in many parts of the world. A common range for tipping international movers is between 10% and 20% of the total moving cost. However, remember that tipping is optional, and you should only do it if you feel it’s deserved.

Basic Tipping Etiquette for International Moves

Tipping practices vary widely by country and culture, and whether tipping is expected or required for international movers can depend on various factors, such as the country of origin and the destination, the type of move, and the company policies.

However, in the US, it is customary to tip service providers such as movers. As a general guideline, it is common to tip movers between 10-20% of the total cost of the move. For example, if your move costs $1,000, you might consider tipping between $100 and $200. 

You can also base your tip on the number of hours worked by the movers, with $5-$10 per hour per mover being a typical amount.

But tipping international movers may not be expected or required in all countries. When moving from the US to another country, it’s essential to research the tipping practices in the destination country.

To give you context, here are some examples of tipping etiquette around the world:

• In some European countries, it’s common to round up the total cost of the move or tip a small amount, such as 10 euros, per mover. 
• In Japan, tipping is not customary and may even be considered offensive. 
• In some Middle Eastern countries, it’s customary to tip generously, such as 15-20% of the total cost of the move.

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Here is a table of the top International Movers from the US. Ratings are based on Years in Business, Reputation, and Customer Reviews.

How to Tip Your International Movers?

When handing a tip to your international movers, it’s generally best to give it directly to the moving crew rather than a manager or supervisor. This will ensure that the movers who did the work receive the tip and that it’s divided among them fairly.

Hand the tip directly to each moving crew member individually. This will allow you to express your gratitude in person and ensure each team member is recognized for their hard work.

If handing the tip directly to the moving crew is impossible, you can give it to the team leader or manager and ask that it be distributed among the crew. However, this method may not guarantee that each crew member receives an equal share of the tip.

In either case, be discreet when handing the tip, and express your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

When handing the tip, using an envelope is a more discreet way, especially if you don’t want to draw attention to the fact that you’re giving the movers extra money. It’s also a more organized way to ensure each crew member receives an equal share. 

If you choose an envelope, write a note expressing gratitude and thanks for their hard work. This will show that you appreciate their efforts and will make the gesture even more meaningful.

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Factors to Consider When Deciding to Tip Your International Mover

Several factors should be considered when deciding whether to tip your international mover:

• Level of service provided: Were the movers punctual, professional, and efficient? Did they handle your belongings with care and attention? Did they go above and beyond to ensure a smooth and stress-free move?
• Difficulty and complexity of the move: If you had a long-distance move, a large number of belongings, or unique items that required special handling, tipping might be more appropriate.

• The number of movers involved: If you had a team of movers who worked together to ensure a smooth move, it might be appropriate to tip each of them individually.

In addition to mover-specific factors, you should consider outside factors such as weather, distance, traffic, and stairs. All of these factors affect the complexity of your move. 

Ultimately, tipping is a personal decision; you should only do it if you feel it’s deserved. If you need help deciding whether to tip or how much to tip, you can always ask the moving company about their policies on tipping. 

Know More Here: Do you need International Moving Insurance

Making the Decision in an International Move

There are many arguments regarding whether or not you should tip international movers. While tipping is not mandatory, in the US remains highly encouraged. Let’s explore some of the most common arguments for (and against) tipping. 

For tipping your international movers:

• It shows appreciation. Tipping is a way to recognize and reward your international movers for their hard work and dedication to making your move successful. 
• It can improve the quality of service. Tipping can motivate your movers to provide even better service, as they may be more likely to go above and beyond if they know they will be rewarded.

• It can help build a good relationship with your movers. Tipping can help establish a positive rapport with your international movers and may even lead to better service in the future if you need to move again.

Know More Here: How to Save Money When Moving Overseas

Against tipping your international movers:

• It may not be expected or required.  In some countries, tipping is not customary or may be considered rude or offensive. If you are unsure about the destination country’s tipping practices, it’s best to research or ask the moving company.

Read Here: Questions to Ask your International Mover

• It increases the overall cost of the move. Tipping can add to the total cost of your move, which can already be quite expensive, especially for international moves.

• It can be a source of stress or awkwardness. Some people may feel uncomfortable or unsure about how much to tip, which places tremendous pressure on them. 

Alternatives to Tipping Your International Movers

If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of tipping or if tipping is not customary in the country you’re moving to, there are alternative ways to show your appreciation to your international movers. 

Here are some ideas:

• Provide a good review. After your move is complete, leave a positive review of your movers online. This will help their business and may attract new customers. Ensure that you write the movers’ names that helped you give them the recognition they deserve.
• Offer refreshments. Providing refreshments such as water, coffee, or snacks during the move can be a kind gesture that shows your appreciation. If your move will take a long time, consider getting the crew a proper meal. 
• Help packing, unpacking, or loading. If you’re physically fit enough to help them, do what you can to make their hard work more manageable. But consider that some items may have special needs, and your help may actually be a hindrance. Ask them whether or not you can help them somehow. 
• Refer them to friends and family. If you are happy with the service your movers provide, consider referring them to friends or family who may be moving in the future.

Remember, tipping is just one way to show appreciation to your movers. There are many other ways to express your thanks and gratitude for a job well done.

International Van Lines handles an average of 20,000 relocations per year. Long-distance moving makes up about eighty percent of the moves we transport annually. IVL has been featured in Sun-Sentinel and USA Today as one of the best moving companies.