I'll get it back on topic.I first arrived in the USA in 1981 for a conference.No FT or anything else for advice but knew we had to tip.A group of us Aussies went to a cheap Chinese restaurant in the Burbs.Now Asian food in the States is to our taste not a patch on what we get back home.We all discussed the tip.Decided to round up leaving approx a 5% tip.We soon realised it was not enough when we were chased down the street by a waiter with a meat cleaver.Decided not to argue.
We were staying at the then HI on Union Square and often ate in their restaurant.The Maitre'D was enthralled with our accents and would always come over and chat with us.Told him the story.He said that was in bad taste and said he would show us how it should be done.Not long afterwards a European family was heading to the door only to be faced by the Maitre'D with the plate containing the CC slip.He bowed ostentasiously low and in a loud voice said-And thank you sir for your finger prints.The whole restaurant looked around and a tip was forthcoming.
Ever since I have tipped and if good service above the"mandatory %".I though am now annoyed having seen the % rising from 10 to 15 and now 20% especially as the meal prices have risen.
I am also very dissmissive of those Americans who use the justification-When in Rome.I have travelled extensively in Asia for 40 years.Initially there would never be a request for a tip.Now apart from Japan it is common.This is part of the reason you will notice anti America sentiments in Australia-though this is not the norm.Before you rant though I love the USA and those that live there and if I see this sentiment I will usually go and apologise for others rudeness.