I was chatting with my cousin about tipping in New Jersey. We both agreed that it often feels like an obligation or a way to show appreciation for the server's efforts. However, she mentioned that in Europe, tipping seems to be more of a personal choice. Sometimes, she believes it's better not to tip, as it can impact locals who may not always have the means to do so. What are your thoughts on whether tipping is necessary?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5435 posts
In case you haven't seen this, it's in the Travel Tips section of the forum: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/tipping-in-europe. You can find previous threads by using the Search function
As has been noted many times in the plethora previous threads on the topic: Europe is not a single culture, and tipping practices differ from place to place. It is perhaps better to research the common practice in the area you are particularly interested in. I personally believe that when in Rome (or wherever), do as the Romans (or whomever) do.
And while a certain amount of tipping is common in many parts of Europe, it is rarely to the extent found in the US. It helps to know that most European countries believe in employees being paid a fair wage. Since waiters are paid a decent salary, they don't need to depend as much on gratuities to make a living. So tips dont have the societal pressure they have in the US.
Posted by
Cornwall
342 posts
Tipping is a mechanism for driving down salaries.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20223 posts
When ever you find a universal answer to any question regarding the 50 countries and hundreds of cultures in Europe, you know its gotta be wrong. Tipping is part of the culture in some countries and not in some others. Based on my observations and conversation in travel, and lot of reading on the subjec; and my living in Europe ....
- It is part of the culture to some degree or another in most of Europe, the biggest exception being the Nordic countries. If you want to know about the country that you are visiting, google it. Look for sources that originate in the country you are visiting and look at several as there is a lot political bias out there that doesnt deal with reality.
- Where it is a part of the culture, you are correct in that it does not carry the same sense of obligation as it does in the U.S.
- Generally, in most countries were tipping is in the culture, no one hates you if you dont. Its just a added sign of appreciation.
- The expectation of the amount is much lower.
- The situations where tipping is most common vary by culture. Some restaurants only, some just about everything.
- If you are unsure and want to polite, no reasonalble person will be offended by 5% to 10%.
- In some countries tips are really nice for the server because tips are not taxable by law where a service charge that is paid to an employee is taxable with VAT and with Income tax so the receipent might end up with half.
- Not in every country do the service charges go to the staff, so not in every country is the service charge a replacement for the tip.
- The notion that all Europeans are paid a living wage is flawed. In a great many instances that "living" would be unacceptable by US standards or expectations. So, never hurts to show appreciation
Posted by
413 posts
Maybe, it depends on where exactly. There are dozens of countries in Europe!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7942 posts
Restaurants in some places, such as London, are increasingly adding a “service charge” to the bill, so tips are now seemingly becoming a standard operating procedure. Whether that’s going directly to the servers and/or kitchen staff, I don’t know. And it’s sometimes shown as “discretionary,” but whether you’d want to ask them to remove or modify the amount, again I can’t say.
On this Forum, many responding Brits seem to be especially against tipping, anywhere, any time.