Chambermaid tipping
#122
Join Date: Nov 2006
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It often happens in France that if you pay a second visit to a restaurant within a short time of your first visit you may well be recognised by staff and greeted as a regular, handshakes and all.
#124
"I have travelled to Europe more than 30 times in the last 30 years. Until recently, tips were not "expected" but leave one and return to the restaurant and note the difference.
As a heads up, we just returned from our vacation and restaurants are adding an "optional" 11-12% tip on bills paid by credit card."
That the environment has become contaminated is no reason to carry on contaminating it. Stop now and let our societies go back to normal. Please stop destroying the places you visit.
As a heads up, we just returned from our vacation and restaurants are adding an "optional" 11-12% tip on bills paid by credit card."
That the environment has become contaminated is no reason to carry on contaminating it. Stop now and let our societies go back to normal. Please stop destroying the places you visit.
#125
Join Date: Jan 2003
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>We had a laugh, at the end of which he tried tipping me 10 quid for my trouble.
I told him not to insult me and to leave his strange habits at home.<
You could also have explained that tipping was not necessary and that you would prefer that he contribute the money to charity.

Had he bought you 10 quid worth of Scotch, would that have been OK?
I told him not to insult me and to leave his strange habits at home.<
You could also have explained that tipping was not necessary and that you would prefer that he contribute the money to charity.

Had he bought you 10 quid worth of Scotch, would that have been OK?
#126
Join Date: May 2007
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The first option sounds too politically correct. The second somewhat reasonable.
But I think a decent handshake is sometimes worth more than money.
Money is not always worshipped by everyone to the same degree.
But I think a decent handshake is sometimes worth more than money.
Money is not always worshipped by everyone to the same degree.
#127
Join Date: May 2006
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Does it really matter what local customs might be? What do you feel is the right thing to do? Give an unexpected gift in appreciation for someone who works hard or just assume their minimal pay is sufficient?
#128
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I think local custom would be important to people working in the US who expect the local custom of tipping to be respected...isn't that what travel is about? Learning about and respecting the local culture? Why doesn't that seem to be the case with tipping?
#138
Join Date: Dec 2012
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Bilbo
Are they adding the 10% after you have signed. If so thank god for chip and pin.
We always tick our statements off to our receipts, never seen restaurants stack the bill after you have authorised.
"pleae stop destroying the places you visit"
Yes, it fecking well does Vicenzo. I am sick of London based national restaurant chains pushing card machines in front of me with the first question " how much do you want to tip". Bugger all! We don't tip in Britain. Local pubs and restaurants don't have their machines preset with the question. Restaurant staff in Britain get paid at least the minimum wage which is topped up by our ridiculous benefits system. No different to any other industry like retail.
Are they adding the 10% after you have signed. If so thank god for chip and pin.
We always tick our statements off to our receipts, never seen restaurants stack the bill after you have authorised.
"pleae stop destroying the places you visit"
Yes, it fecking well does Vicenzo. I am sick of London based national restaurant chains pushing card machines in front of me with the first question " how much do you want to tip". Bugger all! We don't tip in Britain. Local pubs and restaurants don't have their machines preset with the question. Restaurant staff in Britain get paid at least the minimum wage which is topped up by our ridiculous benefits system. No different to any other industry like retail.
#139
Join Date: Mar 2013
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A server in Bruges who knew we were Americans asked us when he presented our bill with gratuity included and no line for a tip on the bill, "how much do you wish to tip me to show your affection of your new friend?"
Talk about singling us out. I'm sure he would not have asked this of a European tourist.
When we said we knew the gratuity was included, he expressed outrage that we were not leaving him more.
Talk about singling us out. I'm sure he would not have asked this of a European tourist.
When we said we knew the gratuity was included, he expressed outrage that we were not leaving him more.
#140
I had a similar experience in Jordan. I had negotiated the price for a ride to the airport, and therefore did not tip. The driver protested, on the basis that "Americans always tip". (Having dual nationality, I pointed out that I was British.)