A tip (also known as a gratuity) is an amount of payment to certain service sector professionals which is in addition to the advertised bill or fee. These payments and their size are a matter of social custom.

There are no universal rules or obligations concerning whether to tip (tip is both a noun and a verb), who to tip or how much. Tipping varies from culture to culture and by service industry. In some situations tipping can be considered rude or demeaning. In other situations it can be considered very stingy not to give a tip. Giving a very small tip can be considered worse than giving nothing, and can be used as a deliberate snub.

Folk etymology claims that "tip" is an acronym for "to insure promptness." In fact, it comes from British Rogue's cant for "to give" and entered the popular vernacular in its modern sense as early as 1610.

Some establishments forbid their employees to accept tips. Others pool tips and divide them to include employees who lack customer contact. In some jurisdictions, tipped workers qualify for a lower statutory minimum wage from the employer, who must make up any deficiency in tips. For example, the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires employers of restaurants to ensure that the total tip income reported to them during any pay period is at least 8% of their total receipts for that period. If the reported total is less than 8% (about half of 20% that is customarily given by customers), employers must allocate the difference between the actual tip income reported and 8% of gross receipts. ^*

Bribery may be disguised as tipping (leading to social customs such as police officers never accepting tips to combat this pattern).

Etymology

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The Oxford English Dictionary states that it is derived from the English thieves' slang word tip, meaning "to pass from one to another." The notion of a stock tip or racing tip is from the same slang.

Another possible source for this term is a concept from Judaism that it is a chiyuv (obligation) for a seller to "tip the scales" in favor of the customer. The Torah says, "Nosen lo girumov (Give to him a tip)." For example, if your customer has asked for three pounds of onions, you should measure out the three pounds plus one extra onion, tipping the scale in his favor ^*.

An urban legend states that the word "tip" is an acronym for terms such as "to insure prompt service", "to insure proper service", "to improve performance", and "to insure promptness". However, this etymology contradicts the Oxford English Dictionary ^* and is probably an example of a backronym or apronym.

In India, Middle-East Asia and Egypt, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, tips are known as Backshish or Bakshish.

Tipping by region

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Europe

In general, in the European Union and other parts of Europe, adding a small tip to a restaurant bill is common, though there are regional variations.

Austria

In Austria, waiters receive sufficient wages, although this has not always been the case. Tipping is however very common and although legally not mandatory it is often considered as socially obligatory. Giving 5% to 10% of the total amount is common, more signals exceptionally good service. Paying a multiple of a Euro is usual, for low sums the amount paid is often a multiple of 50 Cents (i.e. a bill of Euro 7.80 can be paid as Euro 8 or Euro 8.50).

Giving no tip at all is considered impolite and is only done when the service is bad. Tipping is common in any bar and restaurant, but not when the goods are exchanged over the counter (i.e. in fast-food restaurants or at street stalls). Traditionally, the owner of a restaurant (known as "Wirt" in German) does not receive a tip. However, this tradition is less common nowadays.

A tip is known in the German language as Trinkgeld, which literally translates as 'money for drink'. In similar fashion, the French expression is pourboire.

Britain

=England

=

Whilst it is normal to tip after a meal in a restaurant or drinks in an up-market bar in England, tipping is unusual in cafés and coffee shops. Tipping is quite common after a meal in a pub, particularly so on a busy night such as a Friday or Saturday.

The tip usually consists 10% of the final bill for food and drinks or more, dependent, as in other countries, on the quality and efficiency of the server. There is no set minimum tip a customer can give, although it is generally considered impolite and a sign of discontent with the service to leave less than one pound (£1).

Tips are also common for toilet attendants in nightclubs and some restaurants, where fifty pence (50p) usually suffices.

It should be noted that workers in the catering and food service industry in Britain benefit from a minimum wage.

Croatia

Tipping is not particularly common, but it happens in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected.

A peculiar practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements - they tend to leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation.

The Czech Republic

Although it is customary to tip in The Czech Republic, it has very little to do with the size of the bill, and more to do with a sign of appreciation. Most often you will round up to the next even number, or if the bill happens to be even (which is very common) you would offer a coin or two.

Denmark, Sweden and Norway

The service charge is included in the bill, but a small tip may be given as a sign of approval of the service.

