Originally Posted by
dheese
What if I just started walking around in a park in Germany and decided to pick up all the litter I saw and throw it in the proper place? Would that be disrespectful of local tradition? It wouldnt hurt anyone, but by your logic it could be bad because then others may have to do it too or possibly face looking bad.
Its not disrespectful to tip, its just not done by Europeans, thats all.
For me to tip in EU hurts no one, gets me better services, and upholds out gernerous American nature. 
DMH
It's interesting that no matter how often Europeans (and for that matter Asians etc) try to explain why we don't want the tipping culture of USA importing to our countries it seems to be waved off with a merry "what's the problem...."
When I visit USA I tip to the cultural norm (which in my opinion is excessive) so please do the same when you visit other countries. When I visit Asia it is so comfortable; no tips whatsoever, good service
Unfortunately when I hear that "surely it isn't a problem etc etc" it just smacks of a lack of sensitivity to local culture and perhaps a bit of arrogance too thrown in for good measure. Just because it is the norm in USA doesn't necessarily mean that it is superior to how things work elsewhere
nickyboy