How much tip is left in Germany? Should I thank the Japanese waiters? Understanding the financial etiquette of different countries

USA: Leave a tip in any situation, except for poor service

Tipping in the United States is always customary. In public catering, on average, 15–20% of the bill is left. But it all depends on the level of the establishment: in restaurants with a Michelin star, tips will cost 25% of the check, in a simple cafe 15% will be enough. In any case, the amount of remuneration should be at least 10%: paying less is considered bad form or indicates customer dissatisfaction. The staff may even walk up to you and excitedly ask what they did wrong. Leaving a tip in a trifle is also considered impolite - but it's not as bad as not tipping at all.

Tipping in a taxi is usually 15% of the cost of the trip. But if the driver helped you carry your luggage to your room, this is separately encouraged. The tradition of leaving monetary gratitude in America extends to almost all areas: tips are given to hotel workers, couriers, hairdressers. Therefore, if you are in doubt as to whether it is appropriate to tip, the answer is likely to be yes.

UK: tip is left to the receptionist, but not to the bartender in the pub

There is an opinion that the tradition of leaving a tip appeared it is in this country. Allegedly in the 17th century, tip was written on dishes in British coffee houses (this is how the word "tip" is translated from English). It stands for To Insure Promptness. Other they saythat this story is a myth, and tipping appeared in America.

In any case, today, tipping in the UK, as in many countries, is not required. But they will help to leave a pleasant impression about yourself. For example, taxi fares are usually rounded up to the nearest whole number to compliment the driver. In a restaurant, you should read the bill carefully, many establishments include a service charge. In London, it can be as high as 12.5%, especially for large companies and parties. If the service is not included in the check, and it is embarrassing to leave without a tip, leave about 10% of the total cost - you won't be mistaken.

Thrifty people can relax in the pub: it is not customary to leave a tip for a pint of unfiltered. But sometimes they put a special jar on the bar: if you had a great time, you can put gratitude in it. There's no need to spare a couple of pounds for the front desk clerk who delivers luggage to your room.

Russia: do it your own way, but remember that tip is always in high esteem

In Soviet Russia, as in the rest of the Union, tipping was considered a bourgeois holdover or even an attempt to humiliate the working class. In modern Russia, there are no clear rules in this matter, but the culture of tips is actively developing. After sitting in a restaurant, it will be polite to leave about 10% of the amount of the check. Tips are usually not left when paying for business lunches and offers that involve a fixed payment or a promotion.

In other areas, tips are also not regulated. But gratitude for the speed and quality of services will definitely delight the courier, repairman and other service personnel. However, if the client does not do this, it is unlikely to be regarded as dissatisfaction with the service.

Germany: "booze money" for waiters and reasonable tips

Tipping in this country is called Trinkgeld, which means "money for a drink" in German. The service charge in restaurants is sometimes included in the bill - when it is indicated on the menu. If there is no information, you can leave 5-10% of the bill. It is customary to give a small compliment in the form of a few euros to tour guides and tourist bus drivers. And if the city tour was free - for example, organized by volunteers - it is appropriate to leave 5 euros.

The people of Germany are associated with a careful attitude to finances, and it seems that in the case of a tip, this is justified. You can find information that the Germans usually round the bill to a more or less even value - for example, they pay not 33.6 euros for lunch, but 35. That's all the tip. Therefore, leaving more than 10% of the cost of the service for tea can be perceived here as eccentric waste.

France: Service charge for every dish, and tip is a sign of special liking

The cost of service in French catering establishments has been included in the bill at the legislative level since 1955. 15% of the service is charged here to the cost of each dish (not to the total amount in the check). Therefore, tipping is considered a special gesture of gratitude. In restaurants, you can leave up to 10% of the bill if something impresses you. But if you pay a cent for a cent for your onion soup or cocktail in wine, you won't be considered rude.

For a quick breakfast or drunk coffee, a tip is usually not left at all, especially if you drank it at the counter. Otherwise, French tip culture is largely similar to German: you can leave a few extra euros for hotel staff, taxi drivers and tour guides, or round up the bill. Giving above 10% of the price list is also not accepted in this country.

Japan: it's so complicated that it's better to do without a tip

In this country, you only pay by invoice. Moreover, the tip left will most likely be perceived as a forgotten change and returned back - even if for this the waiter has to run out into the street after you. And if you give money to a taxi driver or a hairdresser, you run the risk of offending them altogether. After all, it may seem that their work is poorly paid and they will not live without alms.

The Japanese have their own system of monetary rewards. Tipping is called kokorodzuke here and should be handled very carefully. First, kokorodzuke is given before the service is provided, not after. In this way, the client does not mark a good job, but expresses in advance the confidence that he will be served at the highest level. Material gratitude is presented in an envelope, which is held with both hands, making a bow. However, if you are unsure about the size and appropriateness of such a tip, it is best not to give it to avoid slippery situations.

When traveling in a taxi, you can say "No change", which will not be considered an insult. Also, in some establishments there are jars for tips, where you can throw change. This action is considered normal.