Travel “Tips”

Euro coins on cash receipt from the restaurant.

Euro coins on cash receipt from the restaurant.

The more I travel around our grand world, the more I am becoming more aware of the differences in tipping culture from one country to the next...and sometimes even by region.

When researching online, one can always seem to find numerous articles suggesting the use of special calculators or charts to researching tipping practices before each trip.

If you're traveling often, however, this can be a little bit time-consuming and may not be as current with what is actually expected when you arrive at your destination.

Here are some basic rules that I use that seem to work well - regardless of where I am visiting.

  • If I have the cash, I will tip with that instead of adding the amount to a credit card payment - even in restaurants. You cannot assume that the server is getting the exact tip amount when using a credit card. With the service charges etc., they maybe actually getting less.
  • I will always try to tip in the local currency. Nothing is more heart-breaking than watching a service provider asking Canadian tourists to exchange the "loonies" they were tipped earlier for local bills.
  • I carefully check the receipts or invoices for additional "service fees" that may be automatically added before I decide if an extra cash tip is needed or warranted.
  • Even if I am in a country that usually doesn't expect tips, I remember that internationally-owned properties such as hotels and their restaurants are used to dealing with global clients who expect service fees added to their bill.
  • Although the average tipping percentage worldwide is about 10%, in the UK and North America, the expected range is between 15% and 20%.

 

In a large US city several years ago, a friend automatically calculated and added a 15% gratuity onto her bill and was actually chased by the server out onto the street to inquire what he did wrong to warrant less than 20%. It was a simple oversight, (and unprofessional on his part) but although written travel experts say 15% is standard, the servers in that particular city obviously had other opinions.

 

Regardless of the country, city or local customs about tipping guidelines, I am very aware about how hard the service industry works to please their guests.

Since many in the hospitality industry rely on tipping more heavily, I admit that I sometimes tip a little bit more when traveling then I probably should.

BUT since I know that I am very lucky to be able to travel as often and in the style that I do, I look at it as my little way of giving back and showing my appreciation for all of the people who make my traveling life easier....and more DELICIOUS! 🙂

 

 

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