To tip or not to tip? It’s a question that can confuse even the most seasoned traveller. It can also squeeze your budget.
“I wish there was one big tipping plan, but there really isn’t,” Claire Newell from Travel Best Bets said.
Still, there are some general gratuity rules of thumb. According to Newell, travellers in North America tip the taxi driver between 15 and 20 per cent, $1 or $2 per bag for the doorman – $5 if it’s a cart load of luggage – and give housekeeping between $2 and $5 a day.
“In the States, for instance, because they often don’t pay service people minimum wage your tip actually makes up their salary so you’re expected to pay 20 per cent,” Vancouver-based travel writer Joanne Sasvari said. “In France, they get a living wage and benefits so your tip is change so there’s a big difference between the two.”
When it comes to cruises, tipping policies can vary. Typically, the gratuity is automatically added to the onboard bill at the end of the cruise and divided among staff. Sasvari also recommends reading the fine print when dining out.
“Sometimes you’ll get a menu and it will say on the bottom in super tiny print that the gratuity is included,” she said.
In the end, tipping is personal. It should be based on the quality of service you received. Also, there are several countries where you are not expected to tip. In fact, it can be insulting. Do your research and know your destination.
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