<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Globaliser:
Reading all this, I am becoming ever more appreciative of New Zealand tipping customs.
The first time I went there, I was warned expressly not to try to tip in restaurants, as I was likely to get thumped or sworn at if I tried because it's often regarded as an insult if a tip is offered.
It must appeal to that strong egalitarian streak in me.</font>
In New Zealand (and Australia), tipping is NOT expected in restaurants and bars. In fact, I would say that in most establishments it is uncommon, but not unheardof. It would be unlikely to be seen as an insult.
In these countries, if you receive extraordinary service, then feel free to tip, but don't assume that the wait person is going to be the recipient - it will likely to go the establishment/owner. Cash tipping is very uncommon. It would normally be done by adding something to the credit card slip.
In some popular tourist locations that are frequented by Americans, tipping can become more common due to their entrenched tipping custom/habbit. As a result, some unscrupulous establishments will present the bill in such a way as to imply that a tip might be provided. This is seen locally as taking advantage of the American tipping-psychy.
In NZ and Australia, when presented with a credit card slip, just sign on the line (after verifying the amount is correct of course!). No need to write a -0- in the "tip" line. Just ignore it and sign it. This is not seen as rude or a negative reflection on the service. The cost on the menu includes the service of delivering the food, the provision of a table and chair, the provision of a clean toilet, airconditioning etc. You pay the amount on the price-list.
Having said that, there may be small-print on the menu/price-list including surcharges on certain days or times (eg public holidays since they have to pay penalty rates to staff on those days), for large groups, minimum charge per patron, etc. These will be included and you just pay the amount presented. Room service "deliver" fees may also be included. Again, this does not go to the deliverer, but to the establishment. The deliverer is paid by the establishment for doing his/her job, not directly by the customer.
So as someone from a non-tipping culture, I find it difficult to know when and how much is appropriate to tip when travelling in the US. And when I work out the currency exchange rate from our local Pacific Pecos, my tip can be a significant personal cost!