When is tipping expected

As a matter of principle, if not economy, the local price should prevail. Please believe me — tipping 15 or 20 percent in Europe is unnecessary, if not culturally ignorant. Tipping is an issue only at restaurants that have waiters and waitresses. If you order your food at a counter in a pub, for example , don't tip. At table-service restaurants, the tipping etiquette and procedure vary slightly from country to country.

But in general, European servers are well paid, and tips are considered a small "bonus" — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number.

In Mediterranean countries, the "service charge" servizio in Italian, service in French, servicio in Spanish can be handled in different ways. Sometimes the menu will note that the service is included "servizio incluso" , meaning that the prices listed on the menu already have this charge built in. When the service is not included "servizio non incluso" , the service charge might show up as a separate line item at the end of your bill.

Fixed-price tourist deals include service. In northern and eastern Europe, the menu or bill is less likely to address the "service charge," but you can usually assume that it's included in the prices. Lately, some restaurants — especially those in well-touristed areas in Germany and Austria — have added a "Tip is not included" line, in English, to the bottom of the bill.

This is misleading, as the prices on any menu in these countries do include service. I wouldn't tip one cent more at a restaurant that includes this note on the bill. If a tip has been added to your bill beforehand because your party was 6 or more, but the server was inadequate or rude, inform the manager immediately before you pay your bill that you want the tip adjusted. Also, placing 2 pennies side by side on top of bills neatly placed on the table lets the server know that it is intentionally low because of bad service.

If the server in some way offended you so that you do not wish to leave any tip at all, still leave the 2 pennies, so that they understand that you did not just forget to tip. If the service is exemplary or unusual requests are made, then tips are appropriate. This typically occurs after the 3rd drink you buy, however, is usually reserved for regular customers. Some bartenders will still use the "old school" signal of leaving an upside-down shot glass near your spot at the bar, especially if you are engaged in conversation or if the place is very noisy, but it's not that common anymore.

Turn the shot glass over when you want the free drink. Even though the drink is free, the labor isn't. Don't forget to tip on the "buyback. Skip to main content. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers. This article contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic. Please note that the discussion was closed to any additional postings as of Nov 1, and, as such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated and cannot be commented on by travelers at this time.

Please take this into account when making your travel plans. Doormen who merely open doors are not tipped, unless they call a cab or provide another service. For ski instructors, tipping 15 percent for adult groups and 10 percent for private clients is pretty standard. These percentages are highly subjective! Note that tipping percentages will vary in different parts of the country, and even in different parts of a state.

Reportedly, tips of 25 percent may be expected at higher-quality restaurants in New York City. Ignore sales tax when calculating tips or not, it's not set in stone. Note that if you have more than one person serving you at these establishments, the percentage represents the total tip and your server will split it between the group.

Tips should only go to people who are helpful. If they don't help you, don't tip them. If you receive bad service, you should speak to management, not just ignore the tip as the server is unaware of the situation. Perhaps they think you overlooked the tip or another person picked up the tip and pocketed it themselves. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site.

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Michael Lynn, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, says he has done national surveys on how much to tip in restaurants and the results surprised him. Knowing a few guidelines can take the awkwardness and uncertainty out of tipping. It can really affect their ability to pay their bills. Use common sense when tipping. The more difficult the task, the bigger the gratuity should be. Many people started having groceries and goods delivered to their homes during the pandemic.

Smith thinks those workers should be tipped more than usual because of the risk they are undertaking. The size of a restaurant gratuity depends on how well you are served, including whether your order is correct and your server checks on you after you receive your food. To foreign visitors, though, the very idea can induce anxiety or panic. Australians are notoriously poor tippers. Partly this is accidental ignorance, but partly it is self-righteous rejection of an institution many of us see as unfair.

So while travellers may stage a quiet rebellion, refusing to tip, the bereaved party is never going to be the restaurant owners who earns their profit through the itemised bill , but the poor waiters.

Until the US government raises minimum wages to Australian levels something that will probably never happen , tipping is here to stay. Which means travellers need to accept it, then learn the rules. In theory, tips should only go to people who are helpful; the more helpful, the more bountiful their reward. By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media's terms and conditions and privacy policy.

For most travellers, the first real test comes with transports away from the airport. If you take a taxi, a little more thought will be required. You should only really tip 30 per cent if the taxi turns out to be the Batmobile, getting you to your destination in record time. Even 20 per cent can sometimes feels a little high. A quick rule of thumb: more ritz equals more tip.

If they carry your bags, that is not on the house. One case where tipping can have a direct impact on the quality of service you receive is housekeeping.