Would you still tip in a non-tipping country?

1. 59

   WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years ago

   Would you still tip in a non-tipping country?
   
   If you are from a country where tipping  is the norm, would you still tip when traveling to a non-tipping country? I'm from Australia and tipping is not the norm at all, although I tend to tip when eating out if I like the service and if places have tip jars I generally contribute.
   
   When I worked in retail I was tipped $10 and was actually uncomfortable by it and wasn't sure If it was rude to refuse it or not.

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2. 61

   easycashonlineposted 11 years ago

   Tipping has nothing to do with the country you are visiting, it has everything to do with you. Inquiring whether it is right to tip in a non tipping country is similar to asking whether it is right to lend hand to a drowning man when no one else cares. Always do what seems right to you wherever you travel. Only make sure it does not contravene the law

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      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi easycashonline, thanks for your comment and feedback, I appreciate it, although I do disagree with your analogy, the two are different in my opinion. In my example, I felt uncomfortable with being tipped, as its just not whats common practice here

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3. 78

   cebutouristspotposted 11 years ago

   If the establishment dont add a service charge in the bill.  I will tip a little amount if the service is only norm (I know they appreciate it.).  If the service is extra ordinary I usually tip double my usually tip.

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      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      thanks for your comment cebutouristspot. I dont think Australian restaurants have inbuilt service charges (i could be wrong), however from my understanding the basic rate of pay and overtime is higher than in tipping countries, which I guess is why t

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      cebutouristspotposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Tipping is the customer option.  If you get good service it just your way of saying thank you. 
      In my country the basic pay sucks some establishment dont even pay the minimum wage. 

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4. 59

   janthepoetposted 11 years ago

   If you are very happy with the service you have been given then why not tip? I have felt uncomfortable receiving a tip but hey if it is given freely and in good faith then smile and say thankyou.I will tip the barber/hairdresser if I think they have done a good job and charge a sensible price to start with.

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   1. 59

      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Janthepoet thanks for your answer.

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5. 66

   Traqqerposted 11 years ago

   No, I would not. Look at it this way....if you are in France, would you go out of your way to speak english to a French person? If you knew nothing of the French language, you would have to - you have no choice. But usually, you would try to learn some French and also try to learn some of their customs as well. Respect other countries' habits/norms and they should do the same here as well. If the norm is not to tip, then don't tip. Why is that so hard to follow? Forget about what you may be feeling inside...just do what the norm/customs suggest. I know I sould a little rude, so, I'll apologize for that.

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      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Traqqer, thanks for your comment it doesn't sound rude at all, just honest.

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6. 71

   novascotiamissposted 11 years ago

   Yes, a small tip reflects your satisfaction. E.g. in Switzerland the service charge is included in restaurant prices but if you are happy with the friendly service you usually round off the amount.

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      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      thanks for your answer novascotiamiss

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7. 68

   jblais1122@aolposted 11 years ago

   I would, and I have.  I have traveled a bit and have tipped in customarily non tipping countries and situations if the service warranted.  I've worked in tipped positions and know that it is appreciated.  Good service deserves a good tip.  Great service deserves a great tip. 
   On the other hand, poor service should be pointed out even if it is in the form of the tip given.  One has to be careful in that respect, though.  I've worked in the kitchen and the service bars.  Servers have a tendency to get even, usually involving the contents of your food or drink.  If you are going to criticize a server, or the chef, do so after you are done with your food and drink.

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      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi jblais1122, thanks for your answer. I never ever complain about my food, I'm too scared that they will get even as you say!

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   Availiasvisionposted 11 years ago

   When I studied abroad in Ireland I was told that people don't tip there because the waiters make tons of money as their base pay.  Their minimum wage is also way higher.  Here in the USA their base pay is under $5, last I checked.  SO if you don't tip well then they aren't even coming out making minimum wage.  Just to be safe I always tip.  When it's a non tipping country I don't do 10-25% like in the US.  Usually only a couple bucks.

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      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer

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   Sheena Hayesposted 11 years ago

   This is a great question! I lived in Germany for three years and found out that servers and such are already paid a generous wage and tips are already factored into your bill. Now, would I tip? Sometimes, if the service is exceptional, yes. When I first moved there I tipped our server 4 euro on a 10 euro bill. The look she gave me was shock and absolute gratitude. I had just increased her tip to 6 euro. More than half the bill. This was before I was completely aware of the system. After knowing all of that, I have only tipped a handful of times.

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      WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer Sheena. I wasn't aware that Germany is also a non-tipping country. It's the same here (aust.) I think the starting base rate is at least 3-4 times that of USA , but then again tips aren't as common, so it needs to be higher.

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10. 89

    Rochelle Frankposted 11 years ago

    I think you should be aware of the local customs, wherever you are.
    In the US, if service is good and we had a good experience, the tip is usually 15-20%. If we are at a  very pricey place, maybe only a % on the food and not drinks. Depends on the total of the bill., and how comfortable we are.
    
    We live in a tourist town where there are many international visitors-- so I know that some of the servers think that certain  nationalities are a bit "cheap"-- but they also know that other countries have different customs.
    
    Also-- when we lived in Anaheim, one of our sons was a pastel portrait artist (He has TALENT). They were advised not to take any tips in Disneyland , where he worked--- but, as he explained, "We didn't want to insult anyone by refusing."

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       WebsiteConfettiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Rochelle - great answer. I worked in a tourist establishment. If I accepted tips, my till would have been out and I would have been accused of overcharging, If I accept the tip myself I would have been accused of stealing. Tricky situation

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11. 0

    sandoniaposted 11 years ago

    No. Tipping can be considered insulting in some cultures. Thus, in cultures where tipping is not common place, it's usually safer to avoid tipping.

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12. 92

    Suzie HQposted 11 years ago

    Tips - i would check out what is the custom of where you are travelling as it does vary considerably. Particularly in restaurants, some may be inclusive of a service charge. I do tend to tip however if i have had particularly attentive or good service in restaurants, taxis, hotels or trips. Knowing the amount though is important so as not to offend or embarrass, in some countries a dollar,pound or euro may be huge money.

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    Globetrekkermelposted 11 years ago

    In Malaysia where I have just returned a week ago,gratuity is included in the bill, but i still left a tip anyway.The restaurants where I went to were not the top of the line restaurant- more like street food but with seats, clean and mostly caters to locals. I left  tips because of the way the restaurant treated me,gave me meals which i have not eated or tasted before and even took the time to explain about the meal in always smiling manner even though , i observed that malaysians are one of the rudest countries i've ever been to, and I have been to so many countries.seems like the restaurant people in Malaysia makes up for the general  rudeness of the Malaysians. I mean, THEY ARE REALLY RUDE! and sure beats the stigma attached to the FRENCH  for being generally rude and impatient to tourists. I can understand the French attitude and animosity towards tourists as I have had the opportunity of visiting France  several times .The French population doubles every summer  and tourists asking for information from the locals like a tourist information office can be a little bit annoying to your average French local who happens to be having his morning coffee and croissant in a street cafe in peace and tranquility only to be interrupted by a tourist needing information..Heck ,even the tourists ask me for information when I am in France when obviously I am also looking like a tourist with my I love Paris T-shirt.Go figure! LOL!

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