Finland

In Finland tipping is entirely optional. In taxis, restaurants, and bars you can round up the bill by a couple of euro or 5-10%, especially if the service has been exceptional. Except for the finest restaurants you can leave a few euro of your change at the table when leaving. Even the best hotels rarely help with your luggage so that the only helper may be your cab driver (1-2 Euros per piece). Coat checkers generally have a compulsory service fee.

Tips are preferred in cash instead of credit cards, because of avoiding sharing with the employer and with the tax office.

For clerks, police, etc. tipping is not allowed, and could lead to legal problems.

France

In France, service charge is always included and tipping is usually not expected.

Germany

In Germany, sufficient wages are paid to most service employees. However, in bars, restaurants and taxicabs tips are expected to be 5% to 10% of the total amount if the guest was satisfied with the service. When the bill is presented, pay any multiple of a Euro. Replying with a new total "nice" figure and asking for change in full Euros, no Cents, is okay. Restroom attendants are commonly tipped €0.50 if not indicated otherwise.

Iceland

In Iceland tipping is practically unheard of except when a customer wants to show appreciation for exceptionally good service.

Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, tipping has not long been established as a custom, though has become much more commonplace in the period of increased wealth through the Celtic Tiger. Many people working in the service industry, particularly in restaurants, would expect a tip. It is increasingly common to tip in hairdressers/barbers and for a taxi ride, the fare would normally be rounded up. It is not customary to tip bar staff, or any 'over the counter' server, though often waiters in pubs (known as Lounge Girls/Boys) are tipped a token amount. It is not usual to tip in a restaurant when a service charge is included (which is the norm for large groups), except in the case of exceptional service. Where no service charge is indicated, a tip of about 10% - 12% is appropriate for good service.

Italy

Tipping in Italy is almost absent today, and is seen as an odd, very old-fashioned custom. However it is likely that in most restaurants and hotels small tips, although never expected nor asked, will be happily accepted, especially from foreigners. Most Italians don't like to tip, and find the custom very annoying when visiting places like the United States where tipping is customary.

Slovenia

Tipping is not the custom in Slovenia and it is almost never done.

Spain

Tipping is not the custom in Spain and it is almost never done.

Switzerland

Swiss workers enjoy a very high per capita income and minimum wage. As a result of this and modern cultural influences, tipping is typically low (ex. max. CHF5 regardless of bill size), if not non-existent. Tipping is also very rare outside of restaurants and is even rare at bars.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom tipping is common in restaurants (assuming a service charge is not already included), though no tip is expected in pubs (however, regulars may offer occasionally to buy a drink for a bartender). Taxis are sometimes tipped, but otherwise tips are usually only given for exceptional service (the expected percentage is rarely more than 10% and frequently less).

Asia

Tipping is not common in Asia, though there are regional variations.

India

In India, it is not common to tip.

China

In China, traditionally you do not have to tip at restaurants or hotels. However, businesses that routinely serve foreign tourists may expect a tip. An example would be tour companies, where both the tour guide and the driver may expect a tip.

In five-star international hotels, porters are tipped. In some karaoke bars, there may be a washroom valet who expects a tip.

Japan

Tipping is not the custom in Japan and it is almost never done.

Hong Kong

Tipping in Hong Kong is a face-saving activity but it can also be a legal issue in some occasions. While waiters, who have already received compulsory 10% service charge, may feel weird if customers refuse to pay any voluntary tipping, but in another occasion, a woman was convicted of tipping staff of Hong Kong Telecom and breaching the ordinance for corruption. There is no consistent rule for tipping.

• Restaurants: 10% of the bill is usually given, but the expectation is that the bill is rounded.For enhaustic service, at least HK$10 may be needed. In luxury restaurants, it is common to pay HK$20 to HK$100 or even more.
• Fast food and local food shops: no tipping is needed, not even expected to round the bill.
• Utility companies: no tip; it may breach a strict ordinance for corruption
• Hair Salons: Tipping is not compulsory and not even a custom for all, but some may pay $10 to $30 to maintain good relation with hair stylists.
• Massages: tipping is common, HK$20 to $100 may be paid, depending on occasions. (good touch/bad touch)
• Taxis: driver customarily rounds the bill. No matter how long the trip is, extra tipping is not expected from local people.
• Cinemas: tipping is uncommon.
• Bars: tipping is not a normal occurance, some may round the bill.
• Hotels: service charge is always included, but bell-boys may expect small gratuity.
• Food delivery services: it is becoming less common to expect tipping, but staff from non-chain shops may round the bill.
• Movers: tipping is always expected, around HK$100 per head. Refusal to pay tipping will be no different from making a formal complaint.
• Restrooms: tipping is never expected.

