Foreign Tipping Guide by Country & Region
#466
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL GM, SPG GOLD, UA DIRT, AA PLAT, US (RIP), Hilton HHonors
Posts: 705
In Israel they really prefer tips to be in cash. Most people tip 10%... they LOVE Americans, who usually tip 15%, so if you're American they might be expecting a 15% tip from you
#467
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
#468
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL GM, SPG GOLD, UA DIRT, AA PLAT, US (RIP), Hilton HHonors
Posts: 705
#469
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Most, but not all, places in Israel allow you to add the tip on the credit card. You just say, "Can I put the tip on my credit card?" Or, אפשר להוסיף את הטיפ על הכרטיס - efshar l'hosif et hatip al hakartis?
#470
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL GM, SPG GOLD, UA DIRT, AA PLAT, US (RIP), Hilton HHonors
Posts: 705
I didn't say they don't allow you to; I said you have to specially request it and they prefer that you don't.
#471
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
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Posts: 13,167
I understood, and I'm saying that in places that allow it, (which is now the overwhelming majority of places where one would be expected to tip, which is really just sit-down restaurants,) the preference for cash is no more than in the USA. They want cash because they can pocket it and don't have to report it for income tax (legally they do, practically they don't). That's the same in the USA. If the place allows it, they won't do anything to encourage you not to.
#472
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL GM, SPG GOLD, UA DIRT, AA PLAT, US (RIP), Hilton HHonors
Posts: 705
I understood, and I'm saying that in places that allow it, (which is now the overwhelming majority of places where one would be expected to tip, which is really just sit-down restaurants,) the preference for cash is no more than in the USA. They want cash because they can pocket it and don't have to report it for income tax (legally they do, practically they don't). That's the same in the USA. If the place allows it, they won't do anything to encourage you not to.
#473
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,076
#477
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
Hawaii
http://blog.sfgate.com/hawaii/2014/0...d=hp-hc-travel
"So here’s what the experts from the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau recommend:
Airport porters: $5 per person, more for large/heavy bags
Taxi drivers: 15 percent of fare, more if they handle baggage
Hotel bellhops: $5 per person, more for large/heavy bags
Hotel housekeeping: $1-$2 per night
Other hotel staff: $1-$2 per service rendered (e.g. concierge desk, doormen)
Valet service: $2 plus parking fee
Restaurants: 15-20 percent of meal cost
Tips are also suggested/expected for activities—guided tours, snorkeling cruises, zipline tours, etc.—10-15 percent is often about right, depending on the cost of the excursion, or a minimum of $10 per person."
"So here’s what the experts from the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau recommend:
Airport porters: $5 per person, more for large/heavy bags
Taxi drivers: 15 percent of fare, more if they handle baggage
Hotel bellhops: $5 per person, more for large/heavy bags
Hotel housekeeping: $1-$2 per night
Other hotel staff: $1-$2 per service rendered (e.g. concierge desk, doormen)
Valet service: $2 plus parking fee
Restaurants: 15-20 percent of meal cost
Tips are also suggested/expected for activities—guided tours, snorkeling cruises, zipline tours, etc.—10-15 percent is often about right, depending on the cost of the excursion, or a minimum of $10 per person."
#478
Join Date: May 2004
Location: BNA
Programs: DL Platinum
Posts: 112
Thanks to the op and all who have contributed to the maintenance of this thread. Very useful! Had some awkward moments wondering how to tip during my last international trip. Will have much more confidence on the upcoming travels!
#480
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: 대한민국 (South Korea) - ex-PVG (上海)
Programs: UA MM / LT Gold (LT UC), DL SM, AA PLT (AC), OZ, KE; GE and Korean SES (like GE); Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,995
Tipping in Sri Lanka
Couldn't find it upon search. What about Sri Lanka. Heading there next month and want to do what is expected. Thanks!