Working as a bartender abroad can be a thrilling and rewarding career choice. Not only does it offer the opportunity to explore new cultures, but it also helps you develop professional skills while earning a decent income.
Whether you’re looking for a temporary gig while traveling or seeking a long-term career in mixology, bartending abroad offers an exciting mix of adventure and opportunity.
However, the perks of bartending vary greatly from country to country. Let’s take a look at some of the best destinations for bartenders!
The Best Countries To Work And Earn As A Bartender
1. United States
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
The U.S. is a major hub for bartending, offering a diverse array of work environments – from casual pubs to upscale cocktail lounges.
For those new to the field, attending a bartending school in the United States is a great way to gain the skills needed to succeed in this dynamic industry.
Bartenders in the U.S. often earn significant income from tips, making it a highly lucrative destination.
Hotspots And Earnings
Major cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Miami offer some of the highest earning potential for bartenders.
The average hourly wage for bartenders is around $12–15, but with tips, this can easily triple, especially in high-end establishments.
2. Canada
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
Canada’s bar scene is rapidly growing, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The friendly work environment and diverse clientele make it an attractive destination for bartenders.
Opportunities For Foreigners
Canada’s Express Entry visa program and working holiday agreements make it easier for foreigners to find bartending jobs.
Bartenders here earn about $15 CAD per hour, plus tips.
3. Australia
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
Australia is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and high demand for skilled bartenders. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are packed with bars and clubs catering to both locals and tourists.
Pay is competitive, with hourly wages often exceeding $20 AUD.
Opportunities And Tips
Australia offers working holiday visas, making it an accessible destination for foreigners.
To stand out, consider completing an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) course, which is mandatory for bartenders in most states.
4. United Kingdom
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
The UK’s pub culture is iconic, offering bartenders a variety of work environments, from traditional English pubs to modern cocktail bars.
Earnings And Work Environment
Bartenders typically earn £8–10 per hour. While tips are not as lucrative as in the U.S., high customer volume ensures a steady income.
London and Edinburgh are prime cities for bartending jobs.
5. New Zealand
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
New Zealand offers a laid-back working environment amidst stunning landscapes. Like Australia, it attracts a large number of tourists, creating a strong demand for bartenders.
Visa And Pay
New Zealand’s working holiday visa makes it an accessible destination for young travelers. Bartenders earn about $20 NZD per hour, with plenty of downtime to explore the country.
6. Germany
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
Germany has a rich beer culture, paired with a growing interest in craft cocktails, making it an exciting destination for bartenders. Cities like Berlin and Munich boast diverse and thriving bar scenes.
Earnings And Lifestyle
Bartenders in Germany earn €8–12 per hour, with tips supplementing their income. Learning basic German can be helpful for better communication with customers and colleagues.
7. Japan
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
Japan’s bartending scene is all about precision and artistry, with sophisticated cocktail bars and izakayas in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
What To Expect
Bartenders in Japan need a keen eye for detail. Salaries range from ¥1,000–1,500 per hour. While tipping is not customary, bartenders enjoy steady business due to the bustling bar scenes in major cities.
8. Thailand
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
Thailand is a popular tourist destination, with cities like Bangkok and Phuket offering a high demand for bartenders. The country’s vibrant nightlife scene offers opportunities in bars, clubs, and beach resorts. Staying connected is easy with a Thailand eSIM, which helps bartenders and travelers manage work and travel without the hassle of local SIM cards.
Earnings And Perks
While wages are lower compared to Western countries (around ฿300–500 per shift), the cost of living is significantly cheaper, allowing bartenders to enjoy a tropical lifestyle while saving money.
9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a hotspot for luxury tourism, offering bartending opportunities in five-star hotels, upscale bars, and exclusive clubs. Dubai is also a good destination for digital nomads who come to work here based on a freelance visa.
High Earnings Potential
Bartenders in the UAE earn around AED 3,000–5,000 per month, with tips adding to their income. The tax-free salaries and accommodation benefits make the UAE a highly attractive destination for bartenders.
10. Singapore
Why It’s Great For Bartenders
Singapore is home to a cosmopolitan culture and some of Asia’s best cocktail bars, making it a great place for bartenders to build a career.
Earnings And Lifestyle
Bartenders in Singapore can earn between SGD 2,000–3,500 per month. Although the cost of living is high, the experience of working in one of the world’s most dynamic bar scenes makes it a rewarding opportunity.
How To Prepare For Bartending Abroad
Research Visa Requirements
Before heading to a new country, ensure you understand the visa and work permit processes for your destination.
Enhance Your Skills
Consider taking international bartending courses to boost your credentials and make yourself more competitive.
Learn The Local Culture
Understanding the drinking customs and customer service expectations of the country you’re working in can help you fit in quickly and perform your job effectively.
Network
Connect with bartenders and hospitality professionals in your target destination through online forums, social media, or professional networks.
Be Open To Challenges
Working abroad often requires adapting to different work cultures, languages, and expectations. Flexibility and a willingness to learn will help you thrive in your new role.
Conclusion
Bartending abroad offers more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, meet new people, and develop invaluable skills.
Countries like the U.S., Australia, and the UAE offer lucrative opportunities, while destinations like Thailand and New Zealand provide a balance of work and lifestyle.
With the right preparation, bartending abroad can be an unforgettable and enriching experience.
I hope this guide helps you explore the exciting opportunities bartending abroad has to offer. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, experience new cultures, or simply enjoy a change of scenery, bartending in these countries can be an unforgettable adventure.
With the right preparation and mindset, you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Best of luck on your bartending journey, and may it open doors to incredible new experiences!
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo