Originally Posted by jimbo99

My own father (a non-London UK cab driver) gets annoyed at people trying to push tips on him. It also annoys him because in the end some cab drivers start "competing" for the airport pick-ups involving American airlines because they are more lucrative.

You mentioned Japan - in fact it doesn't seem normal throughout most of Asia - including Taiwan where I have spent alot of time. Of course the enthusiasm for tipping by some does drive the expectation - so perhaps you're staying in the kind of places where Americans often go - and tipping is becoming expected.

The offence often comes from colleagues behind the scenes and other customers (who can't compete with the cash). Also managers can be unhappy - because you're "buying ownership" of their staff. They are working for them, not for you. Its just an unwelcome distortion.

If you have the cash to spare, then I think its better to give it to worthwhile charities in those locations where it is better focussed.

"I've also noticed that if I tip well, the word gets around and the overall service improves." I think it would do, for you. But what about others? Its drifting towards bribery in my opinion. And that's the final cause for offence - especially in countries where having to offer extra money to get something done is a real problem that locals are trying to eliminate.