The traditional gesture of gratitude for the good work of waiters in the form of a tip in countries with a different mentality can be perceived exactly the opposite, and the tourist runs the risk of regretting it.
China
“In mainland China, tipping is not customary,” the publication warns tourists. Tourists are asked to familiarize themselves with the policy of the restaurant in advance, in many places it is officially forbidden to give (and receive) tips.
“If you want to show appreciation to the staff, thank them sincerely or try writing them a note,” the experts add.
They also note that taxi drivers, guides, and porters are gradually finding tips “more and more acceptable.”
Japan
Many tourists who are interested in this country know that tips are not accepted here, and an attempt to leave them can be regarded as obsession or rudeness.
“In the best case, the staff will think that you forgot the change and will try to stop you or even contact you later to return it,” experts say.
But to thank the staff and behave decently, from the point of view of the Japanese, will not hurt.
New Zealand and Australia
In this part of the English-speaking world, tips are also not expected from tourists. Although they won’t be angry. From a large company, a tip of 10 percent of the bill will be considered a nice bonus. However, it is noteworthy that here the waiters do not rely on tips as a form of income.
As the publication notes, in the US, a completely different order – here 20 percent of the bill as a tip is almost mandatory, and if you do not leave them, there may be problems.