Originally Posted by pinniped

I don't do this where it isn't a cultural norm. I definitely don't grossly overtip in countries with a low per capita GDP simply because I'm from the developed world.

My concern there is unintended consequences on their internal labor markets as well as unintended consequences to the relationships the local population has with Westerners. My intent isn't to influence their labor markets to the point where the most talented people seek tourism/service industry jobs for access to outsize tips...I don't think that benefits the country or its other industries. I also wouldn't want to contribute to a perception that visitors shower money on beggars or "informal" laborers (e.g., guy in the street trying to shine your shoes while you stand at a streetcorner, etc.). I realize there's a nuance here that distinguishes it from, say, restaurant tipping, but the general topics are somewhat related.

I guess that's a long-winded way of saying that if I'm in an extremely poor country, the last thing I want to do leave a $10 tip that makes a waiter suddenly more well-paid than a nurse or teacher. That's ultimately harmful to their economy.