To Tip or Not To Tip

Just participated in an internet discussion on tipping in hotels. We always carry five dollar bills or about the same in whatever the national currency is. But, tipping is rare in Europe and not even expected in restaurants. I have, however, found it to pay off on a second visit to the same Italian bistro.

 

But, tipping is just not common in Europe as it is in the U.S. and Canada.

Even with cabs in Europe it is practice just to round up. Say in London it is ten pounds six, you hand the driver 11 pounds. In the U.S. the expectation would be $5 on a $25 cab ride or about 20 percent, but not other places.

It is not a payment "To Insure Prompt Service". It is just a nice thing to do for people who serve you.

I ordinarily tip the heaviest on the first night in a hotel if we are staying several days. It is an investment in those little extras. We, by the way, scalp the shampoo, conditioner each night as we donate it to our local food pantry that help the homeless.

We had great service in a boutique Hotel in London - the Staunton across from the British Museum -- and left a 20 pound note on the desk the first night. Still there after a couple of days. I wrote a note. Still there. Finally, when I was talking to the owner about something else I mentioned it. He noted that many of the housekeeping staff are from the Eastern Block countries and cannot read English and would be afraid to pick up money in a room in case someone would think they were stealing. He paid his staff better than most places, but I had to go find the housekeeper and give her several days tips and thank her for her work and honesty.


Tipping, I guess, is up to you. But, for me it is a way of expressing my gratitude to service workers - not for their service - but gratitude that I can afford to travel.