Post: #1

I work for tips, and I figure a decent amount of you probably do in here as well. I wanted to break down the way people typically tip around the world and see what other people who work or have worked in the service industry feel. I myself am a bellman at a hotel.

The best tippers are hands down white American men. As far as I'm aware, the US is pretty much the only place in the world were tipping is expected, besides western resorts in tourist places like Mexico. If I'm wrong though I'd be interested to know where else in the world you tip. Hands down though Americans are consistently the best tippers. Mainly males from the ages 30-55. I'd guess I get an average of $10 per American. Lots of $20 and even $50's and $100's.

The worst tippers I've encountered hands down are Asians. I mean all Asians, not just Eastern Asians. Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Persian, you name it, 95% of the time they tip shit!. Especially Eastern Asians. The only time I've gotten more than $2 was when I had to do a whole bunch of shit for them, spent a half hour with them, and even then it was $5, definitely not worth my time. I think I'm gonna have to give Asians an average of $1 tip for the amount who've flat out stiffed me. Could even be as low as $.50. In there defense, I think they just outright don't have a clue. $2 in a lot of there countries may be a lot of money.

Latinos: I'd consider latinos average tippers, and it can very country to country as well. A typical tip from latinos is around $4-5. Most people tell me Brazilians tip shitty, especially because they usually come 2 people with 12 suitcases, I mean it's ridiculous. But typically I tend to do alright with them since I speak Portuguese and lived in the country. This can later turn into a disadvantage, as they bother me their whole trip about what great places to go and where they can find prostitutes. I always try in Spanish if the people come to me speaking spanish. A lot of times people won't know english, and the other times the people usually eventually start to speak english as they see I'm struggling with the spanish.

Europeans that speak a Germanic Language: Typically pretty bad tippers. I'm talking people from Germany, Holland, Swiss Germans, Austrians, Sweedish, Danish. I feel like there's a law written in Dutch that says you're only allowed to tip $2 no matter what that not many people are willing to break. I honestly think 90% of the time, people from these countries tip me $2. Though one of my biggest tips was from a guy from Holland, super rare case though and I almost think he didn't mean to. I felt bad because I never saw the guy again the whole time he was staying with us.

All other Europeans: Tip pretty average, similar to Latinos. The English tip slightly higher than the others from France, Italy, and Spain. Average tip from a European, around $4. I'm also gonna put Ausies in this group as well.

Canadians: Canadians are decent, maybe $5 average.

African Americans (Not africans, don't meet many africans and the only ones I can think of stiffed me on Thanksgiving those assholes!): You never know what to expect from a black person. Sometimes they'll come up looking thug as fuck and tip you $50, sometimes they look thug as fuck and tip you not a damn thing and call you for ice 5 minutes later, then once you get up to the room they say, "You didn't bring cups?" The whole time your going to grab their cups 8 stories bellow you're thinking, "These mother fuckers better tip me," get back to the room and low and behold, they tell you their a/c isn't working and tell you to send someone up to fix it and send you steppin'. Then you got the average, well spoken black man, and they tip just like american white men.

Russians, Eastern Europeans, and Balkans: Typically similar to Germans, maybe a little better.

Women: Any example I give you can take a dollar or two off for women.

Post: #2

I think compulsory tipping is a purely North American phenomenon. Perhaps its due to the low wages paid to service staff and the way the tax code handles tips or the fact that Americans don't have universal health care benefits. Business owners don't have to pay their employees a real wage based on the justification that their employees will make plenty of money in tips. Obviously employers love this setup. Consequentally, some of the worst service I've ever received has been in the U.S. I didn't understand just how bad service can be in some U.S. establishments until I went to countries like Colombia, or others in central america. Perhaps the american workers sense of entitlement to a tip leads to worse service, I can't say for sure.

Asia is another story, in asian countries service is impeccable. They will bend over backwards to serve you and expect nothing in return its part of their job to the customer. Its night and day to the U.S. mindset. I think its primarily a cultural thing.

