jackal

It would have been useful today as our group was trying to figure out an appropriate tip for our guesthouse in South Africa, and we had no idea what would be appropriate. Multiple online sources were very much conflicting, and many suggested a higher amount than most of us tip for housekeeping in the US. I vote yes.

Palal

this thread explains SA well

Palal

Any experiences in Ethiopia?

jackal

Thanks--helpful. I've added a link to it to the wiki.

Flying Yazata

I think the entry on Finland is a tad bit too koscher.

Sure, it's not expected/required by custom or law that you tip in a restaurant/bar, but as a Finn (and also one who was been tipped myself in the past for my services), I'd like to point out it's recommendable for exceptional service. If you feel like it, then go for it. There's no other way really to underline that you've done a great job.

We Finns are often reluctant to tip here at home, but generally speaking outstanding/great service is tipped especially in proper á la carte eateries. So it's not seen as rude to tip in Finland, unlike certain other countries. It's actually more effective here, because as tipping isn't all too commonplace, it says that you really enjoyed the service.

As for taxis, sure, tipping is actually pretty customary, but not expected/required. However it's more commonplace than in restaurants. If you get an outstanding ride and the driver is helpful, then I do recommend a small tip (round up, if paying by cash, or slip him/her a few 1-2€ coins, if paying by card).

Tipping is never expected in Finland, but it stands out in a positive way, if you want to give special credit for the service.

cbn42

I think the purpose of this thread is to let people know what the local customs are in each country. If most of the locals don't tip because it's not required by custom, then that is what the thread should say.

Recommended by whom?

There are several countries where the thread says "none". Perhaps we should make a distinction between countries like Finland, where tipping is not the norm but would be appreciated for exceptional service, and countries like Japan, where it is seen as insulting. Perhaps "none required, but tolerated." I would say "not recommended" when the majority of locals don't tip.

mmff

Did you mean to write "not recommended"?

cbn42

I did. Thanks. It has been corrected.

muji

It would not be seen as insulting; it would simply seem odd,
and would be understood to be a cultural misunderstanding.

pnt1

oh man, this is the best thread ever...definitely referencing next time i'm in a new country

night-ice

Correct. Trying to tip in Japan is odd, indeed. But when Japanese visitors come to US, wonder how they feel when tipping is customary and expected?

fairhsa

Seems like a list designed for Americans only. I live in HK and never tip anywhere; never seen anyone tip here - the taxi's drivers will return 50c (less than 0.1USD)! In Australia in a small cafe I once witnessed an American trying to tip. The waitress returned the money with a stern warning that "we don't want that kind of behaviour to catch on in Australia".....

cbn42

It seems like a lot of the entries were made by tourists rather than locals. It's also possible that tipping is more expected at locations where Americans tend to visit. If you have local knowledge of any of these countries, please do make corrections.

Jessica136

great job.. very worthy thread you have framed here.

onobond

This has been evident from the OP.

With the addition from Magellan added on rather early, it seems to me as entering many countries without any other information input than US SOP.

Some countries are listed with very small travel/tourist input, like Brunei and Oman. Countries like Panama, with a large amount of foreign travellers, and even many people relocating after retirement, is however not. Beeing on the phone right now, I'll try to make an amendment later.

Interestingly in Panama, very few restaurants add a service fee of 10%. Those that don't, do not expect anything added. In fact yesterday, when we were very happy with a dinner (food drink, service and more), I tried to enter an addition of 15% on the cardreader, but was mildly corrected by the Maitre d' , who first asked if we came from USA. After a No, he said that "tips" was not expected, as it was included in the menu prices, and deleted my addition on the debit.