Tipping While Tripping Around The World

I’ll never forget the drama that blew up in the pop culture-verse about everyone’s fave celebrity couple, David Harbour and Lily Allen. No, it had nothing to do with swirling divorce whispers or public spats between the Stranger Things star and the “Smile” songstress. Rather, the controversy sparked over the way the famous couple tipped — or should I say didn’t tip. 

According to a since-deleted Reddit post, a Brooklyn waiter alleged to the Netflix Subreddit that Harbour and Allen failed to leave any tip for his service after a night of fine dining. The headline reads: “Stranger Things actor David Harbour and wife Lily Allen don’t tip their waiters.” And although this story hasn’t been confirmed — and the post has been “removed” — it led to some turmoil in the comments section. 

Reddit users were divided over the celebrity couple’s choice to (allegedly) leave the restaurant without tipping. While some felt their actions were simply classless and impolite, others pointed out that Allen is from the UK, where tipping is far less customary. 

Although the idea of tipping any less than 15-20% is considered quite vulgar here in the US, you might be surprised to learn that in a handful of other countries, tipping waiters is considered unnecessary. In some cases, offering a gratuity is considered downright rude.      

Before grabbing your passport and packing your bags for vacay, be sure to research your destination to understand the local tipping etiquette. Websites like Trip Advisor, Reddit, Quora, and general travel blogs can be a great way to answer your burning queries and keep you informed. 

• Tripadvisor: A comprehensive resource featuring user-generated reviews, forums, and travel guides for destinations worldwide. Visit Tripadvisor
• Reddit: Hosts numerous travel-related subreddits where travelers share experiences and tips. For general travel discussions, check out r/travel.
• Quora: A question-and-answer platform where users can ask specific travel questions and receive answers from experienced travelers. Visit Quora

Why is Tipping Considered Offensive in Some Areas?

There are countless reasons why tipping is labeled as unnecessary, disrespectful, and downright offensive in certain countries and regions. Although you may be scratching your head in utter bewilderment as to why anyone would consider receiving money a bad thing, this list will take you through a few reasons why you can keep your hard-earned money in your pocket.    

It’s viewed as an act of charity

In some cases, tipping is simply not expected nor required — in Australia, New Zealand, and Italy, say. Yet in regions like Japan, China, and South Korea, offering additional money is considered a sign of profound disrespect.  

No one wants to feel like they’re a charity case, because it implies that they need extra help from the top dogs just so they can scrape on by. So, when you offer that gratuity in countries where tipping is frowned upon, just know you can be unintentionally patronizing the service staff.

It implies that the tipper is being smug and superior

In some cultures, tipping is seen as condescending to the wait staff. It’s almost as if you, as a customer, are implying that service workers need your extra dough because they’re “beneath” you. In a way, it implies that you “pity” them, which gives you an air of smugness and superiority. So don’t do it.     

In some countries tipping signifies ignorance

For those regions where tipping isn’t a thing, offering additional money can make you come across as ignorant. Because you haven’t taken the time to learn about the country and the customs/norms, you’re considered an ill-informed, dumb tourist.  

Some locales will feel insulted, so it’s best to read up on these things or talk it out with your travel agent, tour guides, and concierge before your wanderlust takes full force. 

Service workers are paid proper living wages

A few years back, I flew to Australia to visit my friend Sarah who lives in Sydney’s Darlinghurst neighborhood. Once we’d dumped my bags at her place, we headed out for lunch. It was divine, poached salmon on a bed of crisp salad. As we got up to leave I dropped a few dollars on the table and Sarah told me to put that away. I was a bit embarrassed, but Sarah explained that Australian restaurants pay their staff a nice living wage. 

In many countries and regions service staff are actually paid proper wages so they don’t depend on tips in order to make ends meet. *Sigh.* If only that were the case for waiters in the States.

The Service Industry is highly respected in other countries

In places like Italy, being a waiter is considered a highly sought-after position. Whereas in the States waiting is viewed as something to do temporarily until you find a more white-collar position, Europeans don’t hold to this belief system. 

If you want to offer a tip in Italy or other European countries, rather than giving it as a customary duty, do so as a genuine “thank you” for exceptional service! 

Some countries pride themselves on providing equal rights and opportunities for all workers

And some regions pride themselves deeply on following a system based on equal opportunity. Service workers are provided with proper wages and are seen as equals. As such, the gesture of tipping implies they are inferior to you as a customer and need your extra help.      

If this sort of thing happens, give yourself some grace. While it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the global and local tipping etiquette so that you’re appropriately respectful, no one expects you to become an expert. If you slip up and make a mistake, don’t sweat it—after all, you’re on vacay! 

So sit back, relax, and enjoy your Aperol Spritz… just don’t tip! (At least where it’s not customary to do so.)