This was just my rant on tipping, not directed at you. I have no problem personally tipping someone that actually deserves it, but the logic that its a requirement for serving a customer is what I don't get. Hell, they even have tip jars at starbucks, whats next burger king?

Post: #3

Ha! I haven't traveled a ton, but I know the places I have travel, service has been great in the US. Thing is, if tips weren't accepted in the US, you'd be paying much more for food, hotels, and drinks because those companies would have to be paying the bartenders, waiters, and bellman much more money. You think any bartender in their right mind is gonna work for $4 an hour? And don't you think $18 for a mixed drink is expensive enough? At least this way you get to decide how much you spend in a way. Otherwise we'd just charge you $22 for a drink. And If you don't like tipping, that's probably the reason your service was shitty. Tipping goes a long way in the US, that's something many foreigners don't seem to pick up on, and ultimately, you may find yourself getting ripped off or waiting long periods of time to be helped if you aren't tipping. That's just the way it goes. When I got to another country I try and respect their culture as much as I can, and when you come to America, you should respect that servers make $4 an hour and your tips pay their bills. If you don't like it, don't eat out or stay at hotels.

Post: #4

Actually, on some country-specific message boards, locals complain that Americans tip TOO MUCH and skews it for everyone else. While I can understand that mode of thinking, I am not gonna split hairs about how much I should tip (compared to the locals) when I will probably spend $15 on lunch with coworkers when I return to work the next Monday.

Post: #5

Last year I was in Rome visiting a friend, and she took me out to dinner with other friends that live there. We had a good meal, wine, desserts, etc. When they paid the bill, they left basically pocket change on the table. I asked my friend if she wanted me to leave more money for the tip, and she said NO. She said they generally don't tip, and that the staff doesn't expect it. It's just not something they do there.

Post: #6

I am from India, and as far as my memory goes in, I NEVER tipped.
Yes, that's right, I never tipped even a penny.

I think its more of a firm cultural thing. In my mindset, it goes on as "your job is to serve, thats what you did, you are paid by your manager, why should I pay you extra?"
Until and unless the waiter/bartender didn't do something extra as a favor (no pun!), I don't see the point of giving out just like that.
I don't take it as misery, or stubbornness. For me, its simply 'extra service - extra money'. That's it.

As far as the other Asians go, I think it does has to do with currency exchange rates even! $1-2 is what you can dine a decent meal at an average Indian local restaurant.

Post: #7

Americans tip A LOT, I like it because it helps the community, example:

I had a little escape to a 5star all inclusive mexican resort with a girl three weeks ago. I'm your typical latino, more on the arab/spanish side, perfect spanish.

So, this resort had 80% gringo and european tourists and 20% latinos, everytime that a waiter/barman saw a white guy they gave a GREAT service, when they discovered he was european they changed the tone to acceptable service, but if he was gringo, jooder, awesome service. I saw a lot of $20s tips, 20 bucks in Mexico for a waiter is huge(minimum wage is 5bucks a day).

Obviously, mexicans in their own country tip 1buck or something like that, so I don't think they screw it, it's a market and obviously service people are going to give a better service to get a better reward, most of this waiters are mayans or other amerindian population, they leave their hometowns and learn english just to serve gringo tourists, fine for me. If I receive a good service I tip good(not american levels but good), if I receive a shitty service I tip a 5% or nothing at all.

Post: #8

(12-01-2011 04:12 AM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  Europeans that speak a Germanic Language: Typically pretty bad tippers. I'm talking people from Germany, Holland, Swiss Germans, Austrians, Sweedish, Danish. I feel like there's a law written in Dutch that says you're only allowed to tip $2 no matter what that not many people are willing to break. I honestly think 90% of the time, people from these countries tip me $2. Though one of my biggest tips was from a guy from Holland, super rare case though and I almost think he didn't mean to. I felt bad because I never saw the guy again the whole time he was staying with us.

