Hey Folks!
I’ve been living abroad for over half my life in a country where tipping is not the norm. At most you would round up. 19€ bill? Here’s a 20, keep this change.
Going to the US soon to visit family and the whole idea of tipping makes me nervous. It seems there’s a lot of discussion about getting rid of tipping, but I don’t know how much has changed in this regard.
The system seems ridiculously unfair, and that extra expense in a country where everything is already so expensive really makes a difference.
So will AITA if I don’t tip? Is it really my personal responsibility to make sure my server is paid enough?
Yes you need to tip if you are at a sit-down restaurant with a server taking your order at the table.
Whether or not you or anyone else agrees with that, it is the cultural norm and you would absolutely be rude not to.
If you are uncomfortable with this, choose to eat somewhere where you won’t be expected to tip. Don’t knowingly go to a restaurant where tipping is expected and then refuse to do so out of principle.
Also tipping at bars is generally expected.
Yup!
Also: taxis, food deliveries, hotel housekeeping services, concierge and luggage services, spa/hair/massage and probably others I’m forgetting.
I would also note that if you see a “tip jar” then typically tipping is not “expected” but more of a reward for excellent service as you might normally think of tipping.