What to tip, when and how much is always a question as we travel whether its near home or across the world. We can check out the “rules” by doing a quick Google search for Tipping rules. Among the guides you’ll find a country by country list ranging from Croatia to Saudia Arabia at Conde Nast Traveler Etiquette 101 Tipping Guide http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500117. A quick read will tell you that in Dubai as in Paris your restaurant bill will include a service charge but its considered polite to add a bit if you think your service was good.
But what these guides don’t tell us is think about the purpose, the intention of the money we give. Are we just saying thank you for delivering fresh towels or are we aware that we’re providing part of the salary that will feed the family of the person who opened doors for us? They don’t help us distinguish between being generous, appreciative of service provided and appearing to be a traveler showing off your wealth? There aren’t any Etiquette 101 practices to address this part of the tipping equation. As Mr. Salwen points out the decisions are personal based on our budgets often our feeling at any given moment. Are we trying to invest in the local economy, help the street vendor build his business, establish a relationship that will lead to better service in the future?
Tipping, giving money for something received isn’t confined to restaurants, cabs and hotels. My favorite way to support the local economy is to give a “donation” to people playing music in the subway, on a street corner. They brighten my day (a great service) and I appreciate the effort it takes to perform in public. Plus I believe that the world needs music. My few coins may help keep it available for other travelers.
Before you board the plane or boat, get in the car, or hop on your bike for the next trip, check out your own philosophy about tipping as well as the standard practices at your destination.
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