I know each country differs with tipping rules. What is the norm in England? And, how much money/coins should I have on hand when I land to take care of different services?

Tip taxis, restaurants, hairdressers etc, otherwise no need to. Don't tip in pubs etc, it's not required or expected.

Generally you don't tip in England. In a restaurant you might leave about &pound;4 but even in places like that it's not rude or anything if you don't tip. If you're staying in a big hotel that has people who carry your luggage to your room you might give him &pound;2. <BR>What kind of services are you expecting to need money for when you land? Food and drink: Bottle of water - &pound;1. Bar of chocolate/Bag of crisps - 40p. Sandwich - &pound;2. Plate of fries - &pound;2.<BR>A taxi fare might be needed if you haven't got any other transport to your accomodation arranged. Depends on the length of journey but the meter usually starts at around &pound;2.50.

thinking in terms of my own currency, I never land with less than the local equivalent of about $100, and usually more like $200 worth.<BR><BR>I don't want to look for the atm at the airport and find that it's out of cash, broken, or has a long line.<BR><BR>$100-$200 worth of local currency can get me to the hotel from the airport,<BR>will pay for my first meal or two or three or more, and will cover tips. If you order currency from your bank at home, request some small pound denominations.<BR>If I get only large bills, I buy a bottle of water or a local magazine at the airport when I arrive to get some small change. Pound coins come in handy and there are no pound notes.<BR><BR>Tipping is a controversial subject here<BR>(what isn't?)--the dichotomy is the foolish over-tippers vs the cheapskates.<BR>Almost every guidebook has a section on suggested tips, and elsewhere on this Fodor's website you can look under London and general info for tipping ideas. Here is some of that info:<BR>From Fodors,com: " Many restaurants and large hotels (particularly those belonging to chains) will automatically add a 10%-15% service charge to your bill, so always check if tipping is necessary before you hand out any extra money. <BR>Do not tip movie or theater ushers, elevator operators, or bar staff in pubs. Washroom attendants may display a saucer, in which it's reasonable to leave 20p or so. <BR>Here's a guide for other tipping situations. Restaurants: 10%-20% of the check for full meals if service is not already included (if paying by credit card, check that tip has not already been included before you fill in the total on your credit slip), a small token if you're just having coffee or tea. Taxis: 10%-15%, or perhaps a little more for a short ride. Porters: 50p-&pound;1 per bag. Doormen: &pound;1 for hailing taxis or for carrying bags to check-in desk. Bellhops: &pound;1 for carrying bags, &pound;1 for room service. Hairdressers: 10%-15% of the bill, plus &pound;1-&pound;2 for the hair-washer." <BR><BR><BR><BR>

20% at restaurants is over the top in my opinion - 10% is nearer the mark

No tips for pub staff? Whatever happened to the "and one for you" rule of thumb? Can anyone from the UK comment?<BR>

And one for you (?) We really really don't do that in England (only in films from the 30's I think)

I tipped a taxi driver in Liverpool in January and he looked at me like I had just bashed in the side of his cab.<BR><BR>Funny, I often hear people in pubs in Ireland say "and one for you."

You might say "and one for yourself" to a bar person you've spent sometime talking to or if you've been into the pub before and you're on nodding terms with them. Most people wouldn't say it if it's their first time in that particular boozer. Tipping is certainly not expected in pubs and bars and you'll not get bad service if you don't tip.

All staff on pubs and restaurants appreciate a tip - it doesn't have to be massive just maybe 50 pence or so. Having wored in a pub it was really apperciated when people let tips no matter how small - the wages are in fact quite low in pubs and restaurants - in most pubs you get a number of students working who definitely would appreciate the extra few pounds at the end of the shift. <BR><BR>Having been on the other side I always tip - unless the service is bad.<BR><BR>As for restaurants - tip just like you would anywhere else - about 10% is the norm if it hasn't already been added to the bill.

The subject of tipping causes much angst even amongst us Brits - there are no hard and fast rules but the key is to see (as Elvira mentioned) whether a service charge (10-15%) has already been added on to your bill at a restaurant - if so then a tip is not necessary. Otherwise if service is not included a 10% tip would be appropriate.<BR><BR>

Sorry that should be as Elaine mentioned

I never tipped in London pubs unless it's a really fancy place and the bartender bends over backwards making an outrageous cocktail. It's not like in the U.S. where if you tip the bartender well they'll remember you next time you go to the bar. In restaurants I usually leave 10 percent. Never more than that.