Travel Tip of the Week – Tipping
Photo courtesy of Bradipo
Tipping for services provided can be tricky, if not confusing, for a traveler. This travel tip is not going to go in to all the many service providers that in the states particularly are accustomed to getting tips, like your favorite hair stylist or mailman. For our purposes, this is just to bring up the idea of tipping while on travel – whether in the US or abroad. Should you or shouldn’t you? And who and how much?
Whether one considers tipping an option or that people expect a tip, there is no arguing that most of the people who are the recipients of tips are the ones who most often rely on what is given for the bulk of their salary.
If this is an area of concern for you, then it is best to know what is the norm in the country you are heading to. Just do your research before you go. You might be surprised at the difference in customs from one country to the next. There are many tipping places on the web where amounts are suggested for various services – be it the cleaning staff in your hotel or the person who serves your food and I will list a few links for you at the end. The thing to remember is that this person is providing a service. If, for example, you do not like your room or the meal is not as tasty as you wished, it is not the maid or the waitress who is to blame. You tip for the quality of service you receive. (The one thing about room service that I will mention is that if you are going to tip and are staying multiple nights, it is to your advantage to tip daily, leaving it before you head out in the morning. This will go a long way in placing you in good hands during your stay.)
When you leave a tip, you should know whether or not leaving US money is convenient. Many times folks will prefer getting tips in their local currency which is most likely available at the airport when you arrive. This has to do with the inconvenience or loss of value when the recipients would be faced with changing it to their currency.
Please visit these places for specific tipping information.
http://www.magellans.com/store/article/367
Do you have any travel experience or advice on tipping from places you have visited to share ? Please leave a comment!
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Happy Cook - January 22, 2010 at 2:42 am
When we were in Egypt, it was always a confusion, the bill told the 10% tipp is included and still they expected us to tipp extra.
And when we were in Italy we always tipped only because i read in the travel book if you don’t tip them then will come behind you and ask for it. That would be really embarissing isn’t it
Here in Belgium they do tip, but it is not a must. Thankgod for that.
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen - January 22, 2010 at 10:24 am
This is a really great post, I admit that I am often confused as well – when and who and how much. But like you said, do the research – thanks for providing those helpful tips.
Michelle - January 25, 2010 at 8:55 pm
This is an interesting topic. I think it’s always tricky for me – even here at home, I sometimes wonder when to tip and when not to! Thanks for the advice.
Arlene - January 26, 2010 at 7:04 pm
It really is confusing. There are so many variables, especially from locale to locale.
Heather on her travels - February 1, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I must admit that we Britts are not as in to tipping as you are in the US, we generally feel it should be given for extra good service and graciously received, not expected as a hidden extra charge or received with disdain, which is the stereotype we have of the the US. In countries where the local salaries are low and the cost of my holiday cheap, I tend to be most generaous as I know it makes a real difference to the staff.
Arlene - February 9, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Heather, it is good to hear another take on tipping. I think you Brits have the right idea actually on this one. You would like to think you are giving it as thanks and not an obligation. Thanks for the great comment.