Tipping Question

If there is no option on the card reader to add a tip you can simply ask the server to add one to the total before you make payment however this will not automatically be listed as a tip and will likely simply end up in the proprieter's pocket.

It's becoming more and more popular, particularly amongst chains, to add a 'discretionary service charge' to the bill. I don't like this trend, the cost of the service is incorporated into the cost of the meal so I usually request that it is removed unless I've received particularly good service that deserves recognition.

It is not expected in pubs unless there is table service. In which case, the tip should be one £ for each round of drinks.

I've never heard of this. I don't tip in pubs but my wife likes to sometimes and usually she'll leave a fiver irrespective of the cost of the meal or number of drinks.

Restaurant (not a pub) that we ate at in Edinburgh last night had 10% added on bill for service. Fair to us.

I have never tipped for drinks. I would be a lot poorer if I had!

The bill at more upscale restaurants will be more costly, so 10% is enough. Many places will automatically add a service charge - sometimes 10%, but more often 12.5% or 15%.

Tipping is a perennial topic on many travel boards. Even when people find out that tipping is not expected, they still do it if they are American. This, in complete disregard to the local custom. I would go with the local custom and not any perceived guilt or generosity concerns.
Many places in Europe have a service charge on the bill. Or, in Italy, they have the mandatory bread charge.
Otherwise you can round up to the next Euro. Simply leave the change. Paying with a CC? Nothing else. Keep it simple for yourself.
Conversely in Latin America and Asia you may have people say direct to you, “What, no tip?”
Don’t be an over generous American lording it over everyone with your wealth. You could be perceived that way, or you could be perceived as a sucker. Pay for your meal like the locals. No need there to subsidize the wait staff due to poor wages like here in the US.

Just back from a couple of weeks away on the Outer Hebrides. Several places were unable to add a tip to the credit card bill, while others managed it. Perhaps best to bring some cash just in case.

It is not expected in pubs unless there is table service. In which case, the tip should be one £ for each round of drinks

If a pub has table service, it is usually a separate section, and for ordering food with service. Otherwise, if you go into a pub and there are tables in the bar area, you are free to grab one...but you go to the bar to order drinks and food. Look for a table number, you'll need that for the food...they bring it to you, but that is not really table service. Drinks you carry yourself.

Just back from a couple of weeks away on the Outer Hebrides

answers what a girl from remote Skye does to get away from it all....

I wonder where Hebrideans go to get away from it all....

Where else but New Hebrides, Vanuatu South West Pacific.

"Bring cash — some restaurants won’t allow a gratuity to be added to a credit card purchase." From your experience or knowledge, is this true in Scotland? true in Scotland. I never tip for drinks and please never leave money on the bar or the table,folk will think you have forgotten your change.. 10 % tipping for decent service but no more and upscale restaurants should get no more that normal places, why should they.really don't sweat the tipping,if you tip folk will be gratefull and if you don't they won't chase ypu down the street looking for one.

@Nigel! Ha! Exactly. Barra was my perfect spot - even more remote than Skye and with amazing beaches, and a hill (Heaval) that even I could get up. Plenty of Barr-istas (as my husband insists on calling them) come to Skye for their holidays. Have to say North Uist and Berneray are also favourites, but shhhhh don't tell everyone.