FreeArticlesArchive

Travel to far away, exotic lands and experience unique cultures. Sounds great, but you also have to have a handle on the day to day issues. One is whether you should tip or not and, if so, in what amounts.

The first issue is figuring out what constitutes a reasonable tip. For the most part, you can use fifteen percent as a default figure. When in doubt, add this to the bill and you usually will end up okay.

Okay, we know how much we will use as a standard tip. Now we have to decide which party initiates the process. Do you just add the percentage to the bill or is it already included as part of the basic meal service?

The first place you will do some tipping is probably the airport. Do not attempt to tip the customs officials! The airport skycaps, however, should get a dollar or two depending on how many suitcases you are having them carry for you.

Somehow, some way, you have to get from the airport to your lodgings. There should be a herd of taxi drivers just waiting for the opportunity to wisk you away. If all goes well, a 10 percent tip is appropriate. If it doesn't...

Bellhops represent our next tipping target. They are responsible for transporting your luggage from the taxi to the front desk and then your room. Tip them according to the number and weight of your luggage. A couple bucks at least.

Prior to your trip, you should also ascertain whether tipping is even going to be an issue. In some countries, tipping is verboten. In others, it is simply frowned upon. The cost of the service is already built into your bill, so no need to feel guilty.

The issue of tipping is going to come front and center for a lot of people in 2008. The Olympics are being held in China and the Chinese do not find tipping acceptable. Throw in the language differences and there is going to a lot of confusion.

China is hardly in the minority in its views on tipping when it comes to major cultures. Much of Asia holds with the view. Russia, the Swiss and Holland are other countries that also frown upon the idea.

At the end of the day, tipping is about respect. If someone treats you well or takes that extra step, show them respect by paying out a few bucks.