Originally Posted by
lancebanyon
I had an experience at an American restaurant recently where the waiter started asking very detailed questions about where we were from, etc. When we said we were living in Europe he got a deer in headlights look and asked if we had ever lived in the US. I wondered whether he might be worried that he wasn't going to get a tip.
Any Europeans ever experience this? I'm still not sure if I was right or not, but his mood definitely lightened when I said yes, we've lived in the US.
I believe that it is ignorance and/or stereotyping (at least in 2012). Add the Québécois to the list of 'non-tipppers', according to some Americans. There are ignorant travellers from every country (Even on this thread, there is at least one from North America who seems to be somehow proud of tipping in the American fashion in Europe)
Just as there are people from North America who travel abroad and don't know the local custom, there are people from Europe who travel to America and don't tip. But since tipping at least something is more common these days in much of Europe, and people are more travelled and better informed, I believe that it tends to be an outdated stereotype.
I also know many people who overtip when in America, either to offset the stereotype, or because they find rounding to 20% easier (and may not understand the tax implication in regards to the total tip)
If any server however somehow indicates concern that I am ignorant, and won't tip him what he feels is the appropriate amount, it will colour my perception and may impact what I do
choose to leave. This is very common practice in Walt Disneyworld, for example, with the excuse given that those from the UK (who make up a large percentage of non-American guests) are renowned for not tipping.
There is a 'suggested tip' line on the bill, which servers generally point out with great enthusiasm, or circle. Disney in fact introduced mandatory prepaid tips on many of their dining programs, as well as their Europe based cruises, to offset what they claim are lack of tips from 'foreigners'. Then again, Disney is one of the worst for reinforcing stereotypes and even encouraging their travellers to follow them (Witness Adventures by Disney)