No matter where you travel, being aware of tipping etiquette is key to avoiding sticky situations and demonstrating respect for the service you receive. With so many countries having different customs, it's sometimes hard to know when, how much, and even who to tip. In this article, you'll find tips for navigating the tricky waters of required and discretionary tipping.
You'll learn who and when to tip, as well as how much is expected in various contexts. You’ll also get advice for how to handle awkward tipping moments and awkward conversations about who should pay the tip. With this guide in hand, you'll be able to navigate common tipping situations with ease, wherever you go.
Hotel staff such as housekeeping, bellmen, and doormen often expect tips. Generally, these should be given in the form of cash and handed directly to the worker. Tips for housekeeper should be left in an envelope on the bed or near the sink.
For bellmen, a typical tip is a few dollars for each bag they carry. You may also tip the doorman for hailing a taxi or providing occasional services such as delivering messages or holding packages.
When dining out, tipping etiquette varies based on location, type of restaurant, and the level of service you receive. It's customary to tip waitstaff 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of the meal. Bartenders should also receive 15-20% of the tab, but the tip can be left in cash or added to the tab.
If you're dining at a buffet, a 10 to 15% tip is customary, depending on how much your servers have done for you. If you're dining at a counter or food bar, tipping is not required, but a dollar or two is nice to give.
Tipping for spa services also varies based on the amount of service you receive. If you’ve had a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or other such services, a 15-20% tip is usually expected. This should be left in cash or paid in addition to the cost of the service.
Tipping is also expected for hairdressers, estheticians, nail technicians, and makeup artists. You can give the tip to the stylist directly, leave it with the receptionist, or add it to the bill.
Tours such as city walking tours, wine tasting tours, and boat tours typically require a tip for the tour guide. Tips should be 15-20% of the total price of the tour and can be given in cash at the end of the tour.
When going on outdoor activities such as rafting and hiking with private guides, it’s customary to give 20% of the total price of the tour. This should also be given in cash at the end of the tour.
Many taxi drivers expect a tip. It is custom to round the fare up to the nearest dollar in cash or add a few dollars to the tab for the driver. It's not necessary to tip taxi drivers in all countries, however. Check if the destination country has a custom of tipping taxi drivers and follow local customs.
In conclusion, tipping etiquette can differ from country to country as well as depending on the type of service you're receiving. Most hotel staff such as bellmen, doormen, and housekeeping expect tips in the form of cash. When dining out, the tip should be calculated at between 15-20% of the total bill; however, some counter or food-bar services may not require a tip. Tips for spa services should typically be 15-20% of the total cost, and when going on tours or outdoor activities, expect to tip the guides 15-20% of the total cost. Taxi drivers may also expect a tip - round up the fare or add a few extra dollars to the tab. In any case, make sure to check the local customs to ensure you know what the proper tipping etiquette is.
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