Originally Posted by
Aldebaran
In Europe tips are not mandatory and are at your own discretion. For eastern Europe you can tip not more than 3-5 dollars at the restaurant because the service is already included (obviously the equivalent in local currency) if you are satisfied, otherwise absolutely no tip.
At the bar 1 dollar is enough. Usually the hotel shuttle bus is a private car. The hotel already pay for it. If the driver helps you with the bags you can give him one dollar, for the bellman if you wish one dollar per large bags.
They have not expectations, unless they see an american...
Thanks, that's helpful. Although, strictly speaking, the first sentence is true in the US as well. Although you won't make any friends if you don't tip, particularly in a restaurant.
As I have not traveled much outside the US, I also have a naive question. Should I tip only in the local currency, or are dollars appreciated as well? I won't have any local currency until I can get to an ATM, so can I just tip in dollars when I arrive?
Thanks,
AGS