What should you do if you're really broke in a country where tipping is customary?
Say you're travelling on a shoestring budget, say at the end of a long trip where you've spent almost all your money but still have time before your flight home.
Sometimes people you meet travelling want you to go out with them for a meal or drinks, which you could squeeze into your budget if you choose cheap places and the cheapest options on the menu.
But what should you do when this happens in a country where tipping is necessary and expected (due to extremely low wages for waitstaff for instance)?
Is being skint ever an excuse not to tip or to tip below the "normal" percentage? In such circumstances should you always just say "no" to going out and self-cater instead rather than do something which would be rude and/or offensive to staff and/or local people?
(Assume the service was good but not amazing, and if it matters which country, then assume USA.)
Best Answer
There are two things you absolutely should do:
Let your friends know upfront that you won't be able to tip much due to being at the end of your budget. If they are locals they'll probably know the best cheap spots to go to. Or maybe they'll offer to help cover the tip.
In the event you decide to go somewhere that you won't be able to give an appropriate tip let your server know before you order the first thing. This is one instance where it's better to ask permission than forgiveness. And some places they may be able to comp you a drink or give you a discount which would then allow you to tip appropriately. Or maybe they have on "off-menu" special that is cheap enough so you can tip appropriately after all. Don't expect special treatment, or even ask for it, but if they offer accept it gracefully.
Pictures about "What should you do if you're really broke in a country where tipping is customary?"
Is it considered rude to tip in some countries?
While tipping may be a common practice in the United States, the same does not always hold true abroad. In many countries, tipping after a meal is not part of local custom. In some cases it's even frowned upon.Is it custom to tip waiters in your country?
In a nutshell: Throughout North, Central, and South America, it is customary to leave gratuity since tips can be a substantial part of a server's income.What countries are offended by tipping?
Note, tipping in countries where it is not customary, or where service fees and gratuity are included, is often still appreciated.- China. Typically, nobody tips in China. ...
- French Polynesia. Tipping in French Polynesia is not mandatory or expected. ...
- Japan. ...
- Korea. ...
- Hong Kong. ...
- Switzerland. ...
- Australia. ...
- Belgium.
Is it OK not to tip in USA?
In America, tipping is optional in name only. Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 15 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why.What to do if you hate your life
More answers regarding what should you do if you're really broke in a country where tipping is customary?
Answer 2
While it may make you feel a bit cheap, sometimes you just can't tip - so in those situations you might just have to accept it.
You should let the members of your party know before you agree to go, though, as they may be able to pay a bit extra as a tip.
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