chiaro di Luna
100+ Posts
What is the exceptible practice for tipping in the UK?
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Tipping in the UK
- Thread starter chiaro di Luna
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Felicity
10+ Posts
This is what I do: The same as Pauline, 10% in restaurants. Rarely, anywhere else. Not a pre-ordered, pre-paid taxi but I do round up, generally to about 10% for a London taxi. I don't do Uber but I think you can choose from nothing to a percentage to go to the driver. Don't tip the barman - something I gather is common practice in America! More and more I notice that people just leave small change in cafés where they are paying in cash, not card, like in Italy or France, which would be well under 10%. And of course, if self service, nothing. If I go to a hairdresser, I tip the person who washes the hair, but not the hairdresser.
Ian Sutton
1000+ Posts
Yes ~ 10% for meals is a reasonable ballpark, flexing up and down as you see fit.
Some places e.g. cafes / bars may have a tips jar at the counter. Add to it if you've been impressed by them, but never any pressure to tip
In the old days you might say to the bar person 'and one for yourself' on (relatively rare) occasions, though I doubt that happens as much these days.
I've never tipped in hotels, but suspect it does occur occasionally
Some places e.g. cafes / bars may have a tips jar at the counter. Add to it if you've been impressed by them, but never any pressure to tip
In the old days you might say to the bar person 'and one for yourself' on (relatively rare) occasions, though I doubt that happens as much these days.
I've never tipped in hotels, but suspect it does occur occasionally
Pauline
Forums Admin
I’ve been tipping my hairdresser a couple of pounds which is less than 10%. One place I went to even had tip jars for each stylist. Other than that place I always did wonder if I should tip.
chiaro di Luna
100+ Posts
What about the hotel bell hop/luggage assistance, concierge? Is it 10% on total bill which includes tax?
Ian Sutton
1000+ Posts
No, nothing like that.
FWIW it's many years since anyone has helped me with bags, but I might tip a pound or two for the cloakroom.
FWIW it's many years since anyone has helped me with bags, but I might tip a pound or two for the cloakroom.
veronicafrance
100+ Posts
Yes. And the weasel word "discretionary" means they add it on, and if for some reason you don't want to tip you have to argue over it.
Ian Sutton
1000+ Posts
Yes, and some people have been known to ask for it to be taken off.
One despicable corollary to this, is as well as adding the 12.5% on without asking, more than a few then leave the tip box empty on a credit card bill, hoping they can snare customers for a double tip.
One despicable corollary to this, is as well as adding the 12.5% on without asking, more than a few then leave the tip box empty on a credit card bill, hoping they can snare customers for a double tip.
veronicafrance
100+ Posts
Much prefer the French system of quibble-free service included, and you tip
only if you want to reward really excellent service.
only if you want to reward really excellent service.
chiaro di Luna
100+ Posts
Tips were added on in the more expensive restaurants we ate at in Oxford and London this trip. Just paid it-a lot less then Ipay here at home.