Much as I'd prefer to simply pay (more, if necessary) for the food/drink, and not be subject to 'expected' tipping, I adopt a "When in Rome" attitude to these things and adopt the local customs, including tipping for certain services (bar, restaurant, taxi etc.) when in other countries where it exists (and probably erring on the generous side if unsure of the amount).

I did have one experience I didn't like. I know tipping of hotel housekeeping staff does happen (I have no idea how common, or in which countries, or how expected the practice is) but it is not something I have ever done - it simply AFAIK does not happen here in Oz. Was not an issue anywhere on my 9 week RTW trip, till I checked in to a hotel in Anchorage and discovered an envelope beside my bed with a typed message exhorting me to put money in it for the housekeeping staff "because they do a great job" or something like that.

I found that quite offensive (I certainly did not accede to the request/demand), almost akin to a beggar approaching me in the street. Is tipping of housekeeping staff a common practice? Is it universally expected in the US? Reading the envelope did leave a dirty taste in my mouth (no, I didn't lick it ).