Is it customary to tip in Guam?
I just came back from a recent trip in Guam and, as a French person that is not used to this habit, I didn't tip in taxi, restaurant,...
Is it customary to tip in Guam?
Sure, it is a (non-incorporated) territory of the US, but I felt that the culture was quite different to the one I experienced when traveling in the mainland:
- Staffs were always very friendly when I was leaving a restaurant (contrary to cold greetings when I forgot to tip in the mainland).
- No one made the remark that tipping is customary here (happened to me once in Vancouver - I know it is not USA, but Canadian habits are similar on that point).
- When paying in cash in the mainland, I was often asked how much I wanted to pay, meaning how much tip I wanted to give, before giving me my change. This never happened in Guam.
- I found staffs very 'present' in countries where tipping is the norm. But, except one "is everything fine?" after my order, I could eat quietly in Guam.
- Many places, especially in the Tumon area, cater to the numerous Korean, Chinese and Japanese tourists (e.g. they only had Korean menus), countries where tiping is a rarity.
- Prices were all tax included (from the answers to this question, I guess this is because Guam administration is simpler compared to the mainland). This is not related to tips, but it shows that the local culture is quite different.
In short, from all these 'hints', I never felt it was a mistake when not caring about tipping on the island. Do I have the right impression?
Best Answer
What Trogdor has said above is spot on. As another resident on the island, most "sit down" places are expected a tip. But as with all things, service dictates.
I've had experiences of being really ignored in a restaurant. Waiting 20 minutes for the drink order, then having it go empty and not being refilled for the remainder of the hour and a half visit. With those experiences, I am more than happy to not leave a tip at all.
Then there are the gem servers who are spot on with said refills, let you know the status on your meal if the restaurant is busy etc. And to them I tend to give as much as my budget will allow that day.
Then you have average service, and at least to me personally I was brought up that 10% is the norm and I try to keep that, rounded up to the next highest dollar for ease of computation.
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Where is tipping not customary?
In a nutshell: Outside of tourist areas, countries in East Asia and the South Pacific do not have much of a tipping culture so gratuity is not expected and may even be turned down.Is it rude not to tip to go?
What the etiquette expert says: Just like at coffee shops, tipping on takeout orders is optional, says Orr. \u201cThere isn't an expectation that you tip since you haven't [received service].\u201d If you're paying with cash, you can always round up or leave some change as a gesture of good will, but that's totally your call.Are tourists always expected to leave a tip?
US Tipping Etiquette defined for travelersIf you request anything delivered to you (from a restaurant or room service), expect to tip. If you take a car service, taxi, or rideshare, expect to tip. If you receive assistance with luggage at a hotel or at the airport, expect to tip a few dollars.Is it rude to tip 18%?
And while there are no set rules for tipping, a gratuity of about 15 to 20 percent is generally expected, according to the etiquette experts at The Emily Post Institute. That range is supported by a CreditCards.com survey that pegs the median tip in the U.S. at 18 percent.Guam will Capsize and Tip Over into the ocean Hank Johnson
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