China
 

Some advice please re my forthcoming trip to Beijing/ Chengde.
Is tipping usual for extra services eg tour driver.
If so, are US dollars best?
I ask because a friend has heard that a packet of foreign cigarettes is a much more valuable sign of gratitude.
Thanks,
Ozflier

Generally tipping at hotels and restaurants in China is discouraged as you may know, so tips are not expected and likely may not be accepted. For a tour driver, I think it's more of a judgement call. Don't know about Australians, but it seems to me that as an American many service oriented folks appear to expect tips from us. I'd probably offer a tip for good service in any case just to show my appreciation.

In my trips, I've never had a tip refused, even in Yuan.

In general, I don't tip drivers, but I do tip bellmen. At the Shangri-La, where I stay, there is a 17% charge added to room service and restaurant charges, so I'll round the bill, but don't add anything else.

I get the feeling that, at least in major cities, and in occasions where most westerners will deal with service professionals, they would look strangely at you if you offered cigs. I don't know that for a fact, however, and I always bring Marlboros for my business contacts, where they are rapidly and gratefully accepted.

I did note, with a smile, last week that there was no tip glass at the Starbucks at the World Trade Centre.

This probably doesn't help you very much, but for what it's worth. . .

Greg

[This message has been edited by greg99 (edited 11-15-1999).]

I never tip, in China or elsewhere, never go to the same place twice. Once I got chased by a New York cabbie with a big stick!