Originally Posted by
JBord
Service charges, while typical in Europe, are rare in the US. Rare meaning maybe 1 out of every 1000 times. As an American, I get annoyed that I have to pay a 10% service charge in Europe for poor service. At least in the US it's optional. But again, when in Rome...
Service charges are not typical in Europe. Not at all. In the UK 12,5% discretionary gratuities are nowadays usually included in restaurant bills. This is clearly indicated in the menus, and one knows before hand what to expect.
Service charges are quite a misnomer as I believe that in Asia and ME — where they are very often added to every hotel, bar and restaurant bill — seldom go directly to the employees. They are a sort of resort fee charged for no specific service whatsoever.