Around the World in 20 Tips (Part 1)

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  wineybrett

  Hand of Snooth

  133259 7

  In France service charge isn't tacked on, it's included in the bill. By all means leave a small tip if the service has been good.

  Dec 01, 2010 at 2:22 PM

  
  
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  expatkoche-
  n

  660813 1

  This is so helpful! I live in Switzerland right on the border of Germany and France and have heard much advice - but agree that tipping in this part of Europe isn't necessary, just nice to do in small increments for good service.

  Dec 02, 2010 at 2:09 AM

  
  
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  jackster12

  591470 27

  We live between Europe and the US, year round. I've waited tables in the US (in college) and go to plenty of restaurants now (Paris, etc.) This article is pretty accurate, with only a couple nuances to add.
  
  In the US, 15% if service was average and 20% if it was good (exceptional, up to maybe 25%). And never "no tip!" unless you saw the waiter kiss your wife or spit in your food.
  
  In Europe, it's almost universally added it on the bill. But drop an extra euro or two on the table (never smaller change... at least in France, that's considered insulting... better to find 1 or 2 euro coins)... UNLESS the bill is over 100 euro, which is when you start calculating the 5%.
  
  Asia, I've never been to, but that's interesting about China and Singapore. Sounds like "don't tip" is the rule of thumb. But in India, do.
  
  By the way, I notice London, Ireland, Scotland, and Scandinavia aren't on this list. Nor is Greece, a popular tourist destination. Anyone for an addendum to the forum comments?
  

  Dec 02, 2010 at 5:05 AM

  
  
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  footsy

  437380 1

  What about the Aussies?

  Dec 02, 2010 at 6:03 AM

  
  
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  Sue the-
  writer

  482496 9

  Are you going to include Spain in part 2? We know many expats living in Spain assume that it is the same as in the UK so leave 10%, however Spanish friends say that you don't tip in bars or for menú del día, and if you have a meal in the evening you leave a maximum of 1€ per couple. A groups of us had an evening meal a few weeks ago and there was an argument between Spanish friends and English friends about not leaving too much money!

  Dec 02, 2010 at 10:15 AM

  
  
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  waynemcm

  516165 16

  Scotland?????

  Dec 02, 2010 at 10:31 AM

  
  
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  McMickey

  247567 2

  Very useful info !
  How about some advice on tipping in arab countries, such as Morocco and Tunisia ?
  Thank you !
  

  Dec 02, 2010 at 11:13 AM

  
  
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  chickeee

  307854 23

  the pics for Canada and China are very weird

  Dec 07, 2010 at 12:40 AM

  
  
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  reifer46

  671393 1

  I live in Mexico, married to a Mexican and one of her pet peeves is Americans and tipping. Your 15-20% suggestion for Mexico is simply out to lunch! No Mexican, rich or poor would tip more then 10% in a restaurant except for very special places where up to 15% might be ok. In Vallarta with countless dozens of great restaurants my wife only has 2 that I am "allowed" to tip more then 10%. Another point of note is that we NEVER tip a taxi or other transportation. Particularly for Americans you have already paid double the norm for locals so tipping is just stupid.
  My wife can't understand why Americans don't know or simply ignore local custom when it comes to tipping. As she says when she goes to the US she understands that 15-20% is the norm and finds it obnoxious when our American friends don't pay attention in Mexico.
  It is a very valid point that we Americans have basically "ruined" the tourist areas of Mexico (as well as many other places around the world). Having a clear understanding of customary tipping practice is an obligation. Service providers in Vallarta have been spoiled by overspending gringos and now have an expectation that is really obnoxious. And it's our fault.

  Dec 10, 2010 at 4:14 PM

  
  
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  Catherine-
  Gin

  Hand of Snooth

  592568 297

  Thanks everyone for the great comments. We've now posted our second part in this series, Around the World in 20 Tips (Part 2), and you can check it out at http://www.whatscook.in/articles/gl... We have included a couple of your suggestions, and hope to put together another part to cover the other countries, seeing as tipping etiquette is always a hot topic!

  Dec 10, 2010 at 8:25 PM

  
  
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  Flying 44

  697996 20

  In Canada, and especially in Quebec, sales taxes are high since one pays both federal and provincial taxes (and in Quebec, the provincial tax is calculated on the amount of the bill + the federal tax (so you're actually paying a tax on a tax!). In Quebec, this comes out to about 15% of the bill. So, since tipping is usually in the 15% range, it's easy to figure out how much to tip. Just look at the amount of the taxes and that's the amount you should tip! Many people tend to tip 15% of the TOTAL amount of the bill (which includes the 15% taxes), so they're actually tipping quite a bit more on the amount of the food bill. Elsewhere in Canada, provincial taxes are somewhat lower so you'll have to tip MORE than the total amount of the taxes.

  Dec 30, 2010 at 4:55 PM

  
  

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