2006-06-23 05:46:25 · 22 answers · asked by Konfuzius 3 in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
Some of the answers here are not true, and from arrogant snobs like some of the people you may have picked up. I am a taxi driver here in USA. Tipping is customary and most people are very generous, except about 1%. It is not true that tips are included in the meter here.
At first, I was surprised about what you say. However, I have found that the more money someone makes, the less they tip. Strange but true.
Also,
I have to tell you that many Europeans do not tip when they visit Usa, or where I drive a cab. Just glad I am not like that.
2006-06-25 21:34:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Tipping is pretty standard in the US. I know the one time we did not tip was in the Dominican Republic. All of the guide books tell of price gouging done to Americans (most world guide books I have read state the same thing). Basically, we knew the rate to go 1.2 miles should not have exceeded $5.00 (even the hotel told us this was the standard fare, and not to pay any more than this). The Cab driver claimed the fare was $20.00 and would not take us until we paid. We negotiated, telling him we knew he was raising the price because we were Americans. We paid about $10.00. We were planning on giving a tip but the guy gouged us, tried to take advantage of us, and had a really bad attitude. If he had offered us a ride for $5.00 we would have tipped $10.00 for a total of $15.00, but since he tried to rip us off we paid the amount demanded, and no more.
Many of my friends travel, and they all have similar experiences, whether it be eating establishments, hotels, or cabs it seems that their is a "special fare" for Americans. As such, we would be less likely to tip.
2006-06-23 06:32:35 · answer #2 · answered by M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's just confusion. When I lived in Mexico, I tipped and was told that it was inappropriate. Americans are used to tipping, but get confused about price gouging, local customs, etc. We know we are perceived badly in many foreign countries and want to leave the best impression. And many of us remember the adage "when you don't know what to do, do nothing."
Please, put up a sign that clearly states the price per mile so that Americans will know they are being priced fairly, and post that tips or gratuity is appreciated, and you should see a change. I know personally that a lot of people are uncomfortable NOT tipping for good service!
2006-06-23 15:11:19 · answer #3 · answered by Songbird 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very unusual.
However, apart from the other poster who stated that we think that we're ripped off by cab drivers everywhere, we're actually told that tipping offends people in other countries.
I know, hard to believe, right?
But I've heard that "haggling" is a way of life at market places. so that we must do it too, because "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Similarly, we've heard that we shouldn't tip because the locals don't do it, and we're getting ripped off anyway.
This is bad advice and I always try to tell fellow Americans to tip everywhere, unless they're afraid of getting kidnapped.
Tipping is very American and a small sign saying gratuities not included but appreciated or "Gratuity is voluntary" should get some extra cash in for you.
2006-06-23 06:07:08 · answer #4 · answered by Professor Campos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea, probably they have limited money to spend because they are tourists.
When I take a taxi here in Los Angeles, I always tip my taxi drivers, and I tip them very well.
2006-06-23 09:04:17 · answer #5 · answered by Pondering Reality 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's because we've always been told that people from other countries don't tip as a local custom. Americans don't want to offend anyone and are therefore trying to conform to what is done locally.
2006-06-25 18:17:47 · answer #6 · answered by justMe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tiping taxi drivers is not a custom in america. They already charge too much, and I refuse to give them a penny more than I have to.
2006-06-23 08:43:21 · answer #7 · answered by jack f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In USA restaurants etc. the tip is always added to the bottom of the bill. Maybe they think the same applies to everything because they are not very bright really.
2006-06-23 21:15:33 · answer #8 · answered by monkeyface 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats unusual normally they tip people for doing silly things. maybe you are a scary driver.
2006-06-25 05:33:35 · answer #9 · answered by corleonelover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because, as opposed to the UK, in the US, all bills generally have a gratuity already included. Simply put up a sign saying that gratuities are not included but are welcome, and you should start seeing a difference
2006-06-23 05:51:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