Tipping is a multibillion-dollar industry,though not consistent in all parts of the globe.Tipping may be not legal in some countries,but there are several waiting tables,luggage carriages and tending bars waiting to be tipped from customers to make ends meet.Let us look into the custom of tipping,how much should be tipped for different services in various parts of the world and some tips on the etiquette of tipping.

■What Is a Tip

A tip is a gratuity which is a small amount of money that is given voluntarily as a token of appreciation for a service.For example,we tip the hotel waitress for their good service.In case the service was unsatisfied,the tip can be very low or no tip at all.The term “tip” means “to give” or “hand it over”.Legend has it,the word “tip” itself came many years ago from a pub owner who used the acronym on a box “To Inspire Promptness”. In that spirit,tipping should be thought of first and foremost as a reward for prompt and attentive service.

There are several waiters,drivers,and guides others who are not even paid minimum wages by their employers.They depend on these tips given by the customers to meet their need for good service and friendly help.

■How Much to Tip

Which amount is proper to tip is a question.For example,one knows that a waitress needs to be tipped,but how much? Some may think 10% is adequate,and some others think that 20% should be standard.Most would prefer to tip 15% if exceptional service is provided.

Many would feel confident of tipping in a restaurant,but there are situations where people feel far less secure when it comes to the question of offering a tip.A tip should not be inappropriate,too generous or insufficient.There are some basic guidelines that help to tip appropriately in almost any occasion.

◆ Hotel/Bar Tips

The general rule to tip a bartender could be 10% to 15% of the total drink bill.If a bar is generally crowded,it is good to give a generous tip after every round.If the bar tender sends a complimentary drink,half the value of that round should be rendered as tip.

A delivery person could be tipped 10% minimum,whereas a porter or a bellman could be paid a minimum of $1 per bag.While a parking valet can be tipped $2,though some may suggest up to $5,a housekeeper could be paid $2 to $5 per night,either daily or as a lump sum.For room service,the tip is $5.

◆ Travel Tipping

A bus driver could be tipped $1 to 2 if luggage is handled; a chauffeur,10% to 15%; a cab driver $2 to 5 minimum,a gas station attendant nothing.A porter could be tipped $1 per bag.

◆ Tips for Personal Service

A hair stylist or a barber could be tipped 10%—15% of the bill amount,15%—20% for spa service,a manicurist 15%,$2 to $3 for a shoe shiner and 10%—15% for masseuse.A stylist at a salon could be tipped 15% to 20% of the total bill and a colorist 15% to 20%.While at a spa,a massage therapist could be tipped $10 to $20 per massage,spa attendants about 5%,and an aesthetician 10% to 20% per service of the total bill at the front desk.If the attendants go that extra mile in servicing the client,they could be complimented by a generous tip as well.A tip for a piercing technician,10% of the total bill and for the tattoo artist could be 10% to 20% depending upon the complexity of work.

◆ Other Tipping Situations

A grocery store bagger $1 to $3; a furniture deliverer could be tipped $ 5 to $20 and a mover $ 10 to $25.For a delivery person for individual home food delivery a 5% to 10% of the total bill should be sufficient.For non food deliveries like flowers,it could be $1 to $10 depending upon the size of the arrangement.

◆ Holiday Tipping

Tipping certain people who offer service regularly could help build goodwill.For instance a baby-sitter could be tipped a week’s pay; a garbage collector $15; a door man,a bottle of wine or box of chocolates; a week’s pay for the gardener and housekeeper; and $15 for janitor.A mail carrier $15; a nanny could be tipped a week’s pay; parking attendant $15 and newspaper delivery person $15,while a personal trainer could be tipped $ 20 to $50.

◆ Vehicular Parking Tipping

As mentioned earlier,a parking valet could be tipped $2 when the car is returned,for Limos 15% to 20% of the total bill and for a taxi 10% to 15% of the total fare.Tipping is a fine art and one can easily read from a person’s face expressions whether or not he/she normally gets tips.Tipping should not be a threatening task,and with some common sense,one should get it right most of the time.

