A recent incident in New York has sparked fresh debate over tipping customs, particularly between the US and Europe. A waitress named Madison Tayt publicly criticised a group of European diners for leaving a 10% tip on a $700 bill, tweeting that Europeans should be banned from travelling to the US until they learn how to tip. The diners had reportedly been delighted with the service, but the tip fell short of American expectations.
Tipping practices vary widely around the world. In Japan, tipping is not customary and can be considered insulting, while in the US, it is deeply ingrained. New York Magazine advises tipping 20-25% at restaurants and 20% even for coffee from a corner shop, stating that anything under 20% is rude. The European diners' 10% tip was seen as a breach of this unwritten rule.
The incident has highlighted the underlying economic differences between countries. In many European nations, service staff are paid a living wage, making tips a bonus rather than a necessity. In the US, however, tipped workers often rely on gratuities to make up for low base wages. Critics argue that the tipping system reinforces economic inequality and is a 'sticking plaster' rather than a solution to fair pay.
Celebrity tipping habits also came under scrutiny. Drew Barrymore is known for tipping 100%, while David Beckham and Harry Styles are praised for their generosity. On the other hand, men tend to tip less than women, and millennials are reportedly stingier than baby boomers. Mick Jagger and Kendall Jenner have been named as poor tippers in the past.
As for non-monetary tips, etiquette experts advise against them. Offering a 'sure thing' at the races or drawing on the bill is not appreciated. The best approach, according to the article, is to follow local customs and tip appropriately to support service workers who depend on gratuities.
