Brits are resorting to drastic measures to ensure that their holiday spend stays on track, with waiters and bar tenders bearing the brunt of UK travellers’ penny-pinching ways.
A survey by the currency exchange firm ICE revealed that 40 per cent of British holidaymakers have cut back on the amount they tip on their stints abroad, no doubt hoping that staff at restaurants, hotels and bars will still continue to deliver service with a smile, without the incentive of an overflowing tips jar.
A further 45 per cent of British holidaymakers admitted that they don’t factor in tipping when they plan their holiday budget.
Tom Johnson, the head of ICE Direct, argues that as tipping costs vary from country to country, there are still destinations that remain wallet-friendly for reluctant tippers.
“In some parts of the USA and Canada, tips can be in the region of 20 per cent. That is £200 out of a budget of £1,000, making it a serious expense – and it’s seen as the height of rudeness not to tip,” he said.
“However, on the plus side for scrimping travellers, there is no tipping in Japan, and in Europe the service charge is seen as between 5 and 10 per cent.”
Tipping in Spain or Turkey can be as little as 5 per cent, while Bulgaria, Thailand and Croatia are also known for being destinations that don’t frown on light tipping. Surprisingly, tipping at a restaurant in Japan or China is perceived as rude rather than polite.
In France seeing “service compris” on the end of a bill means that a tip is not required and the level of tip left is said to be largely up to the customer’s discretion.
Johnson adds that it is important for travellers to account for tipping when they plan foreign holidays. Read our guide: Tipping around the world: What’s the etiquette?
