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My husband and I will be spending the entire month of September in England, Scotland, and Wales. Being from the U.S., we are accustomed to tipping 20% for good service in all restaurants where we are actually served. We know that in many parts of Europe a waiter would actually be offended if you were to tip him, but we're not sure at all what the situation is in Great Britain. We definitely do not want to appear to be cheapskates, but we don't want to over-tip either. Also, what about tipping for taxis? Could anyone advise us?
My husband and I will be spending the entire month of September in England, Scotland, and Wales. Being from the U.S., we are accustomed to tipping 20% for good service in all restaurants where we are actually served. We know that in many parts of Europe a waiter would actually be offended if you were to tip him, but we're not sure at all what the situation is in Great Britain. We definitely do not want to appear to be cheapskates, but we don't want to over-tip either. Also, what about tipping for taxis? Could anyone advise us?
There is not the same expectation of tipping in the UK but waiters will not be offended if you do. In restaurants, 10% should be the maximum tip. In pubs, cafes, etc. do not tip. For taxis, I will often round up to the nearest pound.
and check your bills carefully, nicer places already add 12.5% so don't add more on top.
Check your bills, because some unscrupulous places add the 12.5% then hand you the credit card machine which prompts if you'd like to add a tip...
Good to know! Here in the U.S., if the tip/gratuity has already been added to the bill when it's handed to you, it's very obvious. Since we're pretty lax about double-checking the bill, that's something we're going to need to be careful to do! Thanks for the heads up.
10% for a sit down meal in a Restaurant assuming good service.
For taxi's and the like theres no real need but if the total is close to a note tell them to keep the change.
I take it that Glokta means close to £10, or £20, not unreasonable, but not if the meter reads £9.80, or £19.80.
In London I personally tip black cab drivers at least 10%, no idea of the form in minicabs, I've never used them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigpaul
yes, its usually listed as "service charge"...you don't have to pay it, cross it out if you wish.
It would be advisable to inform your server that you don't wish to pay any service charge, and give them a valid reason, don't just cross it out, and if the place was that bad don't go back, you may find that the service will be worse if you are remembered.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Twang53
No one tips me for doing my job. Therefore I don't tip other people.
This is an attitude that prevails a lot in the U.K., people who adopt it have every right so to do if that's how they feel about it, but the majority of Brits who travel a lot, don't have that attitude.
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