Do Europeans tip DMs?

[k374]

I know some countries like Australia have a no tipping policy... but over the last dozen or so dives, in groups with mostly Europeans I have had the chance to observe that Europeans are absolutely not tipping the DMs at all. Are we Americans the only ones who tip?

 

[Ste Wart]

No Canadians do as well!

Seriously though. I've worked in a few places around the world and tips aren't that regular. Most Europeans prefer to buy the Instructor or Guide a beer than give them money. No idea why.
I worked in Honduras recently and the tips flowed like water, it was very strange experience to be tipped on a daily basis.

 

[diver 85]

Every place I've been a tip is expected(sometimes required).....but


Sad to say, Americans EXPECT a tip-------no matter what crappy service they give......& I've gotten to a point where I tip them them what they deserve, sometimes it's 15+% & sometimes it's my tip of 'don't ever bet on a 3 legged horse--have a great day you loser'....btw, the latter one has never been too popular, but I could care less.......

 

[Lemna]

Tips are uncommon in my part of Europe, since service and taxes are included in the bill. Most people just round up, if that. I was even taught never to tip a business owner: this implies that they run their business so bad that they need extra money to survive.

I tip in the US (15-20% in restaurants), but find still find it awkward sometimes: when, who, how much... especially when you're doing something where it's not that easy find guidelines, such as divemasters, kayak guides, ... I found out you are supposed to tip divemasters from scubaboard, never saw this in travel guides.

 

[fire_diver]

I think that tipping in general is a very American idea. Most other places just don't do it, and it can create confusion to the person being tipped.

When I travel I find it's best to talk to locals at the beginning and find out local customs and habits to make the trip easier and more pleasant.

 

[fire_diver]

Every place I've been a tip is expected(sometimes required).....but


Sad to say, Americans EXPECT a tip-------no matter what crappy service they give......& I've gotten to a point where I tip them them what they deserve, sometimes it's 15+% & sometimes it's my tip of 'don't ever bet on a 3 legged horse--have a great day you loser'....btw, the latter one has never been too popular, but I could care less.......

I completely agree. I have found that the worst service comes from places that have the "tip" already included in the bill.

 

[Codiak]

I completely agree. I have found that the worst service comes from places that have the "tip" already included in the bill.

I don't do repeat business with these type of places and I always let the server know the built in tip is costing them cash.

 

[String]

I know some countries like Australia have a no tipping policy... but over the last dozen or so dives, in groups with mostly Europeans I have had the chance to observe that Europeans are absolutely not tipping the DMs at all. Are we Americans the only ones who tip?

Tips from europe as a general are unusual - its just not in the culture for things like diving/tourism (although is done for meals etc). Depends a bit on nationality too. Its far more common to be bought beers or a meal.

I rarely if ever get tipped from europeans but its pretty much 100% from america and so on.

I dislike the fact you're expected to tip in places too. Id rather it was just added onto the bill so you know exactly how much you're expected to pay. Its a pain in the USA budgeting for something then realising you're expected to add more.
Ive left without tipping dive guides in the USA many times as i was just unaware you were expected to and treated it as i would in europe.

 

[Crowley]

From my experience as an instructor / guide

Americans tend to tip by default - it's a cultural / social expectation in the country, almost regardless of quality of service.
There is a certain type of British person who will always tip - and actually it's more often the sort of "working class come good" - people who started out their lives with not a lot of money and did well for themselves. They appreciate a good service, and are happy to reward people for it. I think this is partly because they see us as having something in common - working hard for not much ready cash.
Most Europeans do not tip - it's not an expected social phenomenon, but some do, and they tend to be quite generous when they do. String is right - it often comes through beers rather than cash, but that can be quite a lot of money, actually!
Rich people almost never put their hands in their pockets. This is, I suspect, why they are rich.

I run the risk of opening a whole can of worms I do not wish to eat afterwards here - but here's another thought: Because Americans are renowned for tipping, when they do not, one feels disappointed, as though one has not done well enough. When they do - great! When Europeans do not tip, one does not feel disappointed, because this is expected. When they do - actually that sometimes makes the value - if not the amount - of the tip higher, because it is not so common, and therefore is more of a compliment for a service well provided, if that all makes sense.

For the record, I also do my job to the very highest of my ability regardless of the nationality of the people with whom I am diving. I expect no tips at all, and feel slightly embarrassed about receiving them - but they are received with a great deal of gratitude.

Cheers

C.

 

[vladimir]

Every place I've been a tip is expected(sometimes required)

In Singapore and Hong Kong a 10% service charge is always added to the restaurant bill. It is not a tip--it is not optional--and tipping is not customary outside of restaurants either. You will see the 10% added in other parts of Southeast Asia as well, like Thailand and Indonesia (+21% there, including tax), but it seems to correlate to how many Americans frequent the establishment. I don't spend enough time in London to generalize, but the plus 10% seems to be a fairly prevalent policy there too, though not universal. Taxis in London aren't surprised by tips, but it might be my American accent. Tipping in China and Malaysia is unusual. Tipping bellhops is almost universally expected, rounding up taxi fares won't surprise anybody anywhere (although the HK taxi drivers are ready to give you your 20¢ change), and according to Scubaboard, you should tip divemasters $10 a tank everywhere, even if the local physicians make $9 a day.