Malaysia

Tipping is not customarily done in Malaysia. However, individuals will gratefully accept any tips you give them for their exceptional service.

Singapore

Tipping is not required in Singapore; however it is common for restaurants to levy a 10% service charge. Taxis will usually return your change to the last cent, or even round in your favour if they find it inconvenient to dig for change.

South Korea

Tipping is not the custom in South Korea and it is almost never done.

Taiwan

In Taiwan tipping is practically unheard of except when a customer uses a porter at an airport, which is usually 50 new Taiwan dollars per luggage, or wants to show appreciation for exceptionally good service. Many restaurants and hotels already add 10% service charges ^*. Taxi drivers may not willfully refuse to make changes or ask for tips.

Australia

In Australia, tipping is traditionally not common and, beyond the hospitality industry, almost no service providers will expect a tip. Employers pay a sufficient wage and do not expect employees to supplement their income with tips. However tipping is becoming increasingly common at some establishments (particularly restaurants, cafes, upmarket hotels, and nightclubs) in large tourist cities such as Gold Coast, Sydney or Melbourne, with 15% expected for exceptional service. In recent decades, tip jars have increasingly become common in hospitality establishments, even in suburban areas of these cities. However, even in these establishments, tipping is often still seen as being an optional personal choice. Taxi drivers are traditionally given the small change when paying in cash, although a tip would not be expected when using a credit card as the total would include a service charge.

Egypt

Tipping in Egypt can be tricky. Most public bathrooms are staffed, and visitors are expected to tip the attendant. Some restroom attendants, especially at tourist sites, will dole out toilet paper based on the tip you give them. Some locals have been known to attempt to demand backshish for minor services, such as assisting people out of their cars or helping people up if they trip in the street. There is no rule for what is considered tip-worthy, so be ready to hand out an Egyptian pound or two just to use the bathroom or to get into a building. People can be extremely aggressive in their demands for backshish, so be prepared for an uncomfortable situation if you decide not to acquiesce. For professional services, such as tour guides or translators, a tip of 20% or more is generally accepted, and for taxis and restaurants, 10-15%.

Mauritius

Even though tipping is not the custom in Mauritius, individuals will gratefully accept any tips you give them for their exceptional service.

New Zealand

Tipping as of habit is not part of New Zealand culture and is often treated with suspicion or actively frowned upon, as many people look upon it as a largely American custom that over-compensates certain professions while others are left out. Despite this, some forms of tipping are quite common, such as rounding up a taxi fare. It is almost as likely, however, that the taxi driver will round the fare down. Occasionally tips are given in a restaurant for exceptional service, and even then the waiter might insist that the tip be given back.

New Zealanders who visit North America often state that one of their greatest annoyances is their unfamiliarity with the custom of tipping, and often say that bellhops and bartenders in particular expect entirely too much money for relatively little extra work (or work which should already be expected of their profession anyway).

South Africa

In South Africa, the customary tip at restaurants is 10%, although a few restaurants charge a mandatory service fee for large parties. A small amount is occasionally given to petrol station attendants for additional services, such as cleaning one's windscreen. Toilet cleaners at service stations along major road routes are sometimes tipped when they provide good service and keep the facilities clean, especially if there is a tip jar, or a notice recommending tipping, in the rest room. "Car guards", who claim to "look after" one's parked car are usually given a small tip if they are in uniform and authorized; however those without uniforms are usually regarded as a nuisance, and tipping them is not compulsory, despite the fact that they often harass motorists looking for payment.

Turkey

For service establishments (hotels, restaurants, Turkish baths, barbers/hairdressers) the common level of tip is from 5%-15% but taxi drivers do not expect tips.

United States

Tipping in the United States is theoretically optional, but has become so ingrained in the culture that it is considered mandatory. The wide variety of professions, in addition to the varying percentages and amounts which are expected of each profession, arguably gives the United States the distinction of having the most common (and complicated) tipping culture in the world.

