Trinkgeld (Tipping)

Tipping : Canada and the United States

When you’re in the US or in Canada, it’s considered rude not to leave a tip for the waiters. This is especially true in the USA where the customer’s gratuity is considered part of a waiter’s wage. You’d be looked down on if you leave less than 15% of your tab. Word even has it that the stakes have been raised today. The new tipping norm is now 17% to 20% of your bill’s total.

For restaurants in Canada, the rule is somewhat similar to the US. Here, you’ll be expected to leave 15% to 20% of your tab as well. Of course, for both countries, you can choose to give less tip (or none at all) if you’re trying to make a statement about the poor service of the restaurant.

Watch out for major cities in the US where tipping norms continue to rise. In New York, the tipping rates depend on the VAT. New Yorkers usually double the 8.875 tax and round it up to the nearest tens. Canada’s tipping standards are a bit lower although it’s very rare for customers to give less than 15% of the tab.

If you visit bars in either country, 10% to 15% of the tab is the standard tip if you’re ordering from a table. Tips for drinks ordered from the bar vary: a beer should be tipped a dollar, and a cocktail, $2.

Tipping : Central and South America

If you’re traveling to the South Americas, tipping norms are a bit simpler. If there’s no service charge included in the bill, it’s only right that you give the waiters 10% to 15% of your tab. This will depend on the efficiency of the person waiting on your table. Countries like Uruguay, Chile and Argentina do not include service charge in their tabs so customers are given the free wheel on what to give their waiters and waitresses.

If the service charge is already included in the bill, feel free to add a few coins to thank the restaurant’s excellent service. Countries like Brazil, Peru, and Costa Rica are pretty popular for their excellent service in restaurants.

Bring extra stash if you’re dining in Uruguay, Peru, Chile or Argentina. Restaurants in these countries charge more than what most people would consider standard. Even high-end hotels in these countries charge between $2 and $4 every time you use their utensils.

Take note, though, the concept of good service is a bit different here compared to the United States. The dining atmosphere in the Latin Americas is considerably more relaxed. Don’t expect your waiter to be around while you’re dining. It’s considered rude in these areas for a waiter to ask diners if you’re done. This means that they’ll probably stay out of sight and watch from afar while you’re eating.

The best part is you only tip 10% of the tab in bars which also serve food. You’re not required to tip at all if you’re just ordering drinks.

Tipping : Mexico and the Caribbean

For those of you who like traveling to the beaches and rustic towns of Mexico and the Caribbean, the general tipping norm for these places is 15% of the total tab. This is, of course, with the exception of casual eating spots like beachfront fish and fries or taco stands. Look at your bill closely, though, when paying at high-end restaurants. Most of them already include a service charge, and for these places, tipping is unnecessary.

The tipping standards of the U.S. have already influenced the way things are run in its southern neighbors. For most high-end restaurants, waiters depend on tips to make a living. Their fixed salaries are minimal. Don’t skimp on the tips if you can help it.

As in the South and Central Americas, waiters won’t be too visible while you’re dining. You will probably have to put a little effort in flagging down your waiter if you need anything or when it’s time to get your check.

The tipping norms for bars in Mexico and the Caribbean, though, are more similar to the US. At least 10% to 15% of your tab should be tipped to the waiter if you ordered for food. A dollar for every bottle or mug of beer, and $2 for every cocktail drink you order are standard.

Tipping : Europe

If you’re traveling to the Western and Eastern parts of Europe, you won’t have to worry about tipping. In general, the waitstaff in these parts are paid full wages, and they don’t depend so much on the tips they get from the customers. For places that charge service fees, though, you may or may not add 10% to 15% of your tab. Since tipping is at your discretion, save these tips to restaurants with excellent service.

Certain countries like Italy and France which automatically add a service charge, tipping 10% of your tab will be considered generous. Generally, if you’re eating out in Europe and you would want to appear gallant, tipping the waiters 10% of your tab should be fine. You’re not expected to tip in European bars, but some locals find it customary to spare a few loose change when the drink is especially good.

If you’re unsure about how much change you should leave after a night out, just round the bill up to the higher euro and you should be fine.

Tipping: Asia

Tipping in Asia is a bit more complicated. The norms will depend on which country you’re visiting. Some countries like China, Thailand and Singapore do not oblige you to give tips. In Hongkong, it is customary to leave at least 5% of your tab. This is with the exception of casual eating places like noodle shops and parlors serving dim sum. India, on the other hand, already includes a service charge. There’s no need to add tips on top of this fee.

Mainstream Asia, though, is slowly adapting to the tipping norms of the USA. Tipping in China used to be considered even rude, but slowly, in Western, high-end restaurants, it is slowly accepted. In Japan, though, you shouldn’t try to top waiters. They’re infamous for chasing after Western customers who give them tips. They will return the extra money you left on the tab.

Another thing you should take note of when dining in Japan: most restaurants ask patrons to pay at the register. They won’t accept your money if you settle the bill at the table.

Tipping 10% of your tab for bars in Asia should be more than enough. If you’re visiting a bar in Japan or China, it’s also unheard of to tip the bartender.

Tipping:New Zealand and the South Pacific

If you’re dining in New Zealand or some restaurant located in the South Pacific, tipping waiters 5% to 10% of your bill should be enough, but try to do this only if you’re impressed with their service. You’re not actually obliged to add anything aside from what’s already on the bill. Most of the restaurants you’ll find in the French Polynesia also include a 10% service fee in their tabs. You may or may not add a little extra to say thank you.

Should you find yourself dining in Fiji, do not worry about tipping customs. While it’s not frowned upon, you won’t be expected nor asked to pay for the waiters’ services. While barhopping, all you have to do is pay for your drinks. You don’t have to tip, but if you must, 10% is already considered extremely generous.

Tipping: Africa and the Middle East

Dining in the Middle East and Africa is simple: you just have to leave 10% of your bill and you’re considered a civilized man. Expect to shell out between 2 and 5 rand after a meal and waiters will appreciate your patronage.

Tipping: Exceptions

These tipping rules are, of course, generalized, and certain special cases might require more tips. One of them is tipping the sommelier. While there’s no general rule which says you should tip the sommelier directly, every wine steward is given a portion of the pooled tips at the end of the night. If you feel that your sommelier was exceptionally hospitable, feel free to add 10% to 20% of the wine’s cost when you bill out.

A good table at a high-end restaurant in the US is also worth an extra tip to the maitre d’. This is usually $20, but if you’re dining at a very pricey restaurant, be prepared to give as much as $100.

Cruise ships, on the other hand, have a separate tipping norm of their own. Some cruise ships charge passengers gratuity fees per-day in their shipboard accounts. This is usually between $10 and $15. This is even on top of a 15% service fee when you order drinks from the bar.

The cruise ships’ specialty restaurants also include service fees in their cover charge. If you’re a very generous passenger, though, you may add a few more dollars to say thank you.

If you find yourself in an all-inclusive resort, you can rest assured that the tips of the waiters and waitresses are already included, too, in your final bill. There are very rare cases, though, when you’re expected to tip bartenders. Most resorts across the globe let their bartenders receive extra gratuities from appreciative guests, but some resorts may forbid it. Read up before adding loose change to your tab.

Gone are the days when you’re expected to tip for room service. Today, a lot of hotels already add a hefty 18% service charge for in-room dining. The point here is that guests are no longer pressured into tipping their waiters for room service. However, if you’ve run into an extra pleasant one with a smile that brightens up your mornings, feel free to add 5% to your bill. This is already more than generous.