We've got our first EK chauffeur drive coming up next month in London. Is it customary to tip the driver, and if so, how much? Any help would be appreciated in this area!

I would say it depends on the driver and what you can afford. I was once picked up by a miserable sod with the most terrible flatulence I have ever encountered (in the end I had to say something - and no, before you ask, it wasn't me!) - needless to say he didn't get a tip. Otherwise, I give them a reasonable tip (about �10ish) if they're friendly and helpful.

Emirates is really clear about the fact that a tip to the driver is purely optional, and not necessary. They consider it to be somewhat like tipping an air hostess and the CD is considered a part of the "Emirates Experience".

Nonetheless, I would say that tipping should depend on whether you are delighted with the service, including the flight because its for the overall experience.

The amount of the tip should be based on what is customary for that country/city. In London, if you want to, I think 10 quid should do it. In NYC $15-20 at the most.

If you're not happy, make sure you don't tip and create a false impression that it's good service.

Well i'm going to take the firm stance that these guys don't get tipped.

I don't tip the pilot
I don't tip the FA
I don't tip the check in people

The US tipping culture really grates and you end up with a system whereby the service element gets stripped out of the product.

FFS - why tip a hotel chambermaid on a routine basis. You're paying $$$ for the room, and unless I missed it in the small print that includes having the beds made and towels changed,

You then end up with a situation where people are expecting a tip for doing the bear minimum and a bigger tip for being 'good'.

Must have used the EK Chauffeur service 20 times across the globe. Never tipped once and never got any hard feelings from the driver.

(sorry for the rant)

Always tip the driver especially if its a smooth drive. Anyway, they probably dont get paid that much, have long working days and they have to look after those nice shiny cars.

In SYD, EK uses HC XXX Plated luxury cars (Private Hire Cars), I assume the owners/drivers of these vehicles have contracts with EK, and while their not on duty with EK, they're doing their private jobs, such as ferrying around corporate clients around Sydney.

if u intend to tip, dont tip too much inturn setting higher expectations from everybody. In India, Rs. 100 is the maximum you should tip, dont go overboard thinking its only equivalent of $2 or so. Rs.100 is pretty good and not a lowball number...

I AGREE 100%, Whoever started tipping the bathroom attendant for opening the tap or handing u a paper towel, he screwed it up for everybody else.

i always tip the driver, 1530 race epsom ivor sorebum. :d

Erm, it's called having a job.

yeah, the only tip i'd proffer would be not to eat yellow snow

I have had a number of limo's but generally speaking I have never suitable currency to give them.

Anyway I work hard myself, get called out all hours and in 20 years the only thing close to a tip was a Supermarket manager gave me a bottle of beer to drink when I got home.

I don't tip in the UK at all. People earn fair wages - we have a legal minimum wage - and proprietors should set charges to include service. If they don't then that's their problem.