■Tipping Across the Globe

The practice of tipping is various widely from country to country and continent to continent.It is also based on the size of the city.Tipping could be a perplexing experience when abroad.While in some countries,tipping is expected,it is seen as an insult in some others.But these rules are constantly subject to change.

In many countries of the world,tipping is non-existent.For example in Australia and Japan,there is no such practice as tipping and in Argentina,tipping is regarded illegal.In Bolivia,the service charges are simply added to the bill and there is no tipping,and in Belgium,there is no tipping expected in the restaurants.Tipping is not customary in Malaysia,Switzerland,Spain and Slovenia,whereas in Porto Rica,it is only tipped with porters who carry luggage.

In Egypt,tipping is a way of life,although taxi drivers are not tipped as is the practice in Hong Kong.In Czech Republic and Denmark,tipping is done only as a sign of appreciation; in China again,the Government policy mandates that foreigners are charged more for the services they receive.The Chilean law again makes it mandatory to tip in restaurants.

While in Ethiopia tipping is common and paper money is even stuck on the forehead of a dancer in a restaurant.In Canada tipping is expected for restaurants,bars,food deliveries and taxis.

In Germany,Russia,Hungary,Netherlands and Greece,the amount to be tipped depends upon the quality of service being rendered.In Finland,tipping is optional,and if one wishes to tip,he/she should do it in cash,and the French law includes tipping in the price for service.Tipping is customary in Ireland.In Mexico,tipping is expected for almost any service,quite contrary to Norway where tipping is strictly optional.In India,tipping is practiced in all restaurants.The quantum of tipping depends on the kind of service and could be about 10 % of the bill.

In Singapore tipping is not required although restaurants add up 10% as service charge,thereby there is no need to tip.In South Africa,the level of tipping applies unless the restaurant applies a mandatory service fee for a large party.

While in Sweden,tipping is a sign of appreciation,in Taiwan only airport porters are tipped.In the United States,amount to be tipped depends upon the type and quality of service.In United Kingdom it is customary not to tip in cash at the pub but buy the barkeeper a drink.But tipping is expected in food establishments.

■Tipping Etiquette Tips

◇Before you go on vacation,stock up on $1 and $5 bills.If you plan to go to an airport,use a taxi,eat at a restaurant,check into a hotel,take a cruise,treat yourself to a spa,or stay with friends who have a country house staffed with a few servants,you will be tipping lots of people.Planning ahead and having small changes at hand will save you from many awkward moments.

◇Tips are not always according to a mathematical formula based on the total fee for the service.For instance,many travel books advise you to tip 15% of the cab fare,but that’s very out of date.Instead,tips ought to reflect the quality of the service you experience: did the driver go beyond merely driving you to your destination? If he helped you with your luggage or wheelchair, or baby stroller, or he took a route you asked for,or he cheered you up with a compliment—then the tip ought to be based on how much you valued his extra service.

◇When giving a person a tip,do not draw attention to the act.Tipping should be subtle.Always say “Thank you” to the person when you are tipping.

◇You need not tip business owners but you will tip the owner’s employees who offer a service to you.If you’re a regular patron at an establishment,you can ensure consistent good service by tipping a little more generously than usual.

◇Proper etiquette does not mean you have to give a tip every time.If you receive poor service in a situation where tipping is expected,don’t complain and not give tips until the end of the experience.Complain as soon as you’re dissatisfied so the manager or business owner can remedy the situation and preserve the tip for a more deserving server.

◇As the corporate mentality replaces the traditional ideology.Tipping is becoming more and more mainstream.

◇If a coupon or gift certificate is being used,the tip has to be calculated based on the total before discount.

◇In case a fee is explicitly charged for the service,a separate tip is unnecessary.

◇Tip,if you are a regular client or if the service is exceptional.

◇There is no necessity to tip if poor service is provided.Poor service need not be rewarded.

◇There are circumstances in which a large initial tip can help get a better service.

◇In a restaurant,if you occupy a table extra time,tip extra.

◇Tip cautiously.