In hotels, taxis and restaurants around the world …
Countries that do not except tips eagerly are rare, but they exist. So for example, when in Japan spend money on something else, because leaving tips is offensive and in Italy, Europe, South Africa, Kenya and Turkey it is included in the price. But you can leave it in the standard amount of 10 percent and to hotels carriers one euro per bag. InAustralia andNew Zealand they do not expect tips, just like inCosta Rica,Fiji,Singapore andDenmark. Tourist officers, however, advise: if you are in doubt, it is better to give something than nothing.
InUnited States they do not have problem with that because leaving tips there is required! Thus, in Las Vegas many waiters do not have a fixed salary like us, but live solely from the tips. In some exclusive bars that amount increases to 20 percent of the amount in the account. To taxi Drivers inNew York andChicago you have to leave 15 percent of the fare. InCanada they expect tips of 15-20 percent in restaurants, but you should also leave a tip even to taxi drivers, porters and other staff of the hotel where you stay.
In some smaller towns or villages it is enough to leave a change, so round the amount of your account. It is advisable to give a dollar for each bag to the hotel carrier. However, if you are staying in luxury hotels like the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton, do not hesitate to give carriers two to five dollars per bag for this. If you want the hotel staff to organize you transportation to the airport, keep in mind that it will take some of their time to do that, with all their other obligations, so thank them with a 3-5 U.S. dollars tip and a big smile. You’ll have to leave at least $ 20 if you want to reserve a table for dinner in the last minute or to persuade the waiter to let you go to a restaurant during the weekend, although there is a huge crowd. If you manage that then you are, we must admit, a very skilled negotiator.
You can try your negotiating skills in Asian countries. Bargain on the local markets to get a better price, and you can spend the difference on tips because inChina they expect at least 3 percent of the total amount of the service. In Hong Kong, this percentage rises to 15, if it’s not already included. If you think about how you will return home due to tips, do not worry. Even though their associates in Hong Kong consider them mandatory, to taxi drivers in China you do not need to leave a tip.
InEurope, it is enough to leave the euro for each service like organization of transportation to the airport or reservation in a restaurant. In Western Europe tips are included in the price in most cases but if you are able rather leave a few euros. InEastern Europe you will make employees very happy if you leave them a tip because they do not expect it, especially not in the normal range of 10 percent. If you choose Hungary as your traditional destination for shopping trips then you’re already familiar that 10 percent has to be given to hand and not on the table.
Similar situations exists in the UK, but before reaching for your wallet make sure that in the bottom of the account stands “discretionary service charge”. This phrase indicates that the tip is included in the price and you do not need to give more than a specified amount on that little white piece of paper. As it is appropriate, leave a few pounds in pubs to waiters regardless of whether the tip is included in the price or not. If this is far too much math for you, then take a trip toIndia. There you can thank someone with a gift instead of a tip. Sounds simple? Either way, in any case, we are sure that you will be remembered as a wonderful and dear guest.
Translation: Vanja Grgec; Emin Kuliyev / Shutterstock.com (lead photo)
