TIPPING AROUND THE WORLD: LOCAL CUSTOMS TO BE AWARE OF

Before travelling abroad holidaymakers should take some time to research local tipping customs to avoid an embarrassing situation.

Saskia Welman of Holidaylettings.co.uk said: ‘If you haven’t managed to research acceptable tipping advice for your destination, keep an eye out on what other tourists around you are tipping.

‘Never ask whether you should tip someone or not as this can be embarrassing for the service person or you could end up being ripped off.’

Here are a few customs to take note of:

Africa: Ten to 15 per cent is the norm at restaurants, but the bill may include a service charge. For game rangers, holidaymakers should budget a tip of $10 per day (approximately ٤.50) in a shared vehicle, or at least double that amount if they are travelling in a private vehicle, said Oonagh Shiel, travel expert at Cheapflights.co.uk.

Australia: There is no tipping culture in Australia or New Zealand, so it is not a requirement. For those who receive exemplary service, a small tip is a good way to show appreciation, said Ms Shiel.

Caribbean: Many all-inclusive resorts discourage tipping as it is typically included in the cost of the room. Guests who are unsure should check with the concierge to find out if tips are permitted.

China: Tipping is not required or expected, but it is common at hotels and restaurants frequented by Western tourists. High-end hotels or restaurants may add a service charge to the bill. Tipping is very common in Hong Kong and Macau.

Egypt: Expect to pay a further five to ten per cent on top of the five to ten per cent service charge.

France: ‘Service compris’ means that a service charge is included on the bill, but customers can leave extra if they were satisfied with the service.

Germany: Don't leave a tip on the table at a restaurant. Hand it to the waiter or waitress.

Japan: Tipping is considered an insult in Japan, so don’t bother offering a little extra to your cab driver or waiter.

Spain: A tip of between seven and 13 per cent is commonplace in restaurants, according to the level of service received, though travellers are unlikely to get a rap on the wrist if no tip is given, said Ms Shiel.

Thailand: Tipping is not a requirement, but 20 baht is acceptable in many situations.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2960234/A-guide-tipping-etiquette-world.html#ixzz4DUBrE5tl

Image Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/19/25D64F1300000578-2960234-image-a-27_1424359293199.jpg

Vocabulary Words:
1. Custom - (noun)  an accepted way of behaving or of doing things in a society or a community
2. Keep an eye out - (idiom) to look for somebody/something while you are doing other things
3. Rip off - (phrasal verb) to cheat somebody, by making them pay too much, by selling them something of poor quality, etc.
4. Exemplary - (adj.) providing a good example for people to copy
5. Concierge - (noun) a person, especially in France, who takes care of a building containing flats/apartments and checks people entering and leaving the building

Discussion Questions:
1. Tell me about South Korea's tipping culture.
2. Does Kangwon Land follow a "tipping" protocol? What is it?
3. If tipping is acceptable, how much tip are you allowed to accept from guests?
4. If tipping is not allowed, what do you do when a guest insists you to accept a tip from him/her?