The Tipping Point

By Everett Potter
June 10, 2010

1 of 10

New York

Credit: Jessica Scwartzberg

Whether you're from Peoria or Paris, you'll probably be shocked by how much and how often New Yorkers tip.

Waiter: 20%

Doorman: $1 (if he's holding the door or flagging a cab)

Taxi Driver: 20%

Maid: $5 per person, per day

Sky Cap: $2 per bag


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

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2 of 10

Paris

Credit: © Chad Ehlers / Alamy

You might get an occasional smile but don't expect effusive "merci's" in a town where tipping is expected but never discussed.

Waiter: Service is included. Round up to the nearest euro.

Doorman: 1 euro

Taxi Driver: Round up to the nearest euro

Maid: 1 to 2 euros per person, per day

Sky Cap: 1 euro per bag


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

3 of 10

Rome

Credit: © Rough Guides / Alamy

Cash makes things happen in this city, and gratitude always seems to be genuine.

Waiter: 5-10%

Doorman: 1 euro

Taxi Driver: Round up to the nearest euro

Maid: 1 to 2 euros per person, per day

Sky Cap: 1 euro per bag


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

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4 of 10

London

Credit: © Atlantide Phototravel/Corbis

Locals tip begrudgingly, while Americans usually tip more than they have to.

Waiter: 10%

Doorman: 1 pound

Taxi Driver: 10-15 %

Maid: 1 to 2 pounds per person, per day

Sky Cap: 1 pound per bag


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

5 of 10

Stockholm

Credit: © Catherine Karnow/CORBIS

This is a city where the tipping is as modest as the culture itself—and seems to be almost an afterthought.

Waiter: 10% (unless service is included)

Doorman: 7-14 Swedish Kronor

Taxi Driver: Round up to the nearest Swedish Kronor

Maid: 14 or more Swedish Kronor per person, per day

Sky Cap: 7 Swedish Kronor per bag


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

6 of 10

Buenos Aires

Credit: Livia Corona

Cash is king in this economy, and tips are gratefully received.

Waiter: 10%

Doorman: 3 pesos

Taxi Driver: Round up to the nearest peso

Maid: 3 to 6 pesos per person, per day

Sky Cap: 3 pesos per bag


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

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7 of 10

Bangkok and Tokyo

Credit: Testuya Miura

Keep your baht or yen in your pocket; you'll only insult the Thais and Japanese by proffering a tip.

Waiter: none

Doorman: none

Taxi Driver: none

Maid: none

Sky Cap: none


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

8 of 10

Hong Kong

Credit: © Andrea Fazzari

The percentages are lower than New York, but the tip is expected with the same sense of entitlement.

Waiter: 10%

Doorman: 8 HK Dollars

Taxi Driver: Round up to the nearest HK dollar

Maid: 8 to 16 HK Dollars per person, per day

Sky Cap: 8 HK Dollars


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

9 of 10

Sydney

Credit: Patrick Riviere/Getty Images

Tipping is as easygoing as the culture, so expect to tip only occasionally.

Waiter: 10%

Doorman: 1 Australian dollar

Taxi Driver: Round up to the nearest Australian dollar

Maid: 1 Australian dollar per day

Sky Cap: 1 Australian dollar


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

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10 of 10

Dubai

Credit: © Wolfgang Kaehler/Corbis

They have six-star hotels, so it's little wonder that they're supported by a tipping system that is fast approaching Western standards.

Waiter: 10%

Doorman: 5 dirhams

Taxi Driver: Round up to the nearest dirham

Maid: 5 to 10 dirhams per person, per day

Sky Cap: 5 dirhams


To read the full article The Tipping Point.

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