What areyou blathering about?
I am Canadian......and a sailor.
I tip at least 15% and often 20%
I even tip the counter clerk at my local Tim Horton's when I go for a coffee
& donut.
The minimum wage here has just risen to $ 5.85 CDN per hr.

LaBomba182 wrote in message
...
Subject: OT - Lousy Canadian tipping

Everything. It's a know fact the only thing cheaper than a Canadian is a
Canadian sailor.

Capt. Bill

Tipping customs help???

I'm about to go to Scotland for a funeral. I'm wondering what the norm is
there.

I'll be in the highlands, arrive via Glasgow. I don't know how much eating
out, or other sort of services I'll use (staying at a family home with only
perhaps one hotel night), but this thread has me wondering who I'd offend
with my normal generous tipping (several of Lydia's family are in the
hospitality biz so I have a better perspective than most of what they go
through and how little they make, even in an alcohol establishment). I'll
be taking a shuttle to the rental car and back to the airport, for example,
and may be forced into skycap service (don't know how it works over there),
when I'd ordinarily take them to the counter myself, that kind of thing.

Anyone know??

L8R

Skip (and Lydia), gone for a couple weeks Wednesday

You've heard about 'Thrifty Scotsmen'. I'm sure the service people would be
very pleased with your 'normal generous tipping'.

Skip Gundlach wrote in message
nk.net...
Tipping customs help???

I'm about to go to Scotland for a funeral. I'm wondering what the norm is
there.

I'll be in the highlands, arrive via Glasgow. I don't know how much
eating
out, or other sort of services I'll use (staying at a family home with
only
perhaps one hotel night), but this thread has me wondering who I'd offend
with my normal generous tipping (several of Lydia's family are in the
hospitality biz so I have a better perspective than most of what they go
through and how little they make, even in an alcohol establishment). I'll
be taking a shuttle to the rental car and back to the airport, for
example,
and may be forced into skycap service (don't know how it works over
there),
when I'd ordinarily take them to the counter myself, that kind of thing.

Anyone know??

L8R

Skip (and Lydia), gone for a couple weeks Wednesday

"Don White" wrote in message
...
You've heard about 'Thrifty Scotsmen'. I'm sure the service people would
be
very pleased with your 'normal generous tipping'.

:{)) I'm torn on the matter. On the one hand, you have third world
experiences, where even an outrageously generous tip (say, the amount of the
bill, but perhaps equal to a day's wages) is a totally insignificant amount
to USofAmericans, and on the other, agonizing over how much to leave (trying
to do the 'right' thing).

I'm reminded of the Vegas experiences of celebrities routinely adding $500
or some such totally unrelated-to-bill-or-service amount. It's something
which is basically meaningless to them, but incredibly meaningful to the
recipient.

In my case, even though I'm long-term unemployed, I tend toward generosity
on a percentage scale. The difference between that and parsimony is
relatively insignificant in dollar terms, so I'd rather make someone happy
(and maybe they'd remember me the next time, too!) for its minimal impact on
my life.

Just me, of course - and long-timers here already know I'm weird :{))

L8R

Skip

x-no-archive:yes
"Skip Gundlach" wrote:

"Don White" wrote in message
...
You've heard about 'Thrifty Scotsmen'. I'm sure the service people would
be
very pleased with your 'normal generous tipping'.

:{)) I'm torn on the matter. On the one hand, you have third world
experiences, where even an outrageously generous tip (say, the amount of the
bill, but perhaps equal to a day's wages) is a totally insignificant amount
to USofAmericans, and on the other, agonizing over how much to leave (trying
to do the 'right' thing).

I'm reminded of the Vegas experiences of celebrities routinely adding $500
or some such totally unrelated-to-bill-or-service amount. It's something
which is basically meaningless to them, but incredibly meaningful to the
recipient.

In my case, even though I'm long-term unemployed, I tend toward generosity
on a percentage scale. The difference between that and parsimony is
relatively insignificant in dollar terms, so I'd rather make someone happy
(and maybe they'd remember me the next time, too!) for its minimal impact on
my life.

Just me, of course - and long-timers here already know I'm weird :{))

It is very often the case in the UK that a non-optional gratuity is
added to the bill. Check first before you tip. It's all very well to
be generous, but don't tip 15% on top of a 10% added gratuity,
especially if including the 10% in the total that you are taking the
15% of.

In addition with the current situation with regard to $ to £ exchange
rate, a tip of a £ ISN'T really insignificant. And stuff can be very
much more expensive to begin with.

In London for 4 days we spent an average of $99/day for the two of us
not including the hotel ($103/ or £65 night which included breakfast),
and being very careful to go to mostly free things and get the best
possible bang for the buck in transportation (no taxis).

London Meals $155.06 £12.95 to 18 for two including one dinner
at McDonalds when we were in a hurry to get to the theatre.
Transport $90.24 tube/bus, and one boat trip from Greenwich
back to London.
Admissions/souveniers $152.68 Big Bus, Mikado &program,
London Eye, rubbing


grandma Rosalie
http://www12.virtualtourist.com/m/4a9c6/

x-no-archive:yes "Skip Gundlach" wrote:

Tipping customs help???

I'm about to go to Scotland for a funeral. I'm wondering what the norm is
there.

I think at a restaurant 10% is usual.