I have to admit that this is true. But what exact service are you actually talking about? Bringing luggage to the room? I many hotels around here you actually have to do that yourself anyway, so we are not really used to that and don't know how much is expected. You might have more luck as a waiter (although I doubt that many Germans would spend a 20% as well).

Post: #9

(12-01-2011 10:07 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  Ha! I haven't traveled a ton, but I know the places I have travel, service has been great in the US. Thing is, if tips weren't accepted in the US, you'd be paying much more for food, hotels, and drinks because those companies would have to be paying the bartenders, waiters, and bellman much more money. You think any bartender in their right mind is gonna work for $4 an hour? And don't you think $18 for a mixed drink is expensive enough? At least this way you get to decide how much you spend in a way. Otherwise we'd just charge you $22 for a drink. And If you don't like tipping, that's probably the reason your service was shitty. Tipping goes a long way in the US, that's something many foreigners don't seem to pick up on, and ultimately, you may find yourself getting ripped off or waiting long periods of time to be helped if you aren't tipping. That's just the way it goes. When I got to another country I try and respect their culture as much as I can, and when you come to America, you should respect that servers make $4 an hour and your tips pay their bills. If you don't like it, don't eat out or stay at hotels.

"Thing is, if tips weren't accepted in the US, you'd be paying much more for food, hotels, and drinks because those companies would have to be paying the bartenders, waiters, and bellman much more money."

I think that's exactly the point he is making!
You're paying for it anyways,through tips.
The employers get away with murder not paying staff properly ,and the staff having to rely on the generosity of patrons...who are not all generous as you've found out!

Tip jar in a pizza slice joint!!?? Come on..it's ridiculous.

Post: #10

(12-01-2011 11:27 PM)Ami5 Wrote:  I am from India, and as far as my memory goes in, I NEVER tipped.
Yes, that's right, I never tipped even a penny.

I think its more of a firm cultural thing. In my mindset, it goes on as "your job is to serve, thats what you did, you are paid by your manager, why should I pay you extra?"
Until and unless the waiter/bartender didn't do something extra as a favor (no pun!), I don't see the point of giving out just like that.
I don't take it as misery, or stubbornness. For me, its simply 'extra service - extra money'. That's it.

As far as the other Asians go, I think it does has to do with currency exchange rates even! $1-2 is what you can dine a decent meal at an average Indian local restaurant.

I'm not for tipping everything,but if that's the culture then restaurants,barman,valet,bellhop,leave a few bucks for the chambermaid yes I do. But not a pizza slice joint or Starbucks.

I'm afraid buddy,in my experience Indians are just downright stingy wherever they go !!
Don't expect to be treated well if you're like that outside of India,especially the USA.

Post: #11

In the US, I believe people who work for tips in restaurants make something like $2.13/hour, they are not required to be paid a minimum wage. So that is why tipping exists. In other countries, the service staff is paid on a different basis and no tips are expected, although it is hard for me not to tip because it is such an ingrained habit.

Post: #12

(12-02-2011 02:24 PM)Menace Wrote:  In the US, I believe people who work for tips in restaurants make something like $2.13/hour, they are not required to be paid a minimum wage. So that is why tipping exists. In other countries, the service staff is paid on a different basis and no tips are expected, although it is hard for me not to tip because it is such an ingrained habit.

not entirely true. Every employee needs to be paid at least minimum wage, but it doesn't have to come from the employer.


For example, if $10 was minimum wage;

If the employee makes more than $10 an hour in tips, then her employee really doesn't have to pay her anything.

But if they make $5/hr in tips, the employer is legally obligated to cover the other $5. Unfortunately most people don't know this so its rarely enforced

Post: #13

Tipping culture has gone overboard in the US. While I don't necessarily think it's my responsibility to subsidize waitstaff at restaurants, I'll do it. Some restaurants also include the "gratuity" in the bill, regardless of the kind of service you get. But I see tip cups EVERYWHERE. At Starbucks, on the counter at bodegas, on the counter at sandwich shops. Everywhere. Why should THEY expect extra for providing basic service? It's as if they're saying, "I showed up today, so you should throw me extra cash."

