To tip or not to tip



The act of slipping money into someone's palm makes people nervous, add uncertainty about who should get how much and tips are stressful for most travelers.

So, a list of hotel workers who usually get tips, and recommendations on how much to tip them.

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Doorman

The doorman greets you every time you enter the hotel grounds. It is he who helps you unload your luggage from the transport. Often he will also call a taxi for you.

Typical tip: $ 2 to call a taxi and $ 1 to help with luggage.

Valet

These employees will park your vehicle. They can help with luggage or loading things into the car. You can also contact them with any special requests. For example, if you know that you will need the car shortly after parking, you can ask the employee to place it closer so that it can be easily delivered by the time you return.

Typical tip: $ 2 for each parking and $ 1 for assistance with luggage.

Receptionist

The main task of the receptionist is to take care of your luggage. He will take care of him in the event that you arrived earlier than your room had time to prepare, or in the event that you need to vacate the room before leaving the hotel. He picks up the bags from the moment you arrive, waits for you to check in at the hotel and escorts you to your room. The receptionist will check the room before you enter, explain what is and where it is (where the lights come on, how to use remote control devices, how phones work), make sure you are happy, satisfy your additional needs such as ice or an extra pillow. He also handles all room deliveries during your stay.

Typical tip: $ 1 to $ 2 per bag, or $ 5 to store luggage and get it to your room, plus $ 1 per bag, $ 1 to $ 2 for room delivery, additional tips for a great overview of hotel experiences.

Room service staff

These are the people who deliver your order from the kitchen to the room and set the table. Hotels usually add a "surcharge" to the bill, so check the bill before leaving a tip. Some people prefer to give $ 2-3 on top of that because who knows if the employee is aware of these surcharges.

Typical tip: 15% or at least $ 2 – if the service fee is not included in the bill, if included - at your discretion.

Maids

Most people do not tip the maids if they are staying at the hotel for 1-2 days on general terms. You expect your room to be clean with fresh towels, which will be included in the bill. If you are staying for a longer period, you may need additional services. The maid can tidy up your personal belongings, she can also bring you coffee or a pillow. In some hotels rooms are cleaned several times a day, and some rooms, especially in higher class hotels, are difficult to clean, and you will most likely have to pay extra in any of these cases.

Typical tip: $ 2 or more if you leave your room in a terrible mess when you leave, $ 2 for delivery to your room.

Concierge

These people care about literally everything you might need: table reservations, tour reservations, transportation, dog walking – the list is endless.

Typical tip: $ 5 or more depending on the order, 10% off tickets that were difficult to obtain.

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Tips may vary by location. Luxury hotels and big cities can expect more from you, so check your travel guide whenever possible.

People do not give tea for a number of reasons: they may be traveling with a limited supply of money, they may think that some services are already included in the room rate. But these are not compelling reasons: the same receptionist does not care about your principles, he only cares about paying his bills. If you are not going to tip the staff, do not use their services.

If in doubt, ask. You are not the first person to be confused by the size of the tip, so feel free to ask a question if you are not sure. Typically, staff are trained to answer questions about tips in a way that makes everyone feel comfortable.

Bigger is always better. Giving more money for tea is always better than giving less. You can rarely put a person in an awkward position by overpaying him, but nevertheless, if this happened, they will certainly tell you about it. Tipping is understood as a sincere reward for services. It should be enjoyable for both the client and the employee.


Tipping in different countries and cultures

However, tip is perceived in very different ways in different countries and cultures. How to avoid embarrassing situations by leaving or not leaving for tea.

USA
Ironically, in America, tipping is a common and expected thing for almost everything. Even for unsatisfactory service, you are supposed to throw 10% off anyone who has done at least something for you - from the doorman in the hotel to the usher in the theater. And do not try to leave coins instead of banknotes: this is considered rude.

Brazil
Brazilian hairdressers, gas station refuellers and shoe shiners expect you to tip your hardest. Apparently, because tourists, getting into this country, do not often get their hair cut, refuel and wear patent leather boots.

United Kingdom
The only people in the country who are supposed to give tea are the waiters. It is not accepted to pay tips to taxi drivers, bartenders, maids or guides. Moreover, it is simply indecent to leave a tip for a bartender in a pub. So, even if a pint of beer costs £ 1.99, be sure to wait for your £ 2 back: don't make the bartender chase you around the room to hand you a penny.

Spain
Locals never leave a tip – this is regarded as a bribe. But if you are a tourist, then a small tip is still expected from you. And tourist guides do count on the fact that their fee will be 10% more than agreed.

Sweden
In inexpensive restaurants, an alternative to tipping may be your willingness to clean up after yourself.

Egypt
Don't tip the taxi driver. When agreeing with you about the payment for the trip, he will include his tip in its cost in advance.

Italy
In Italy, tipping is a normal thing, like riding a moped and cheering. In hotels, despite the fact that they usually add 15-18% for service anyway, it is still customary to leave a tip to the staff. Taxi drivers expect a 5-10% premium from you.

China
Tipping is officially prohibited here. However, after the Olympic Games, especially in large cities, few people remember about this ban. Give it for tea - they will not refuse. As, however, and will not be offended if you "forget" about the tip. Only porters in hotels and ... masseuses are waiting for additional material support.

Japan
To avoid resentment and embarrassment, never tip in this country. It is not customary here to even recalculate the change after the bill has been paid. One of the few exceptions to this rule is the first-class Ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel), where it is customary to tip the receptionist. In other cases, the tip will be perceived as an insult. The culture of the Japanese is based on respect for others, so any work is done with diligence.


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