Ask just about anyone what warrants a good tip, and most people will tell you that service and quality determines the gratuity – wouldn’t it be nice if it was that simple. Often, people who come from a very tip oriented culture, like our own, feel very uncomfortable going into an area of the world that have different tipping ideals – some places are very similar to our own culture, while there are some places in the world that offering up a gratuity for a job well done can get the recipient fired, and at one time it could even get you arrested in some countries – pretty harsh for wanting to offer a little appreciation, don’t you think?

Tipping policies change so drastically in different destinations that a resort you travelled to last spring may have a different gratuity practice this spring. In Japan, New Zealand and a few other countries it is considered an insult if a tip is given, and in many other countries it’s common practice for a service fee to be added to the bill. In some destinations it is even standard to add a service fee to the bill, and a gratuity – In Egypt it is generally accepted to leave a 5-10% tip in addition to the already added service charge. Spain, Guatemala and Chile have similar tipping practices.

All of the rates I have been speaking about are restaurant tipping, but have you been to a resort where the porter brings your bags to your room? What about when you have used the services of the concierge or the valet parking? Maitre d’? Sommelier? Housekeepers? Tour Guides? Restroom attendants? Well, below I have provided a list of appropriate general tipping guidelines for these services:

• Porter / Bell Hop: $1-$2 per bag
• Concierge: $5-10 for special services provided (tickets, reservations, etc.)
• Valet: $2 when they park your car, and $2 when the car is picked up
• Maitre d’: $20 for special services (table with no reservations, better table, etc.)
• Sommelier (Wine Steward): 15-20% bottle price
• Housekeepers: $2 per day
• Doorman: $1 for hailing a cab, and $1-$2 for helping with your bags
• Bartender: $1 or 15-20% whichever is higher
• Tour Guides: $3-5 depending on length and type of tour
• Restroom attendants: $1

Many cruise lines offer tipping guidelines per day – so if you are on a 4-day cruise the gratuities would be less than if you are on a 14-day cruise. These guidelines are usually printed in the cruise brochure, on the cruise line website, or can be included in documentation provided by your travel consultant. For further tipping information see the chart below – it outlines general tipping practices around the world.

If you are travelling abroad and are interested in the most up-to-date information on gratuities contact your travel consultant – they can find very current customs on tipping and many other traditional worries you may have about visiting foreign countries. If you have any concerns whatsoever, don’t hesitate to contact your travel consultant for what you might think is a ridiculous questions – that is what we’re here for, to get you to your destination and home safe and sound having had the best vacation ever, and if to do that we have to find you the information on how much to tip the restroom attendant, we will most certainly be happy to oblige.

For more information on traveling abroad, please don’t hesitate to contact Lorrie or one of her colleagues at Marlin Travel – 705-942-2800, travel@vianet.ca or 705-206-2675

Happy travelling!

Chart outlining general tipping practices around the world from www.magellans.com: