Photo: Tipping © Rebeca Nesselrode
For the holidaymaker or the business traveller, knowing what to tip abroad is an important first lesson in global local culture writes Karen Creed
One of the most frustrating aspects of travelling abroad is calculating the tipping customs in a country: How much do you tip the waiter, the cab driver, the hotel porters and valets? You can always research on the Internet before you leave, or e-mail your hotel and ask about the local customs. The hotel concierge is a great resource.
If you step out of a taxi in Tokyo and hand the driver a tip, you may be insulting him and his company. That’s because in Japan and some other Asian countries the correct amount to tip a taxi driver is absolutely nothing.
No other country hands out tips as often or as large as Americans do. While an American may typically tip up to 20 percent in restaurants many European countries include a 10 percent service charge on the bill and don’t expect any more.
Whenever possible, tip in the local currency unless you’re in a country with close American ties like Mexico or the Philippines. Arm yourself with small amounts of change in the local currency and wise up on tipping before the airport porter holds out his hand.
When you take a taxi in America it is a custom to tip the taxi driver on average 10% of the taxi fare. Taxi drivers are normally helpful to load and unload your bags.
Ireland, Britain, Belgium, Finland, Hungary, India, Israel, Kenya, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, and Sweden are among countries whose hotels and restaurants – especially the posh ones – generally add a service charge, usually around 10 percent.
Hotels and restaurants in Austria, Chile, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Macao and Spain often levy service charges, but you should still add another five to 10 percent.
In some central and eastern European countries, like Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and Hungary, leaving your tip on the table at a restaurant is considered uncouth. It’s best to hand it to the server.
If you’re in somewhere like Indonesia and you give someone a dollar, the money is worthless to them as they still have to change it to their currency and likely get hit with an exchange fee.
Feel free to give a tip in Africa if the service is ok. For a safari tipping is recommended if the service shows your appreciation. A tour driver may receive a tip between €5 and €10.
In parts of Asia and the Middle East, gift-giving is a more entrenched part of the culture than tipping. It is not a bad idea to take a few little wrapped gifts with you for concierges and chambermaids.
Hotel maids are usually the least paid and least compensated in the hotel. A small daily gratuity is a good way to get more towels or more toiletries.
Remember that a tip is a way of saying, “Thanks for the service”, whether it’s a speedy cab or a welcoming waiter. Don’t feel obliged to tip if the service was bad, and don’t be afraid to tip extra if it was particularly good.
Karen Creed, Unravel Travel www.unraveltravel.eu
