Help with tips in UK
Jun 13th, 2017, 09:58 PM
#1
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Help with tips in UK
OK, I don't know if the Europe forum is the best place to ask my question, but since my questions concern this region, it seems like the best bet for this situation.
I'm in charge of a group going to England and Scotland soon (choral concert tour). We included money for the tips for our tour guide and bus driver in the cost of the trip. We've since learned that the tour company has engaged docents at a couple of locations (historic house and a museum). Since the tour company has hired them, what are our expectations regarding tipping? Should we each tip them a pound or two in addition to what the tour company is paying them? Is that expected in England and Scotland? Or is what the tour company pays them sufficient?
I'm mostly concerned that the first tour is right after we arrive, our travelers will have just got cash from the ATM at the airport, and will have no small bills/coins for tipping. Please advise what is expected. Thanks.
I'm in charge of a group going to England and Scotland soon (choral concert tour). We included money for the tips for our tour guide and bus driver in the cost of the trip. We've since learned that the tour company has engaged docents at a couple of locations (historic house and a museum). Since the tour company has hired them, what are our expectations regarding tipping? Should we each tip them a pound or two in addition to what the tour company is paying them? Is that expected in England and Scotland? Or is what the tour company pays them sufficient?
I'm mostly concerned that the first tour is right after we arrive, our travelers will have just got cash from the ATM at the airport, and will have no small bills/coins for tipping. Please advise what is expected. Thanks.
Jun 14th, 2017, 01:16 AM
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The single most important fact in answering you is: <b> it really doesn't matter </b>
There are a few circumstances where tipping is downright offensive: to bar staff, for example, in B&Bs and to celebrity guides. This isn't among them
In your circs, no-one's expecting to be tipped and no-one's going to be seriously put out if they are (though most part-time guides like this I know aren't remotely interested in the dosh). They would, however, be slightly disturbed to think people had inconvenienced themselves to get cash to tip them - and highly amused to be tipped in foreign currency.
There are a few circumstances where tipping is downright offensive: to bar staff, for example, in B&Bs and to celebrity guides. This isn't among them
In your circs, no-one's expecting to be tipped and no-one's going to be seriously put out if they are (though most part-time guides like this I know aren't remotely interested in the dosh). They would, however, be slightly disturbed to think people had inconvenienced themselves to get cash to tip them - and highly amused to be tipped in foreign currency.
Jun 14th, 2017, 02:39 AM
#3
Neither of the guides at the historic house or museum will expect tips. In general, when you tipping in a restaurant for example, check to see if there's a 10% service charge on the bill. If there is, don't tip.
Whenever you do tip, don't add on the silly level of tip (20%+) that you'd do in the US. Maximum 10% is fine.
Whenever you do tip, don't add on the silly level of tip (20%+) that you'd do in the US. Maximum 10% is fine.
Jun 14th, 2017, 06:38 AM
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That said, "passing the hat for the driver" is an old-established custom, but if that's already taken care of you needn't worry. And certainly not for the specialist guides at the places you're visiting.
Jun 14th, 2017, 07:38 AM
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Rabies - a large popular tour group in Scotland especially has in their brochure about tips - 'not required for guides but they always like to get them.'
All of the 4 posters above are Brits who know what they are talking about - better than foreign tourists do.
All of the 4 posters above are Brits who know what they are talking about - better than foreign tourists do.
Jul 25th, 2017, 01:26 PM
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Back from our trip now, and I just realized that I never came back and thanked you all for your helpful advice. It did help me know what to expect and do.
At our first stop where we toured the house and gardens at Tatton Park in Manchester, we were given a delightful private tour of the house by a couple of guides dressed as an Edwardian era housekeeper and maid, playing their roles in character the whole time - they had a bit of a comedy schtick going on, with the maid constantly interrupting the housekeeper, who feigned annoyance, to make comments and observations.. At the end of the tour, a couple of members of our group tried to give them tips, but they told us they weren't allowed to accept them. So after that we didn't worry about tipping guides or docents (we had several at various places). We did tip our bus drivers (we had one in England, and four different ones in Scotland), and, of course, our tour director who traveled with us.
At our first stop where we toured the house and gardens at Tatton Park in Manchester, we were given a delightful private tour of the house by a couple of guides dressed as an Edwardian era housekeeper and maid, playing their roles in character the whole time - they had a bit of a comedy schtick going on, with the maid constantly interrupting the housekeeper, who feigned annoyance, to make comments and observations.. At the end of the tour, a couple of members of our group tried to give them tips, but they told us they weren't allowed to accept them. So after that we didn't worry about tipping guides or docents (we had several at various places). We did tip our bus drivers (we had one in England, and four different ones in Scotland), and, of course, our tour director who traveled with us.
Jul 26th, 2017, 08:56 AM
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It is (or at least was) fairly normal to offer the barman/maid a drink. Usually they don't actually have the drink but put the money in a tip pot.
10% tip is about right for a restaurant meal, unless service is included.
At places like Tatton Park there are many volunteers working, doing it because they love it. No tip needed or expected.
10% tip is about right for a restaurant meal, unless service is included.
At places like Tatton Park there are many volunteers working, doing it because they love it. No tip needed or expected.
Jul 26th, 2017, 09:03 AM
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Pub staff don't expect a tip - but know they can get them in tourist areas from certain demographics.
Our local pub never asks for a tip on the card machine.
In central London my English friends are never given the option to add a tip on the card machines. I get the next round on the same night from the Sam bar person and about 50% of the time I am presented the card machine on the add the tip screen. I always say no and resent this treatment.
You are going up to the bar to serve yourself - why would you tip? Do you tip the kids working in fast food restaurants??
Our local pub never asks for a tip on the card machine.
In central London my English friends are never given the option to add a tip on the card machines. I get the next round on the same night from the Sam bar person and about 50% of the time I am presented the card machine on the add the tip screen. I always say no and resent this treatment.
You are going up to the bar to serve yourself - why would you tip? Do you tip the kids working in fast food restaurants??
