Originally Posted by NHFL9
I can't imagine tipping anywhere for that, it's their job, and they're paid a regular wage, not a tipped wage. If you really wanted to do something, I'd say maybe $2 or $3 in the US. But I'm really against the whole tipping culture in the US. I mean I tip generously for food, etc, but I like the way it is done in Europe much more. I have a hard time tipping people who don't depend on tips as a part of their income. I certainly can't imagine tipping for it in Europe.
I totally agree! I personally hate the whole tipping system.
Whenever there is a question here about tipping, well I can't really do much about the way it works in N America (and it's not my business either...), but I can ask for example Americans coming to Europe, please please don't bring this exagerated tipping thing here!!
I don't want to live in a country/on a continent where I am expected/forced to pay money to every single person I meet; to the waitress to clear my table, to the maid to clean my room, to the shopkeeper to help me with my purchase, to the bartender to get me a beer i.e. pay people who are just doing the job they are paid for.
I want to have the liberty myself to decide when to adjust the bill if and when the service was very good, without having an obligation to do it.
What happened to the good old compliments??
Just telling people they were nice, helpful, friendly. Sending letter of compliments, telling the waiter the food was delicious and the service excellent, complimenting the shopkeeper and teeling him/her you would happily recommend the shop to others etc.
That will be so much more appreciated than opening the wallet all the time.