Originally Posted by
ajca
I am not from the US and so this culture of constantly needing to tip as you're travelling doesn't come instinctively to me and it zaps mental energy to worry about "what is the right amount", "how do I pass it discreetly", "do I have the right change", "am I going to do this every time they do something for me", and also a bit of "ok I'm paying $x amount per night surely opening the door or sending my luggage to the room is included in the room rate"
I'm from the UK, but a lot of practice has got me over this fear. In Europe it's easy, just remember to put a £1 or €1 coin in your pocket and simply hand it over to the doorman with a smile and eye contact when you get into your taxi. If they're only opening the door to you as you leave, no need to tip - just smile and say thank you as you go past. You won't believe how far just treating someone like a human being will get you, because you'll see so many other guests acting as though the staff were inanimate or invisible objects.
For bellboys, it's around £1 or €1 per item of luggage they bring up to your room or out to your taxi. Just have it ready and hand it over as they leave the room. Again, make eye contact, smile and say thank you as you give it to them - there's nothing shameful or furtive about tipping and no reason to have to be discreet.
Is it necessary? Not really, but it's the done thing.
For me, the hardest part is when travelling in foreign countries when I can't immediately figure out the currency exchange rate in my head AND be sure I have the right change/notes to give them, especially when just coming in from the airport.