International Tipping 101

Etiquette for tipping in various locales

Tax and tip in France and Germany are all included in the your bill.  In Germany it is best to round-up.  So, if you go out to lunch and your bill is 87 euros, leave 90.  For excellent service, you could leave 95.  When in doubt, you should leave a tip somewhere around 10 to 15 percent.  In Germanic countries don't leave a tip on the table.  It is politically correct to let the server know how many euros you like to tip when paying the bill.  In Italy its best to tip in cash, because otherwise your server will likely not receive it.

Some restaurants in European cities have started increasing the service charge amount to between 15 and 17 percent.  And still it gets even more confusing.  In France they will tell you that the service charge is just that and not a tip, so if you do not leave extra they find it offense to the performance of their staff.  If you are not sure, just ask.  In some cases it is hard to know whether or not a tip has been added or not so is always best to ask.

Asian countries can be even more perplexing.  Some countries do indeed find tipping to be insulting, while in Thailand now they are starting to be more aggressive and expect it. 

As for bellhops and airport baggage handlers, we typically recommend one US dollar per bag they handle.  For housekeeping a few dollars when you check it is more than appropriate.  In the case of a taxi driver or chauffer, it is generally recommended that you follow the 10 to 15 percent rule, with most people tipping 10 percent.  If you are on a tour, it is recommended that you tip your tour guide $6 to $8 a day and the bus driver $5 to $6 a day.  For more information read, "Tipping by Geography".

All Inclusive Resorts
Most all inclusive resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean have a policy that tipping is not required, but it is not against policy.  We typically recommend the one dollar per bag rule for your baggage handler at the airport, if you choose to use one.  Your bus driver should also receive a couple of dollars, we typically will tip about between $2 and $5 per couple, depending on the driver.  Once at the resort, a US dollar goes a long way.  A couple of dollars at the beginning of your stay to housekeeping, and a dollar or two to your bartender and wait staff each meal is typically very appreciated. 

There are a few resorts with strict no tipping polices.  The most notable resort chains known for their non-tipping policies are SuperClubs and Sandals.  At all Sandals resorts, tipping is not only discouraged it is not allowed.  Do not take the policy lightly by encouraging employees to take a tip after they have already turned it down.  The policy is not a suggestion, it is a rule.  An employee can get fired for taking tips at both Sandals and Superclubs.  Exception to this rule are the Butlers at Sandals Resorts. This one exception exists because guests in this category insisted that the Butlers provide such highly personalized tasks - from unpacking to retrieving a forgotten novel on the nightstand and fielding countless other requests -- that Sandals Butler Service guests repeatedly asked for the ability to thank them.  However, tipping is not required or expected.  In addition Sandals had made no suggestions in terms of what might be an appropriate amount.  Through word of mouth we have heard that they typically receive $10 to $20 per day, depending on how much you actually use your Butler. You can tip the Butlers at the end of your stay so you don't have to bother tipping each evening. 

Tipping on a Cruise
Generally, tipping can be a touchy subject.  J Each cruise line has a different policy when it comes to tipping.  Because tipping can be so arbitrary many cruise lines have taken over the process to make it easier for guests and fairer for employees.   Many of the popular cruise lines build gratuities into a passengers trip cost, so if you are not sure, be sure to ask your travel agent.  Taking the discretion out of tipping was done for two reasons.  One, many more Europeans are traveling on cruise ships and their culture of tipping is far different from Americans.  Many don't tip at all.  So adding it as a service charge makes sense.  Two, dining culture has changed with the proliferation of specialty restaurants and the travel trend toward open dinging, where having the same wait staff each time is less common.

Typically a cruise line will automatically add 15% on to all drink orders.  If you feel you are getting excellent service you can throw in an extra dollar or two when you sign for the drink.  For cabin stewards, it's a little different, and it depends on how long your cruise is.  For a three-day voyage you may give your cabin steward $10 at the end of the journey, which can oscillate up or down depending on the level of service you receive.  The cabin steward is the one person you'll see most frequently and the one you may have the best relationship with.  For more information about tipping, read, "Tipping on Cruise Ships".

If you are unsure about the tipping policy for your upcoming vacation, just ask your travel agent.  He/she will be able to help you figure out what is politically correct for your vacation circumstance.

information obtained from Travel Agent Magazine