With memories of the fate of some other threads on tipping I post this question with some trepidation, but what the hell.

I'd like to know what local people might expect of a foreign visitor (restaurants, hotel staff etc) - not so much what individuals personally do because "that's what I tip at home".

Having said that, I guess there has to be a connection, as the locals will have been conditioned by Western visitors to certain tipping behaviours, and those will depend on where the visitors come from. And as the bulk of visitors (I believe) are Australian, European and North American, tips might range from 0 to 10%, with the occasional 15% or so from the North Americans.

Does that sound about right? I work on the "do in Rome" principle, and I wouldn't want to put my foot in it on the off-chance that someone might think I'm (a) stupid, (b) rude if I offer a tip.

neil---as an OZ-man, they will expect no tip from you---haha

Neil,

We didn't tip on same scale like we do when we visit Australia or the USA. More like the same standard as when we tipped in Thailand.

Porter and bellboys around 10,000 a bag.
Restaurant with service charge we add on about 10 - 20,000.
Restaurnat without we give around 5%.
Taxi - no tip.
Butler, at the hotels if they have one, about 100,000 for a 2 - 3 day stay.

rhkkmk, I guess I should be worried that they won't know I'm Australian. I don't want to raise expectations unduly.

Maybe I need to refer to one of those "how do I avoid looking like an American?" threads on the Europe forum? Better still, "How can I look like a local?" Hmm - not sure if I can swing that.

Hanuman, thanks for the numbers. Actually you don't have to tip much, or at all, in Australia. Tips are more common in upmarket restaurants, but no more than 10%.

come on get real....if they know your from OZ they expect no tip, believe me.

don't believe anyone else from OZ would even ask besides Neil OZ, lol

Aloha!

"We didn't tip on same scale like we do when we visit Australia or the USA."

You tipped in Australia?

You sinned man! Do as the locals do.

Oh dear what have I done!

hawaiiantraveler, I'll have you know that I've always tipped religiously when in the USA and Canada. I did notice though that some American waiters looked a little downcast when they heard my accent. I found that was a good thing, as they were pathetically grateful to see any tip forthcoming.

But I refuse to be held accountable for what my uncouth compatriots might do, though. I guess some (like some Americans) just don't realise that there's a reason why local custom is different (mainly staff salaries).

I thought about stitching a little New Zealand kiwi emblem on my coat, but then I realised that would only make things worse. It would be like impersonating a Scotsman.

neil---one look and they will know...