Actually, I thought this thread was a pretty good how-to on tipping. I did not notice any hostility.

Enjoy your trip, Wilees!

Author: happytrailstoyou
Date: 05/13/2007, 08:35 pm

Who said they don't want to tip? This subject really brings out the anger. I wonder why?
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Huh? Did this comment accidentally get posted in the wrong thread? Or have the editors deleted a bunch of other posts?
I see absolutely no anger -- nor any comments that warrant such a response. I agree with 5alive that this is a non hostile thread about tipping, filled with suggestions and not a hint of anger -- except for Happytrailstoyou's post.

I took this to be inspired by anger, but maybe the writer was trying to be kind, helpful, and understanding: Just remember, you don't HAVE to tip anyone! Just don't eat (or drink) there again...</e\i> HTTY

GerdaFaust is attempting to re-open a can of worms regarding tipping on the total bill (with tax). Some do; some don't. I do.
Often, we're talking about the difference of only a dollar or two. You decide what's the right thing to do re basing a tip on tax.
And regarding having small bills to tip with, there are some techniques that work (besides asking someone to break a big-denomination bill). Let's say you take a cab, and the fare is $12. You have only $20s. Hand the driver the $20 and say, "Just give me five back." You can apply to other situations. Also, waiters, waitresses and bartenders will often give you change in small denominations so that you can tip. They ain't stupid.

"Just don't eat or drink there again" was a joke. Duh.

First before anyone says anything I am a very good tipper and only not tip when service has been AWFUL. But, have you ever watched wait people in a restaurant....think about the food they serve in just one hour = times the price of food and drink - multiply that by 20% and wait people make a heck of a lot more money than I do in one hour. Just think about it the next time you go out to eat.

granniem -- you also need to take into consideration that the restaurant is not always busy, and there are times when waiters might only serve a couple people in an hour's time. You also need to think about that next time you go eat.

You are right, of course. I have a good friend who just turned 45. He never planned to be a career waiter, but he's been at the same top end place for 5 or 6 years now and was at another one for 9 years before that. He takes home on average $1200 to $1500 a week, which averages out to a little over $45 an hour, working 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Everytime he explores doing something else, he realizes how great he has it.

Here's what I usually do:

Restaurants w/ waiter -> 15%-20%, 10% if service was horrible.

Restaurants w/o waiter -> if there's a tip jar, coin change; if not, nothing.

Bar -> 10% depending on service.

Hotels -> nothing for the maids. Why should I pay someone extra for collecting towels and making the bed?

Taxis -> honestly, I've never used one, but I imagine a 10% tip is okay.

Bus -> nothing unless it's a tour bus, then $5 for a day tour, higher for a long journey

Train -> nothing.

Stores/Shops -> nothing. They get paid to help you find something, and the retail places I've worked have policies about not accepting tips.

Tourist Attractions -> nothing. That's what the admission price is for.


Most cash machines give only $20 bills. Some give $20s and $10s. Most stores will make change for you, but it's customary to buy a little something from them for the service.

If you get it wrong, you will most likely get angry looks and probably a hint.

Just don't eat or drink there again" was a joke. Duh. A joke is something that causes amusement or laughter, and this statement elicits neither. Sorry. Don't give up your day job for a career in comedy.

Regarding restaurants - 20% has been the "new 15%" for about 5-10 years now.

You say 10% if the service is horrible. If the service is HORRIBLE they get nothing, or a shiney penny

Twenty percent is at the upper end of the tipping scale.

In California, it's easy to tip, double the tax amount which will be shown on your bill (that will get you to 15-17% depending on which county you are in. Round up by a dollar or two if feeling generous.

Well thank you everybody for the advice. I know that all of it is intended in good humour. I think perhaps this subject will always be a bit contentious.

But I think I have it all sorted. I'm still a bit nervous about it but very excited about my trip to North America.

"Twenty percent is at the upper end of the tipping scale."

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I'd suggest that 20 percent may be at the upper end of the tipping scale in inexpensive to moderate places -- family chain restaurants, for example.

But I'd also suggest that 20% is pretty standard for upper end restaurants.

granniem: having a few friends who are waitresses, not tipping them is like saying "I want you to make $3/hr." Believe me, a 10% tip sends the message that they need to improve their service.

Leaving a penny?

I'm more likely to tip 20% in an inexpensive restaurant since the amount that I'm tipping on is less, and the service is often more attentive with less attitude.

I'm perfectly fine with tipping 15% on a $200 dinner unless the service is exceptional.