<i>Unfortunately, there is no research as to whether the prejudice against those with accents is or is not a self-fullfilling prophesy.</i>

Probably because there isn't even anecdotal evidence that service quality is the issue.

Consider this thread. The only people complaining about tips are those proclaiming some moral outrage at the entire system.

In total, I'd say that the waiters are right pushing the British accents off to the newbies. Ten decent-tipping Brits won't outweigh the loss you'll see from being stuck with Dickie. Why take the risk?

"Even though I lived in Europe (briefly), I never got the hang of this system! I think that's why this topic is evergreen: tipping is a cultural construct that is difficult to decode if you are not from that culture. Not impossible to decode, mind you, but difficult, and stressful if you are a person who wishes to do the right thing."

Here's my suggestion: Before you travel, look up "tipping" in guidebooks. If you don't have a guidebook, glance at one at your local library or bookstore. If necessary, make notes to yourself about the tipping norms. Then follow them. It actually isn't that difficult! ;-)

>>Ten decent-tipping Brits won't outweigh the loss you'll see from being stuck with Dickie. Why take the risk?<<

LOL.

Here's another variable. Several times in small restaurants in southern Italy, and particularly with a large group, I've asked the waiter, "What's good today?" Often, they'll recommend the soup, or something, and serve it to the whole group, and the meal continues along those lines. (One time, the waiter returned to the table with the pot and said, in effect, "Here, please finish it," as he ladled out extra portions.)

What commonly happens in those situations is that the waiter announces the bill ("15 euros each") and everyone happily pays, because the it seems like a good deal.

In those situations, I always feel obligated to leave some kind of decent tip, maybe 10%, because the waiter was so helpful and the bill was so low. Maybe it's crazy. I dunno.

"Here's my suggestion: Before you travel, look up "tipping" in guidebooks. If you don't have a guidebook, glance at one at your local library or bookstore. If necessary, make notes to yourself about the tipping norms. Then follow them. It actually isn't that difficult!"

But kja, if you've spent any time here reading tipping threads, you'd see that it really IS that difficult. Even within this thread there are reports of what tipping guides say being refuted by locals in those places insisting that isn't right at all. And when all Americans can't even uniformly agree about tipping in the US and many argue against when guidebooks say, who ARE you to believe and follow?

Personally, though, I agree with your plan. I say do what the guidebooks say and ignore those locals who scream you're ruining their economy or sense of entitlement or whatever.

Hi . I'm the OP. it's been very interesting following this conversation. We have now been in the US for 2 weeks and after reading the VERY FIRST response that was posted, it really hasn't been that difficult. We've gone with the 20% everywhere and I'm sure we've 'overtipped' a number of times, but really, it's only a few dollars so good luck to 'em! I think most tourists to your beautiful country just want to do the right thing so I would hate to be given poor service just based on my accent.
I do have a question though... I know to tip the housekeepers who clean your hotel room, especially if you are in the one place for a few nights but do you tip them if you're only there one night? Instinct says yes.

Yes, we tip housekeeping, even it is for one night. I am glad you are enjoying our country and you are an extremely gracious guest.

Some people do, they consider it a per night tip or something.

You will be considered generous if you tip 20 pct everywhere. Lots of people in the US don't tip 20 pct for restaurants in places I go and where my relatives live in the midwest, and in fact, that little "rule" was just made up in the last few years, I don't know how it got spread. It used to be 15 pct was considered perfectly fine. Given prices have all risen, I have no idea why people think 20 pct should be the norm now when it didn't used to be in the US. And I don't understand what big cities has to do with it, if anything it should be the opposite as prices are lower in small places.

<i>You will be considered generous if you tip 20 pct everywhere.</i>

As noted by the OP, that generosity amounts to a few dollars, so I would err on the side of caution when a tourist.

<i>that little "rule" was just made up in the last few years</i>

20% has been the norm (at least in Boston/NYC/LA/SF) for at least 20 years.

<i>It used to be 15 pct was considered perfectly fine.</i>

Times change.

<i>Given prices have all risen, I have no idea why people think 20 pct should be the norm now when it didn't used to be in the US.</i>

Are you certain that restaurant prices have risen linearly with the COL for waitstaff? Even if they have, are you suggesting that waitstaff incomes should only rise at the rate of inflation?