REPOST: Where to tip and where not to while you travel

To tip or not to tip? No matter where you’re traveling, figuring out tipping etiquette can be very tricky. This article from the Financial Times revealed  where and when you should tip when traveling around the world.

As a general rule, tips as a sign of appreciation are expected in restaurants in Austria, Brazil, Chile, Ireland, The Netherlands, Russia, South Africa and Turkey. (Thinkstock) | Image Source: financialexpress.com

Tipping while travelling can be confusing as it differs from country to country and doesn’t always depend on service quality. Wego, the leading travel search site in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, revealed where and when you should tip while on the road.

“Knowing which countries where you should leave a tip is just as important as knowing which countries not to,” said Joachim Holte, Chief Marketing Officer for Wego.

“In Argentina for example, tipping is actually illegal, however, waiters often expect to be tipped by foreigners so if you were to tip, discretion is advised. In the US, low wage earners in the service industry are reliant on tipping to balance out their income, yet in Romania, tips are often declined and in Japan, tipping is considered offensive.”

“It’s amazing how many travellers forget to research this all important component of visiting other countries. It’s wise to be aware of the tipping customs in each place you visit to avoid uncomfortable situations, ensure a smooth trip and avoid paying too much which is quite often the result,” he added.

Image Source: financialexpress.com

As a general rule, tips as a sign of appreciation are expected in restaurants in Austria, Brazil, Chile, Ireland, The Netherlands, Russia, South Africa and Turkey. However in Fiji, Malaysia and South Korea restaurant tips are not required. Checking whether there’s a service charge added to your bill is also a good way to tell whether a tip is applicable or not, and then you have the choice to leave a small amount on top if the service was particularly impressive.

Where restaurants are where you’d most expect to leave a tip as an acknowledgement of good food and service, some countries expect it for other areas of service too. In general, it’s not uncommon to give a small tip to your porter as he drops off your luggage in your hotel room in most places. You’re fairly safe if you round up your fare for taxi drivers anywhere you go apart from New Zealand and Chile, where it’s not expected at all.

“It seems that tipping traditions are evolving throughout the world as more people travel. Australia and New Zealand don’t have a history of tipping yet travellers who are unaware of this fact have heightened some expectations from service staff,” Holte said.

“If you haven’t done your homework before you go, remember you can always ask what the custom is from hotel staff. Most people will appreciate you taking the time to find out, and it’s a good way to avoid some very sticky situations,” Holte added.

Hi there! I am Louis Habash. Join me as I explore the world by visiting my Facebook page.