Guide to Gratuities When Traveling
Because tipping varies greatly from country to country, and also changes with the times this standard formula does not work everywhere you may wish to travel. The books and primers can be quite amusing, but least useful when trying to determine the amount of your tip. These books rarely offer guidance on real life situations and how to deal with tipping. Tips should be given for services and hard work but how much is the right amount?
No matter where you travel in the world you will be subject to some sort of gratuity tax or tip. Whether you are getting your nails and hair done at the salon, or eating dinner at a pub in most places you will be expected to leave a tip. Tips are much easier to think about if you think of them as bribes, and tips are basically just that; a bribe. When you leave a good tip it is a bribe for continued good service in the future. If you travel often you probably have some familiar places to stay, eat, and be entertained at. Leaving the right tip will ensure that you continue to have good service each time you revisit. I think of it this way: If it’s worth it (you had great service) leave a moderate tip in the local currency. If you’re service was terrible leave a small tip or none at all.
In some parts of the world tips are not even expected at all, but most are surely welcomed. Other times it is appropriate to tip on holidays like Christmas and Easter depending what country you are staying in at the time. Sometimes a tip simply means rounding up the bill or leaving a bit of change on your table, but don’t expect this is many parts of the world. Tipping has long been popular in the US and Canada but is fairly new to many parts of the world. Recently tipping inflation, lead primarily by American spending habits has lead to new highs for gratuities all around the world.
Most countries follow the same general guidelines. Tips are normally 10% of the bill but can be as low as 5% (Some parts of Australia and New Zealand) or even as high as 20% (Some parts of the US, Caribbean, and Bahamas). Most of the US, Uruguay, and Canada tip between 15% and 20% for all services. Australia, Japan, China, the East Indian Coast, New Zealand, and many parts of Europe tip 10% as the standard norm.
In many parts of New Zealand, Australia, and Eastern Europe tips are not even expected, and if they are it is most likely the gratuity is around 5%. Most spas, restaurants, cruises, hotels, and other services will have their own published guide for tipping. It may not be a guide per say, but there is usually a note inside the menu or a signs in the building. Cruises will usually include a gratuity clause inside their brochure. The standard norm for most fully catered cruises is only $7-$10 per day for gratuities.
Of course you should always tip in cash, in the local currency. Often, credit cards are not accepted for tips, and sometimes not accepted at all. When arriving, at first most people don’t have the proper money for tipping right away, but you don’t have to worry. Most hotels will allow you to leave your thanks in an envelope in the room to be collected once per day by the staff. If you are staying at an upscale resort you should tip a couple dollars more each day because of the difference in price you are paying. It is also suggested to leave a tip especially for the concierge.
When eating out in restaurants, be aware that tipping is not always expected. Many places of the world do not leave gratuities for waitresses and busboys. Of course, tips are usually welcomed but don’t go overboard. If you are unsure of what to tip ask the manager or hostess what is appropriate, or just ask another customer what seems right. Most people will be helpful and understanding of your situation not understanding how much tip to leave; it happens a lot. Bartenders also do not see tips often around the world. It is customary in the US and Canada to leave a few dollars at the end of the night for the bartender, but in many countries it is not anticipated. Generally it is customary to buy the bartender a drink or shot if you just bought rounds.
It is always better to leave some sort of tip than none at all, unless it says somewhere not to leave a tip. Throwing a couple dollars in a tip jar isn’t always the best result either. I say, tip with your heart. If you feel you had great service, leave a good tip.
