Programs: CO Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver
Posts: 344
I don't know if anyone mentioned Spain as yet, but 15% is normal in restaurants. Also, tips frequently cannot be added to credit card payment (at least in Sevilla), so have cash handy for the tip.
Programs: SPG: Plat; Amex: Plat.; Star Alliance: Gold, One World: Gold
Posts: 101
Quote:
Originally Posted by CopperSteve
I don't know if anyone mentioned Spain as yet, but 15% is normal in restaurants. Also, tips frequently cannot be added to credit card payment (at least in Sevilla), so have cash handy for the tip.
If it's Monday, it must be Belgium: so plan to leave 10 per cent on the brasserie plate. Tomorrow, in France, we'll do service compris, though a few euros more may reward an unlikely smile and a spurt of speed. Wednesday? Spain, where those who run restaurants themselves insist that 3 per cent or 4 per cent is quite enough. Thursday means Switzerland and you only need to round up the bill, whereupon Friday offers two choices to finish the week: fly to Denmark, where no extra at all is expected, or out to Argentina, where even the thought of it breaks the law. Welcome to the wonderfully wacky world of tipping.
The one bit I don't understand (about the article, about tipping I understand nothing) is the line about Argentina - is it saying that tipping is against the law. This must be a very new law.
The guides say tip $1 for a porter (UK). Now, does this mean I tip them the equivalent of 1$ (50p), or do I tip them 1 pound? And is it tacky to hand them a pound coin? It seems odd to give someone a coin as a tip.
Programs: SPG: Plat; Amex: Plat.; Star Alliance: Gold, One World: Gold
Posts: 101
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloudship
The guides say tip $1 for a porter (UK). Now, does this mean I tip them the equivalent of 1$ (50p), or do I tip them 1 pound? And is it tacky to hand them a pound coin? It seems odd to give someone a coin as a tip.
Difficult situation.
When I have only one bag I carry it myself.
Otherwise I agree that giving a coin feels odd.
Today one pound has equal shopping power in UK as one dollar has in US.
Programs: AA Gld for life (1,3 MM), HH diamond, M&M Senator
Posts: 18
tipping in Belgium
In restaurants in Belgium there is always a tax and service charge included in the total bill ; if service is really good one can leave 1 or 2 euro extra as a tip .
In bars/cafés the bill includes everything ( txes and tip ) .
In taxis , there is usually a sign to let the passengers know that taxes and tip are included in the total amount showing on the meter ; a little extra in small change is always appreciated but not obligatory.
In hotels I mostly give 1 euro per bag to the porter .
Location: SFO and FLL. AA PLT 2.7MM, UA 1P MM, Delta GM, NWA PE & Lifetime WC, Hilton GVIP, Hertz 5 Star
Posts: 913
Quote:
Originally Posted by CopperSteve
I don't know if anyone mentioned Spain as yet, but 15% is normal in restaurants. Also, tips frequently cannot be added to credit card payment (at least in Sevilla), so have cash handy for the tip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3544quebec
Spain, where those who run restaurants themselves insist that 3 per cent or 4 per cent is quite enough.
I was just in Barcelona 2 months ago, and my cousin (who has lived there all his life) was wailing on me for leaving 8-10% tips. He swore - in more senses than one - that 5% is the MAX to leave, generally less. Nothing at all is fine, too. I suppose that 10% would be OK in a very, very high-end restaurant, but my cousin disputes even this.
My last partner lives in Sydney and also was all over me about tipping. He insists that Australia takes enormous pride in being a "no tipping" society where everyone earns a living wage. When I traveled with him it was no tips in restaurants, hotels or taxis. Period.
I do have to admit that some countries confuse me -- I was in Argentina earlier this year and had absolutely no idea what to tip anyone. And I think I'm finally getting the hang of taxis in the UK, tho I still fumble when the meter comes to something like £8.60. Or £9 even. That's an easy tenner in the US, but it feels very awkward in London.
__________________ ~ Friends don't let friends fly coach ~
I was just in Barcelona 2 months ago, and my cousin (who has lived there all his life) was wailing on me for leaving 8-10% tips. He swore - in more senses than one - that 5% is the MAX to leave, generally less. Nothing at all is fine, too. I suppose that 10% would be OK in a very, very high-end restaurant, but my cousin disputes even this.
Absolutly correct. In Spain you don´t tip with more than 5% or 10%. Spanish people leave even less than that.
I lived in Hong Kong for a long time. Here is some advice: it is worthless to tip unless you hand the cash to your server. If you add anything to the credit card slips, the restaurant will keep all of it. Just like they do with any service charge they add to the bill. Which is why I would always slip the server a little somethin'-somethin' on the way out the door. They appreciate and remember that, and it serves you well the next time you're in the joint.
Programs: LH SEN, AY Gold, PC Plat Amb, HH Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 930
Finland
I should add that in general tipping is not usual in Finland.
As another poster said, if you pay cabs by CC, tips are not expected. If you pay by cash they are not expected either, it's totally up to you if you round up to the next euro.
Restaurants - normally no tipping at all. Bars, night-clubs - you may round up if you wish, tipping no expected. Doormen of same establsihments - if you are a regular, you may tip to ensure smooth sailing in the future, if you are just visiting, why bother.
In regards to Indonesia, The only time anyone ever tips 10% is when it mandated as part of the price as it is in mid-range and luxury hotels and restaurants. eg places that display their prices as ++ - plus tax plus service.
In places where it isn't, more than rp10,000 would be very, very generous.
