The Culture of Gratuities
More than 30 percent of Americans are unaware that
tipping 15 to 20% of a restaurant bill is the U.S. norm. Imagine the confusion that reigns when we begin crossing borders.Canada and Mexico: they generally follow the same practices as in the U.S., with both restaurant servers and
taxi drivers. Europe: Many
restaurants add a service charge, and it�s customary to add a small amount to that. If you�re happy with the service, leave a little more. If not, service
charge is added. Tipping for cabs varies. South America: Restaurants add a service charge of about 10%, plus a small
tip is the norm. In Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, the total customarily is 13 to 15%. In Chile, Peru and Uruguay, 10% is average, the amount of the tip in Peru varies with the degree of satisfaction you have with the service provided. In Ecuador is a little lower, 7.5%. It�s different tipping taxi drivers. In Argentina, for example, a bit of change will do the trick, while in Brazil, 10% is OK. Africa: Big continent, big differences. In Kenya and South Africa, a 10% service charge is often
added to restaurant; if not, a voluntary tip is expected. Taxi
drivers also expect about 10%. In Morocco, tipping for meals isn�t expected except in high-end restaurants, and spare change or a U.S. dollar bill will please both taxi drivers and bellmen. In Egypt, everyone wants a tip. Australia and New Zealand: Tipping is not so common, but the practice is growing in restaurants and bars. Taxi drivers do not commonly expect a tip, but you can decline your change. Asia: a tip is refused or even considered an insult. But you�d be more likely to insult if you failed to tip (10%) in Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Tipping is not common in Japan, although a service charge might be added to the bill. In Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Nepal, it is uncommon. In China, the tipping is increasing, though
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