Post: #14

I used to be a waiter back in the day, and one thing that a lot of people customers didn't realize was that I, as a server, gave 3% off each bill to the kitchen. So, on a $100 bill, I automatically had to give $3 to the kitchen and if that $100 table left $0 tip, then I would lose money!

Not sure if all restos work like this, but I didn't last too long!

Post: #15

Yeah, canuck is right. I tip for actual service, and I ignore those tip cups that are everywhere. I've only had gratuity included if the party is a certain size (like 4 or more), never had it if it's just me and another person. Do you guys tip the person who cuts your hair? I always do, but I always use the same guy.

Post: #16

(12-02-2011 02:23 PM)Pilgrim37 Wrote:  I'm not for tipping everything,but if that's the culture then restaurants,barman,valet,bellhop,leave a few bucks for the chambermaid yes I do. But not a pizza slice joint or Starbucks.

I'm afraid buddy,in my experience Indians are just downright stingy wherever they go !!
Don't expect to be treated well if you're like that outside of India,especially the USA.

I would rather not comment on India and Indians. It'd be too naive and immature to generalize 1 billion people as a clan which is simply stingy wherever they go.
I have been to the US as well, and I tipped - though not in the proportion like Americans and not all the time.
I don't see the point of tipping, and I don't encourage it.
Again, if I get good service, then only something is coming out of my wallet. And not because its the norm, or in my culture or cause I am with a girl and I got to show her how generous I am.
"You give value, you get value"

Post: #17

(12-02-2011 02:15 PM)Pilgrim37 Wrote:  

(12-01-2011 10:07 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  Ha! I haven't traveled a ton, but I know the places I have travel, service has been great in the US. Thing is, if tips weren't accepted in the US, you'd be paying much more for food, hotels, and drinks because those companies would have to be paying the bartenders, waiters, and bellman much more money. You think any bartender in their right mind is gonna work for $4 an hour? And don't you think $18 for a mixed drink is expensive enough? At least this way you get to decide how much you spend in a way. Otherwise we'd just charge you $22 for a drink. And If you don't like tipping, that's probably the reason your service was shitty. Tipping goes a long way in the US, that's something many foreigners don't seem to pick up on, and ultimately, you may find yourself getting ripped off or waiting long periods of time to be helped if you aren't tipping. That's just the way it goes. When I got to another country I try and respect their culture as much as I can, and when you come to America, you should respect that servers make $4 an hour and your tips pay their bills. If you don't like it, don't eat out or stay at hotels.

"Thing is, if tips weren't accepted in the US, you'd be paying much more for food, hotels, and drinks because those companies would have to be paying the bartenders, waiters, and bellman much more money."

I think that's exactly the point he is making!
You're paying for it anyways,through tips.
The employers get away with murder not paying staff properly ,and the staff having to rely on the generosity of patrons...who are not all generous as you've found out!

Tip jar in a pizza slice joint!!?? Come on..it's ridiculous.

Who says the patrons aren't generous? The ones that tip good make up for the ones that don't.

Post: #18

Tipping is barbaric and awkward. Typical American nonsense. Only the USA would find a way of combining mediocre to horrible service with the expectation of a bonus payment. Yet another reason to emigrate.

Post: #19

I use to tip in similar way to the locals, to be fair with what considered fair in their culture.
In some countries in 3rd world when I was with a local I put 10% and they told me to take some money back cause it is too much.
In Europe they like to round the bill, for example in Italy or Germany for 19 Euro bill in a restaurant, it is normal to put 1 Euro tip only- for the round 20 Euro and the waiter would be happy with that.

Post: #20

East Asians probably don't tip because it's not customary to tip in Asia. I remember when I was in South Korea.. I was amazed how nobody tipped. Same happened in S.E. Asia.. nobody tipped over there. It was awesome. I hate tipping. I got used to not tipping pretty fast.. now that I'm back in the U.S. I always tip