Originally Posted by
LHR/MEL/Europe FF
The other thing to consider is that your actions help to create expectations - which are then assumed from the rest of us living in China.
Tipping is not expected, although depending on how good the driver is I will round up on taxi fares (if they have taken the shortest or fastest route without being asked for example).
As pointed out, you'll get the same recognition, and the same service, if you don't tip. You say in an earlier post you don't treat staff like 'the help' - but then you think they will remember you only if you pay them?
Herein lies the problem. As an American visiting/traveling, there are certain establishments where the expectations are that I tip. Not many places, but certain American hotels expect a tip from me, but not from non-Americans. I don't like it, but, it's just reality--likely the result of what you've mentioned above. For a single night, I couldn't care less and ignore the subtle hints for the tip; however, on longer stays, there's the balance of handing out a 20 RMB (a few bucks which literally means absolutely nothing to me), or have the bellboy annoyed/disappointed, rightly or wrongly, for a perceived American stiffing him. Same with the housekeeping staff.
In the end, you're right, it would be far better for Americans to simply go with the whatever the local norms/customs are when traveling. In the long run, this works out better for everyone, in my view.