• Waiters — 15-20% is generally accepted as a standard tip for good service, though higher (>20%) is common. In fine dining restaurants where the servers usually do more for the customer, a 20% tip is average for good service. With large parties, an automatic 15–20% tip is sometimes added to the check.
• Busser (Tip generally not expected, as tip sharing with the waiters sometimes occurs)
• Restaurant take-away/curbside 15-20% generally expected because you are still receiving the service of having your food specially prepared by the worker as well as bringing it to your car.
• Hotel bellman/bellhop/porters ($1 to $2 per bag)
• Hotel maids ($2 per day)
• Hotel room service (15-20%; Same as restaurant gratuity below.)
• Hotel concierge ($5 to $10)
• Hotel doorman ($1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 for hailing a cab)
• Sommeliers (15% of the cost of the bottle)
• Bartenders ($1 per drink or 15% of bar bill)
• Restroom attendant ($0.50 to $1)
• Taxicab drivers (15%)
• limo drivers (15-25%)
• Valet parking attendants ($1 to $2 upon departure)
• Hairdressers/barbers (10% in small towns, 15-20% in cities; Tip is expected whether the stylist is the proprietor or not.)
• Manicurist (15%)
• Spa service (15-20%)
• Pizza (and other food) deliverypersons (10% of total, at least $2. The deliverer pays for his or her fuel. Many drivers are contractors who receive no hourly wage.)
• Curbside luggage handlers at airports ($1 per bag)
• Coat checker ($1 per coat)
• Ski instructors (sometimes, especially when giving a private lesson)
• Piercers and tattoo artists
• Movers ($5 to $10 per mover)
• Large or heavy deliveries ($5 to $10 per person)
• Shoe shiners
• Tour Guides/Tour Bus operators (only private guides)
• Karaoke disc jockey ($1 per song)
• Mechanical bull operator ($1 per ride)
• Golf Caddies
• Gasboy from $.50 - $5.00 (median is $1, mean is around $1.33)
• At a buffet: $1 per person; if staff bring free beverages to the table, 25¢ for each drink

Employees in occupations where tipping is common typically receive very low salaries and receive the bulk, if not all, of their compensation in tips.

At a restaurant

Standard is 15-20% for restaurant meals — higher for exceptionally good service. Many restaurants will automatically add a gratuity of 15-20% to the bill for large parties (often defined as 8 or more people) — if this is done the amount should be clearly indicated on the check as a "gratuity" or "service charge". In this case no additional tip is required to be added to the total, but is appreciated if the service was excellent. The built in gratuity is part of the bill, and not paying the tip may be subject to the same consequences as "skipping out" on a bill. In the case of poor service, many choose to leave a tip but also to speak with the manager or supervisor on duty. If the patron plans to visit the establishment again, it is in his or her best interest to leave a good tip so that subsequent service will be adequate.

Tipping at buffet-style resturants is not as common, since buffet workers are paid a slightly higher fixed wage and do not depend as much on tips. The amount of the tip should be proportional to the amount of time that the server needed to spend on properly helping the customer.

Sometimes, the menu offers tipping information as a guide to patrons. If a diner is unsure of how much to tip a server, often the gratuity stated on the menu is the appropriate percentage to apply.

When dining out, contact with the server is only one part of a chain of events that occurs when food is ordered. If food is prepared incorrectly or takes too long, it is often the fault of the kitchen, whose staff may receive no part of the tip. In some restaurants, however, the kitchen staff share in the tips.

At many establishments, the server must tip out members of the support staff (kitchen, bartender, and busser) at the end of their shift The amount that is tipped out is often determined by a certain percentage of the server's sales (most often 1.5-3% of total sales). Thus when a patron leaves a very small tip or no tip at all, it actually results in the server having to pay money to have served the non-tipping patron.^* but in most establishments, the server pays taxes on money tipped out.

If service is truly poor, it is best to contact management.

Most servers in the United States make (excluding tips) just enough money to cover the cost of their taxes (usually around $2.15/hr), sometimes resulting in a paycheck of under $50.00 for two weeks of work, or even a $0.00 (or voided) check. However, US federal labor law requires that if declared tips and hourly wages do not total the minimum wage (per pay period), the employer must make up the differenceBeyond that, servers often "tip out" portions of their money to support staff like bartenders and bussers[http://www.las-elc.org/tippools.pdf.