I'll be in the highlands, arrive via Glasgow. I don't know how much eating
out, or other sort of services I'll use (staying at a family home with only
perhaps one hotel night), but this thread has me wondering who I'd offend
with my normal generous tipping (several of Lydia's family are in the
hospitality biz so I have a better perspective than most of what they go
through and how little they make, even in an alcohol establishment). I'll
be taking a shuttle to the rental car and back to the airport, for example,
and may be forced into skycap service (don't know how it works over there),
when I'd ordinarily take them to the counter myself, that kind of thing.

Anyone know??

L8R

Skip (and Lydia), gone for a couple weeks Wednesday


grandma Rosalie

As a Scot, if you tip like a yank with more money than sense, you will be
treated like one. The alleged US 'classless society' amuses me - they all
have their hands out. In Scotland, by and large Jock is as good as his
master, and his innate dignity, (something lacking in the USA), particularly
in country, areas,would not appreciate handouts.
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes "Skip Gundlach" wrote:

Tipping customs help???

I'm about to go to Scotland for a funeral. I'm wondering what the norm
is
there.

I think at a restaurant 10% is usual.

I'll be in the highlands, arrive via Glasgow. I don't know how much
eating
out, or other sort of services I'll use (staying at a family home with
only
perhaps one hotel night), but this thread has me wondering who I'd offend
with my normal generous tipping (several of Lydia's family are in the
hospitality biz so I have a better perspective than most of what they go
through and how little they make, even in an alcohol establishment).
I'll
be taking a shuttle to the rental car and back to the airport, for
example,
and may be forced into skycap service (don't know how it works over
there),
when I'd ordinarily take them to the counter myself, that kind of thing.

Anyone know??

L8R

Skip (and Lydia), gone for a couple weeks Wednesday


grandma Rosalie

"Skip Gundlach" wrote in message ink.net...
Tipping customs help???

I'm about to go to Scotland for a funeral. I'm wondering what the norm is
there.

I'll be in the highlands, arrive via Glasgow. I don't know how much eating
out, or other sort of services I'll use (staying at a family home with only
perhaps one hotel night), but this thread has me wondering who I'd offend
with my normal generous tipping (several of Lydia's family are in the
hospitality biz so I have a better perspective than most of what they go
through and how little they make, even in an alcohol establishment). I'll
be taking a shuttle to the rental car and back to the airport, for example,
and may be forced into skycap service (don't know how it works over there),
when I'd ordinarily take them to the counter myself, that kind of thing.

Anyone know??

L8R

Skip (and Lydia), gone for a couple weeks Wednesday


In Scotland, tips are viewed as a reward for good service,
unlike in the US where tipping seems to be mandatory.
You would typically tip in a restaurant, hotel or taxi,
but that's about it - anything else might be embarrassing
to the recipient (though gratefully received no doubt).
In a bar '..and one for yourself..' might be a useful way
to ensure prompt service in a busy establishment, but it
isn't the norm for small rounds.


Alisdair

In general (all generalizations are false), Brits tip less than we do
and in fewer places. There also tend to be service charges applied
automatically more often, in which case there's no need for a tip.
So, while you certainly won't offend with USA style tipping, you can
think of 10-15% instead of 15-20%.

I wouldn't tip the shuttle driver at all, unless you have heavy
luggage and he/she helps -- then a pound coin will be received with a
big smile. I've never seen a Skycap there, although I'm sure they
exist. Four wheel carts are everywhere, usually free.

In pubs with a group the custom is to buy a round for the whole group,
so unless you like to drink a lot, buy your round early.

Jim Woodward
for our British adventure, see www.mvFintry.com



"Skip Gundlach" wrote in message ink.net...
Tipping customs help???

I'm about to go to Scotland for a funeral. I'm wondering what the norm is
there.

I'll be in the highlands, arrive via Glasgow. I don't know how much eating
out, or other sort of services I'll use (staying at a family home with only
perhaps one hotel night), but this thread has me wondering who I'd offend
with my normal generous tipping (several of Lydia's family are in the
hospitality biz so I have a better perspective than most of what they go
through and how little they make, even in an alcohol establishment). I'll
be taking a shuttle to the rental car and back to the airport, for example,
and may be forced into skycap service (don't know how it works over there),
when I'd ordinarily take them to the counter myself, that kind of thing.

Anyone know??

L8R

Skip (and Lydia), gone for a couple weeks Wednesday

You know, most travel guides cover this topic pretty well. I suggest
"The Rough Guide to Scotland" or "Fodor's Scotland/British Isles".

R.


On Tue, 07 Oct 2003 02:19:52 GMT, "Skip Gundlach"
wrote:

Tipping customs help???

I'm about to go to Scotland for a funeral. I'm wondering what the norm is
there.

I'll be in the highlands, arrive via Glasgow. I don't know how much eating
out, or other sort of services I'll use (staying at a family home with only
perhaps one hotel night), but this thread has me wondering who I'd offend
with my normal generous tipping (several of Lydia's family are in the
hospitality biz so I have a better perspective than most of what they go
through and how little they make, even in an alcohol establishment). I'll
be taking a shuttle to the rental car and back to the airport, for example,
and may be forced into skycap service (don't know how it works over there),
when I'd ordinarily take them to the counter myself, that kind of thing.

Anyone know??

L8R

Skip (and Lydia), gone for a couple weeks Wednesday