Thread: Tipping...wherever.

Ok, so I've been thinking alot about tipping lately.

Some observations...

In Canada it seems you're expected to tip 15-20% no matter how good or bad the service is or you're some piece of shit.

In Thailand I have found that tips are almost never appreciated or acknowledged anyways...and you will probably always be a piece of shit (or stoopid!) in their eyes no matter what. Depending on how I feel I will tip...or I won't. Or I will just round up if it's easier for me. I don't notice any thanks after I tip usually anyways...but I'm a bit of a gambler so always think "maybe this time..."

Nope.

Korea is a no tipping culture. Some taxi drivers will become annoyed if you try to tip them. Pubs and western style places seem a bit different. They appreciate tips.

In Indonesia I've been reminded of another issue; "service charges".

Well, they piss me off.

It's just the presumption that I am expected to tip for...service? [Do they expect me to march my ass into the kitchen and fix me up a plate]

Anyways, when I see a service charge...I pay my bill exactly.

They asked for X amount for a service charge...and got it.

Just to clarify...yesterday I asked my gf to ask the server if "service charge" essentially meant a tip for them. The waitress first said, "No". Upon further questioning she admitted.."Yes".

When asked why it was such a weird amount (like 7.5%) she brushed off the question and just said, "But you can tip more."

Nope.

And there is another issue. Namely, I know when you tip at the register (after getting a haircut, for example) the person you want to time often doesn't see it. So today I got my tip and handed it directly to the lady who did my hair.

That got me "eyes" from the receptionist.

WTF? [Did she think she deserved that tip?]

And on a totally unrelated note...I have considered that I can piss off others as much or more than they piss off me; but I question whether I am really wrong...

For example, after drinking at a pub and giving exact change (of course, they had a service charge built in) I went down to a department store. While shopping I wanted disposable razors and a lint brush. But there were no prices indicated on anything.

My thinking is they just want me to chance it and hopefully pick the most expensive items.

Not likely.

So I carry all the items up to the counter and get the girl to price check them all...reject the lint brush (my wet hand will work better for that price thank you!) and 2 of the 3 packs of razors...I made my purchase.

Am I wrong?

Sure, it is a headache for the teller...but to my way of thinking it will hopefully become so much of a headache that the tellers will complain to the management and get them to put some fucking prices on their gear...or lines will develop and people will get irked, drop their shit where they stand (as I've done if they leave me standing playing with my cock too long) and SHOP ELSEWEAR.

What to make of all this?

*pop yet another san mig lite*

I noticed that in Thailand almost any place that looks like a restaurant has a service charge.

I was told that about only 20% of service charge is actually a tip. The owner pockets the rest.

What sets me off is the X bath++ thing. So they advertise 399B++ for buffets and then they add another 10% service charge and 7% VAT on top. And this also includes additional stuff on the menu. The worst arseholes are the ones who don't even advertise ++ and just add it to your bill anyway. They do this in Japan. I think it's a Japanese thing that's caught on in Thailand.

Originally Posted by buddahas

I noticed that in Thailand almost any place that looks like a restaurant has a service charge.

I usually didn't eat in places like that so I don't know.

I was told that about only 20% of service charge is actually a tip. The owner pockets the rest.

I've heard things like that as well; if any posters have any experience in the service industry I'd love to know.

I know some places have rules like, "All tips in the jar are shared, but tips in the hand belong solely to the receiver..."

Originally Posted by MDJase

Not all restaurants have service charge. Only a small number of them. What pisses me off is the X bath++ thing. So they advertise 399B++ for buffets and then they add another 10% service charge and 7% VAT on top. And this also includes additional stuff on the menu. The worst arseholes are the ones who don't even advertise ++ and just add it to your bill anyway. They do this in Japan. I think it's a Japanese thing that's caught on in Thailand.

I think showing the "++" in itself is fair enough and can be cultural in nature...meaning that the people living there probably know what it means but might need to inquire exactly how much + and + is, and perhaps what it is.

And I don't like the fact about places adding things on after...but you really should ask first.

Just my opinion though.

What is different, to my mind, is being handed a bill that already includes a service charge...and then some servers look at you like you're a tightwad for not...giving them a service charge?

[It's built in bitch!]

Or having a server think you are "cheap" because you tip 20% on the "before tax" amount.

Not all of us are dummies and/or feel like paying YOU a tip on a tax!

Originally Posted by fred flintstone

thailand is a no tip country and they don't understand it. They get this idea that whitey just likes to hand out $$$ wherever he goes.

I regret every tip I gave in Thailand, with one exception--a mother and daughter who were extremely sweet, and genuinely thankful when I tipped. Everyone else--meh.

I almost always tip between 20 and 40 bht. it is normally 20 bht and whatever small change is left over.

Originally Posted by WilliamBlake

Any more looks like showing off.

I'd call it bragging.

So upset you're making typos.