I’m feeling brave today! I’m ready to take on the sacred cow of tipping in North America.
Tipping me for writing this blog post is just as ridiculous as tipping your hairdresser.
Where does it end? If I tip waiters and hairdressers, why not tip the postie (postal worker) or the guys fixing the potholes on the road in front of my driveway or the bus driver or the woman serving me at the supermarket or the guy who gave me directions when I was lost? They all did something that directly benefited me and many of them are on pretty crappy money.
USA is a kingdom built on tipping. I feel bold enough to say that no-where else in the world has a tipping culture like the USA. You have to tip waiters, bartenders, hotel staff (maids, concierge, porters, shuttle/bus drivers, valet parking attendants), casino dealers (this is actually illegal in Australia), tour guides, hairdressers (plus extra for the person who washes your hair), masseurs, spa/beautician workers, taxi drivers, mechanics (some people tip, others don’t), ski instructors, dog groomers, etc etc. And it’s not just an expectation for a little tip. Usually we’re talking at least 15% of the bill.
In Canada it is a little better, but there is still a tipping culture and expectation, particularly in restaurants.
In Australia, I sometimes tip in restaurants, but only if the food and service is particularly good. Tipping isn’t expected, but often people leave a little extra, but no-where near 15%. As for other services, it is virtually unheard of. My hairdresser wouldn’t know what was going on if I offered her a tip!
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