Tipping Guidelines When Visiting Countries

By: Richard Chape

The joy of travel can be found in experiencing new and interesting things. There are, however, a some practical areas that can prove to be a bit baffling. Tipping is one, but it need not be as explained in this article.

As with many aspects of traveling, we first need a fall back position. If people don't understand us, we automatically start talking louder. With tipping, we need a fall back percentage. When all else fails, 15 percent is usually a good percentage.

We now have a default percentage, but what about initiating the tipping process? Much like dancing, someone has to lead! In some areas, you are expected to add the tip to the bill while others simply incorporate it in the bill automatically.

Touch down and pay out. No, I am not talking about betting on football. Instead, I am referring to the airport where you will be doing your first tips if you packed heavy. Skycaps will help you move that luggage and you should pay them a few dollars.

You next tipping requirement will probably be your taxi driver. The baseline of service is the driver getting you from the airport to your hotel without any bodily injury. This deserves a tip of ten percent. You can add on for improved service.

Bellhops represent our next tipping target. They are responsible for transporting your luggage from the taxi to the front desk and then your room. Tip them according to the number and weight of your luggage. A couple bucks at least.

Alas, you might be able to escape the world of tipping etiquette all together. In some countries, the culture is such that tipping is frowned upon as a matter of course. Any attempt to tip is considered an insult, so don't!

China is one of the major countries that looks down upon the act of tipping. Why do I mention this? Well, the country is going to be at the center of the tourism universe in 2008. Yep, the Olympics. Talk about a lot of tense moments.

China is not the only country that feels this way. Many major cultures have the same view. In Europe, Switzerland and the Netherlands disavow tipping. In Asia, the Thais feel the same way.

There is little reason to get caught up in the etiquette debate on tipping. Just use appreciation as a fall back position. If you appreciate the service provided, then show it with an appropriate tip.