At a bar

When at a bar, and receiving good or above service, it is customary to tip $1.00 per drink. Some drinks, such as Macallan 25, which can be more than $35.00 for a single neat shot, could deserve more. This is arguable however, as it is just as easy to pour this shot as a shot of well vodka. For a pitcher of beer, which usually contains around four beers, a tip of $2.00 is reasonable. If you are drinking a soda (at an actual drinking establishment, not a restaurant), a tip is still a good idea, but it is acceptable to tip every other drink, or on every third. Bartenders and cocktail waitresses depend on tips for a salary, and better tipping is almost always rewarded with better service.

Holiday season

Many service staff are tipped annually during the winter holiday season (often called a "Christmas bonus"), such as house cleaners and pool cleaners. Some people also tip their local mail carrier in this manner (see government workers below).

In some large cities, the staff of apartment buildings, such as building superintendents, porters, concierges and doormen, expect an annual tip from residents during the holiday season. The amount to tip varies on the occupation of the person receiving the tip and the size and wealth of the building; most residents typically budget $75 to $200 in total each year for building holiday tips. Building staff also expect tips for performing services not normally part of their jobs, such as watering a plant or running an errand.

Government workers

Under United States federal law it is considered bribery to tip government workers. However, they are permitted to receive money or gifts less than or equal to $20.00. It is a common practice to tip federal employess (such as one's mail carrier) $20.00 for the winter holiday. Also, in some cases a potential tipper can donate money to a charity related to the government agency. For example, most National Parks have related "natural history associations". In which case the worker that prompted the tip may appreciate hearing that their service prompted a donation.

Canada

Tipping in Canada is very similar to that in the United States due to the close nature of the two countries. However, tipping is less widespread and generally lower. For example, while the tipping range for waiters in the United States is 15-20% with 20% for good service, the range for waiters in Canada is 10-20% with 15% for good service. Quebec and Ontario controversially allow employers to pay lower minimum wages to workers who would reasonably be expected to be receiving tips. ^*

Workers who receive tips are legally required to report the income to the Canada Revenue Agency and pay income tax on it. However, many workers have been known to not report any income from tips at all or, perhaps more commonly, to "lowball" the figure. In response, the CRA has vowed that it will closely check the tax returns of individuals that it would reasonably expect to be receiving tips to ensure that the tips are reported, and that the amount reported on the returns is realistic. ^*

Mexico

Tipping in Mexico is also similar to the United States. Meals have a 10-15% tip (this includes fast food deliveries). It's also customary to give 10 - 20 pesos to the kids who guard the car as if they were valet parking.

Brazil

Tipping is becoming less and less common in Brazil. It is usually not expected in cabs. Tipping a delivery guy is very unheard of. In fact, most delivery companies will ask the client how he is going to pay for the product so that the exact change could be provided. However, it should be noted that many restaurants include a 10% delivery charge in the note. Such charge often depends on the municipality.

Gratuity in different languages

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All of the followings are nouns, but some may also be used as a verb:

• Chinese (Mandarin): 小費 (Xiǎo fèi), lit. small charge; 打賞 (Da Shang) lit. give awards.
• Chinese (Cantonese): Tip屎 (Tip Si), transliterated from the word 'tips', also refer to hints
• Spanish: la propina
• Portuguese (Brazil): a gorjeta
• French: le pourboire, literally 'for a drink'.
• German: trinkgeld, literally 'drink money'.
• Japanese: チップ (chippu), transliterated from 'tip'; 心付け (kokorozuke), lit. pay from heart
• Hindi: Chai-Pani (for Tea or Water) or Bakshish (pronounced as buck-sheesh)

Service charges as an alternative to tipping

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Some restaurants have eliminated tipping and replaced tips with a service charge that is automatically added to the tab, such as Per Se in New York City. This is also the rule in Brazil. ^*

External links

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• The Straight Dope: What is the origin of tipping?
• Straight Dope Staff Report: Should a restaurant tip be based on the check before or after tax?
• The Original Tipping Page
• The New Yorker: The controversial end of tipping in one N.Y. restaurant
• Worldwide Tipping Guide from Magellan's Travel Supplies

Service industries | Socioeconomics

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