International Tipping Etiquette
The BBC has a good rundown of how much you are expected to tip for various services across the world. Americans who are accustomed to leaving 15% at restaurants often leave too much when tip may be included in the final price.
You’ll never have to tip anywhere in China. It’s the one consolation from the fact that foreigners are charged more as a matter of government policy.
Canadian waiters will often bluntly tell you they don’t work for nothing (read: Montreal) and remind you to tip generously for their service. (A good range is 15-25%). In general, tipping is catching on in many parts of the third world but still make sure check if it’s a faux pas before dropping some change.
[photo by: alberth2]
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My name is Anil, a traveler and travel enthusiast. I created foXnoMad to connect with other travelers, discover their world, and share what I’ve learned about mine.
Hi,
I used to be partners in a British-style pub in Canada so I know a little bit about this. I wouldn’t tip more than 15% unless the person really made your day. I’ve done that before but rarely.
Here’s what I suggest.
15%: Great service
10%: Good service
5%: Grumpy server but decent service
$.01 Server with attitude. (Yes a penny. They’ll get the message.)
Let’s face it, even a bumbling server who means well but is having a bad day deserves something. But don’t reward a belligerent server. You’re just setting up the next patron for a lousy attitude.
And there’s no need getting the manager involved unless the server is really insulting. If they are having a bad day you don’t have to pay for it.
Great advice Kim – I’ve had some very rude servers and the opposite while over in Montreal.
The one incident I can recall is where I paid with a credit card but was going to leave the tip in cash. The waitress was extremely rude (this is before we even got up) about me leaving a tip.
Anyway, I did end up leaving some tip with the added bonus of some extra words too