Why Tipping Abroad can be Insulting

Tipping in foreign countries is something I always struggle with. Most guide books will tell you what the tipping custom is for particular countries and yet, tipping is so inbred in Americans like myself that it is tough not to do so in those countries where it is not customary.

I've come across many articles about tipping in foreign countries, but one which came out last Sunday in The Los Angeles Times dug into the topic a bit deeper. It tackled the negative aspects of tipping where tipping is not expected.

It's easy to assume that any member of a wait staff would be happy with a little extra money tossed in their direction but this is simply not the case. The article by Rosemary McClure explains how insulting and degrading a tip might be despite the best intentions of a visiting foreigner wanting to help out some underpaid waitress. This is particularly true in Asia where, according to McClure, a tip implies "that the person you're tipping isn't hospitable enough to provide service without a bribe."

Ouch! Now I get it.

Spare a few moments and check out this article. It will not only help you save money, but face as well. And what's better than that?

Filed under: Food and Drink